What to do with an old B&O?

[Beobloke]

As a sort of coda to this thread on B&O turntables, pickup arms and cartridges, and because Justin mentioned the MMC range of cartridges, I would like to refer Members to the following adaptors which allow these cartridges to be used in other tone arms.

The first is an adaptor which allow the cartridges to be fitted in a headshell with standard 1/2" fixings:

and the second is an adaptor allowing the MMC cartridges to be directly fitted to an arm having an EIA coupling, and which also has a sliding keyway at the bearing end of the arm for the adjustment of stylus overhang (for example all of the SME 3000 series arms, as well as the M2R-9 and M2R-12 arms):

If you'd delete that, Barry, that would be much appreciated.

There aren't enough B&O cartridges to go round for B&O turntables, so using them on no-B&O decks should be punishable by a hefty fine at least!

[Lawrence001]

If you'd delete that, Barry, that would be much appreciated.

There aren't enough B&O cartridges to go round for B&O turntables, so using them on no-B&O decks should be punishable by a hefty fine at least!

I think I'm with you on this one (although why anyone would want to do it that way round I'm not sure). What we need is an adaptor to use a non-B&O cartridge on a B&O arm, that way their vintage TTs wouldn't be sold at scrap prices when the cart fails.

[Barry]

I think I'm with you on this one (although why anyone would want to do it that way round I'm not sure). What we need is an adaptor to use a non-B&O cartridge on a B&O arm, that way their vintage TTs wouldn't be sold at scrap prices when the cart fails.

For the simple reason that B&O cartridges were always better than their arms. Way back in 1969 I wanted to use an SP10 cartridge with an SME arm. And it's the same reason why Ortofon SPUs were also used with SME arms.


It would be of more help to suggest what Kvaal should do to his 5231 B&O deck to make it playable. Suitable B&O cartridges for it are still available: both new and refurbished.

[Lawrence001]

I didn't realise B&O cartridges were that good, is it really better to buy one plus the adaptor than to use a well regarded "normal" fitting cart like say the V15 or equivalent AT, Ortofon etc of appropriate compliance?

[Barry]

Like most things it's a matter of taste. For years (1969 to about 1975) I worked my way up the Shure range: from the M55E through to the V15/III, when I then started to take an interest in the Ortofon moving coil cartridges and didn't look back. I also knew about B&O cartridges back in 1969, but had great difficulty in buying one, which is what started me with Shure cartridges.

Again, around 1975 I became aware of AKG cartridges, bought one: the AKG P8ES which is very good, and much later bought a B&O SP8 cartridge which could be fitted in an SME headshell. It too was very good, so when I saw some of the B&O MMC cartridges for sale on eBay I bought them. However they were intended to be mated only with a B&O arm; hence the need for adaptors.

I wouldn't say they are better than, say, some Audio Technica cartridges, but they are very, very good fixed-coil designs.

I have about 30 cartridges (a mixture of fixed and moving coil designs), so I guess you could call me a bit of a cartridge fanatic!