Saved a Beolit 700 from scrap - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

PJL · 20th Aug 2020, 4:13 pm

The local charity warehouse wouldn't accept our stuff due to being overwhelmed with Covid sort outs but I spotted a Beolit 700 sticking out the top of their scrap bin and had to rescue it.

It is the later sliding potentiometer version in vivid orange/red but does have a few cosmetic defects including broken aerial, broken mostly missing handle, and most seriously a missing bottom panel that holds it together (someone has tried silicon glue and a screw). Plugged it in and it works really well with no scratching on the sliders so I will try patching it up as it is a 1970's Jacob Jensen style icon.

It will never be anything close to perfect but I should be able to fabricate a new base plate and maybe even a handle from some aluminium.

60 oldjohn · 20th Aug 2020, 4:50 pm

It may be worth looking out for a non worker to buy, and make one out of the two. Possibly the main reason for moving these sets on is bad loudspeakers. Sounds like you have a good un. I believe the LS are near impossible to replace.

John.

60 oldjohn · 20th Aug 2020, 7:37 pm

I should have added if you need help / template for making the base I can help.

John.

vinrads · 20th Aug 2020, 8:06 pm

Well done that man it's a matter of being at the right place at the right time !

PJL · 20th Aug 2020, 9:38 pm

I have always felt B&O were over-rated but this radio is very impressive with excellent sound quality and RF performance. I gave a donation of a £1 for it and it really is a cosmetic mess but worth a little effort to patch it up so I can use it.

Ted Kendall · 21st Aug 2020, 7:53 am

For my money, style overtook substance at B&O around 1974. The earlier Beocords, the Beomaster 5000 tuner and the 4000 turntable were all excellent and ground-breaking products. After that, things went downhill pretty rapidly.

Bill · 21st Aug 2020, 2:34 pm

A relative gave me a Beolit 611 radio a few years ago. I think it dates back to 1965. The sound quality and sensitivity are very good. After a clean up and set of Nicad Ds fitted, it looks and works like new,except for one thing..... The plastic case has changed from red to a middle brown and looks very dull and boring.I put this down to the fact that the radio spent most of its life on a window ledge in sunny South Devon and has been got at by ultraviolet.The cream speaker grill and fascia appear unaffected.

20th Aug 2020, 4:13 pm	#1
PJL Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Seaford, East Sussex, UK. Posts: 5,997	Saved a Beolit 700 from scrap The local charity warehouse wouldn't accept our stuff due to being overwhelmed with Covid sort outs but I spotted a Beolit 700 sticking out the top of their scrap bin and had to rescue it. It is the later sliding potentiometer version in vivid orange/red but does have a few cosmetic defects including broken aerial, broken mostly missing handle, and most seriously a missing bottom panel that holds it together (someone has tried silicon glue and a screw). Plugged it in and it works really well with no scratching on the sliders so I will try patching it up as it is a 1970's Jacob Jensen style icon. It will never be anything close to perfect but I should be able to fabricate a new base plate and maybe even a handle from some aluminium.

20th Aug 2020, 4:50 pm	#2
60 oldjohn Dekatron Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 3,989	Re: Saved a Beolit 700 from scrap It may be worth looking out for a non worker to buy, and make one out of the two. Possibly the main reason for moving these sets on is bad loudspeakers. Sounds like you have a good un. I believe the LS are near impossible to replace. John. __________________ My favourite text message "I'll be there in five minutes, if not read again"

20th Aug 2020, 7:37 pm	#3
60 oldjohn Dekatron Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 3,989	Re: Saved a Beolit 700 from scrap I should have added if you need help / template for making the base I can help. John. __________________ My favourite text message "I'll be there in five minutes, if not read again"

20th Aug 2020, 8:06 pm	#4
vinrads Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK. Posts: 3,767	Re: Saved a Beolit 700 from scrap Well done that man it's a matter of being at the right place at the right time !

20th Aug 2020, 9:38 pm	#5
PJL Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Seaford, East Sussex, UK. Posts: 5,997	Re: Saved a Beolit 700 from scrap I have always felt B&O were over-rated but this radio is very impressive with excellent sound quality and RF performance. I gave a donation of a £1 for it and it really is a cosmetic mess but worth a little effort to patch it up so I can use it.

21st Aug 2020, 7:53 am	#6
Ted Kendall Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kington, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 3,675	Re: Saved a Beolit 700 from scrap For my money, style overtook substance at B&O around 1974. The earlier Beocords, the Beomaster 5000 tuner and the 4000 turntable were all excellent and ground-breaking products. After that, things went downhill pretty rapidly.

21st Aug 2020, 2:34 pm	#7
Bill Pentode Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Denton, Manchester, UK. Posts: 188	Re: Saved a Beolit 700 from scrap A relative gave me a Beolit 611 radio a few years ago. I think it dates back to 1965. The sound quality and sensitivity are very good. After a clean up and set of Nicad Ds fitted, it looks and works like new,except for one thing..... The plastic case has changed from red to a middle brown and looks very dull and boring.I put this down to the fact that the radio spent most of its life on a window ledge in sunny South Devon and has been got at by ultraviolet.The cream speaker grill and fascia appear unaffected.