Description
Analogue and digital filter (176.4 KHz over sampling)14-BIT DAC produces a more analogue sound - ironically!LED display with indication of playing time of individual tracks, elapsed time & index, great for recordingTop-loading operation not just a novelty but much less to break - B&O CD50, Im looking at youMotor-driven dust cover is a delight to witnessSensi-touch operation of the controls maintain the sleek design language and are a tactile treatADVANCE and RETURN buttons allow programming of favourites on a disc with up to 40 tracksREPLAY a track up to four times Match with:Beomaster 2400-2, 2000 or 3000 or Beocenter 2200 for matching aestheticsCD/Tape Adapter to allow more inputs on the Beomaster without swapping cables and weakening the connectionsAny amplifier you choose as unusually for B&O the outputs are left/right RCA (phono) cables Upgrade with:a custom refit and capacitor swap - a job for audiophiles to soften the digital output even more Most of these are available in my other listings already or I have them in stock so do have a look below, if not I can source them for you in a few days. Please message me for that service TESTIMONIALS A beautiful unit. It was like opening a time capsule from 1986. Thank you very much. M April 2023 Beogram CDX was a beautiful-looking free-standing compact disc player designed from the onset to be used within any system with the correct inputs. In the case of Bang & Olufsen products it was those which had a separate tape socket, or even a phono connection designed for use with a Beogram together with a built-in RIAA preamp.The CD format in the early to mid-1980s was still a fledgling format. No one was particularly sure whether it was going to take off or not as the price of compact discs was still relatively high and the number of available discs very low. On top of that hi-fi manufacturers had just been through the VHS/Betamax/V200 debacle with many companies losing both face and money. Laservision was fighting a (losing) battle with other manufacturers of video discs and the whole market was very much up in the air. No one was really sure what was going to happen and manufacturers became a little coy when it came to investment in new technologies. Hence the use of other companies’ products came about. It was often a safer and cheaper option to use a tried and tested product rather than spend umpteen millions on the research and development of a product or a format which was possibly not going to sell.Hence the use of Philips CD players came about. In the case of the Beogram CDX it was Philips CD104 which was used as a basis. Built in Belgium by the Philips giant the CD104 was one of a whole range of Philips’ products which lent themselves to other companies badges including that of the Marantz CD-34, the Mission DAD7000 and the Schneider CD1104. Not forgetting Bang & Olufsen’s CDX, of course.The CDX was a lovely machine, reinventing itself as the Beogram CDX 2 a couple of years or so later, and many fans of CD music owe thanks to this little machine. It’s interesting to note that for customers with no spare sockets avaiable to connect their CDX, an add on, the CD/Tape adaptor, could be bought separately allowing one to connect up their CDX to the tape recorder lead, using it that way. It fit under the side of the CDX where there is a small push-button to enable its selection.YOU have to admire the way that Bang & Olufsen have steadfastly pursued their own ideas on styling, and produced over the years a range of smart-looking audio units which could never be mistaken for the products of any other manufacturer. This has given a welcome relief from the ubiquitous look-alikes in four-square black or silver coloured boxes, though it may have lost B&O a few sales in ’separates’ since their units present such a marked visual mismatch with the rest. However, their penetration into the local design-conscious Scandinavian market is doubtless healthy, as it is into countries like West Germany and to some extent the UK.B&O designers also make up their own minds about what features and ergonomics the customer wants (helped by a panel of ordinary folk on whom all new designs are tried out) and this too leads to designs which have moved away from the norm.The new Beogram CDX (as a GRAMOPHONE man, I was pleased to see B&O retaining the “gram” suffix for their CD player as well as their turntables) certainly looks and behaves a little different from the general run of CD decks. Except for two push-switches on the narrow front edge, all controls are of the touch-sensitive type and are embedded along with the illuminated displays behind a transparent top panel. The two push-switches are for mains on/off (labelled Play) and Eject.Pressing the latter causes the machine-long lid to open, the inner compartment to be illuminated, and the disc-platform to be tipped forwards at an angle. In theory this slanting platform should simplify putting a disc into the machine, but I slightly prefer the usual horizontal holders (and of course the CD player industry has almost completely gone over to gliding drawer front-loading configurations to facilitate stacking with other hi-fl units) so here again B&O might be said to be out of line.To play a disc from the beginning, you just lay a finger on the word “Play”, the lid closes automatically, the player registers the disc’s “Table of Contents” data, and then starts to play the music. The green LED display at the left hand side indicates the total number of tracks, with the current track number in play flashing. A red display on the right shows the track elapsed time, or can be switched to indicate the total elapsed time, or the track and index number.Other controls are more or less standard, such as track skip (by touching Advance or Return) and track search (by touching the appropriate arrows) when the laser moves at one of three speeds; in steps of 1 second to begin with, then steps of 10 seconds and finally, if you keep your finger on the arrow, steps of 1 minute. To play any particular track, you touch the required number (or pair of numbers for higher track numbers up to 99). Programming a sequence of tracks is done by touching each desired track number followed by ‘Store’, or conversely touching each number you want to omit, followed by ‘Clear’. In either case, the selected track numbers only will light up. Up to 40 items can be programmed in this way, including the same numbers repeated, so that a much longer total playing time can be set up than any single disc actually contains. There is also a Repeat function, for up to four times repetition of the whole disc, or a programmed sequence. Pause is obtained by touching ‘Stop’ briefly, and keeping your finger down for 2 seconds returns the disc to the start. Play is resumed by touching the word ‘Play’.This is all so very simple to grasp, that it came as a bonus to find that the B&O user’s manual was the best presented one that I have ever come across, The machine comes fitted with captive mains and twin-phono cables of generous length. How it performedI found the Beogram CDX operationally very satisfactory, though the touch-panel does start to show finger-marks very soon and should be wiped clean from time to time (with the mains switched off, or you will programme everything simultaneously) to keep up the Smart appearance of the machine.Mechanical noise is unusually low, presumably helped by the solidly enclosed construction, and the deck is well able to withstand normal shocks and bangs (with sideways knocks being the most bothersome). Electronic error correction is also of a high order, completely concealing all the test disc simulated faults. Cueing time is rather slow at 5 seconds to reach Track 1 and about 7 seconds to change to a newly selected or programmed track.Figure 1 confirms the virtually flat 20-20,000Hz frequency response which we now expect from CD players, and crosstalk is unusually low at below the - 90dB datum line at all frequencies. The measured signal-to-noise ratio was 95d B unweighted and a superb 13dB weighted. Distortion for 1 kHz at full level met the claimed .0003%. Figure 2 shows the response from a 1kHz recorded square-wave, and its symmetrical shape tells us that the Philips digital plus analogue filtering and four-times oversampling technique is employed - indeed the Beogram CDX chassis is basically that of the Philips CD101. Twin D/A converters are used so that the normal phase difference due to alternate Left and Right channel encoding is eliminated.All this technology produced a clear and forthright sound quality which lovers of recorded detail will appreciate. The absence of background noise and pinpoint stereo separation were very much in evidence. In general, I have found machines using the Philips converter approach always turn in a more-than-acceptable overall sound, and that is certainly true of the Beogram CDX. Further refinement requires more advanced, and more expensive, circuit elements which B&O are no doubt working on, like everyone else. They have just announced a new CD50 deck (€495) to match their Beosystem 5000. However, the fine results reported here suggest that B&O system owners in particular, and indeed anyone selling a smart new CD machine, need not hesitate in adding this well-conceived player to their music installation.UK retail price: £349Taken from ‘Gramophone’ magazine - Dec 1985 (page 139)Details:Frequency range3 - 20,000 Hz +/- 0.3 dBSignal-to-noise ratio> 96 dBDynamic range> 96 dBHarmonic distortion0.003 % at 0 dBChannel separation> 94 dB 20,000 HzChannel difference< 0.5 dBConverter system14 bit, oversampling 176.4 kHzLow pass filterDigital + analogueDamping > 20,000 Hz> 50 dBOutput2 V RMS at 0 dBPower supply5121: 220V5122: 240V5123: 120V5125: 240VPower consumption25 WDimensions W x H x D42 x 7.5 x 31 cmWeight6 kgOperation If Beogram CDX is in standby position and there is a compact disc on the platter, one push at the PLAY button will start the playback.If there isnt a compact disc inserted, you push the EJECT button and the motor driven dust cover will open, the platter will lift and the compact disc can be inserted.Apart from the above-mentioned PLAY and EJECT buttons, all operations are sensi-touch fields, which are operated with a slight touch.When pushing the field PLAY, the dust cover closes automatically and playback starts.The display indicates the individual tracks on the inserted Compact Disc. If it has more than 20 tracks, the two first digits in the time display will show the total.The time display has 3 main functions, which can be ordered by pressing DISPLAY, namely the time of the individual tracks, the elapsed playing time and index, which is a sub-division of the time of the individual tracks.ADVANCE and RETURN are used for jumping to the next or the previous track and are indicated with a flashing of the selected track on the display.With the digits 1 to 0, a track can be selected at random and the jump is marked on the display.With STORE and CLEAR you can select or leave out up to 40 tracks on the Disc.REPEAT replays the Disc up to 4 times.One push at STOP gives pause, and by keeping the finger on the field till the Disc stops, you get actual STOP. << and >> are used for fast search within the individual tracks.When activating it once, you search in jumps of 1 secondBy keeping the finger on the field you search in jumps of 10 seconds and after 10 seconds the jumps are 1 minute Connection Beogram CDX is provided with a fixed signal cable with Phono plugs and can be connected to all LINE inputs. For amplifiers with TAPE inputs which are already being used, we can deliver a CD/TAPE adaptor, type 8950060 (accessory at additional price)1985 Magazine Review The CDX is one of two Beograms which have been promised by B & O for some considerable time. It would seem that to a large extent B & O have edged, their bets, for the CDX is a Philips-based machine while the alternative model uses Sony-sourced assemblies. The CDX is an extraordinarily beautiful machine yet, as we shall learn, is based entirely upon the ever so humble Philips CD?101 (the same player as used by Meridian for the MCD conversion). The styling is obviously intended as match the other B & O units and so the company has an untapped market of existing owners who have been patiently waiting for a CD player. But it is a player well worth considering in its own right as a separate purchase. Unusually the CDX is a top loader but the lid assembly is powered and in response to the eject button the lid assembly smoothly folds back to allow the disc to be loaded. With the exception of the Eject and Power switches, all the controls are touch sensitive (using a type of capacitive sensing) a choice which I found far from reassuring since I kept wanting to use extra finger pressure to ensure a good contact! My overall lack of confidence was further encouraged by the all black control panel which reveals nothing until the power is applied. Perhaps its too much like computer screen soft keys for me for I kept wondering if the Play switch would be still in the same place every time I went back to this player! Two types of display are provided; a digital readout to show track time, total elapsed play time, and track numbers up to 99; and a bar scale of 20 LEDs to show the status of the first 20 tracks. A reasonable range of facilities is offered with both track skipping and fast searching (both backwards and forwards). Tracks can be pre-selected for playback and programming is possible for combinations of up to 40 tracks stored in the memory. Finally a Repeat mode allows continuous playback of the whole disc or of individual tracks.Once the CDX is opened some idea of B & Os inventiveness can be gained. Into the plastic casing has been dropped a Philips CD101 player complete down to the signal and mains supply cables but less the Switch/Display board. Instead B & O plug in wires from their own front panel and wire connections to their Eject and Power switches. The whole conversion is very neat and since the Philips player is left unmodified all the standard parts fit thus ensuring ease of service.It has to be said that providing the last word in performance is not needed; the Philips CD?101 is an excellent choice with the CDM mechanism being recognised for its good build quality and reliable operation (it is also to be found in the expensive Revox B225 player). The electronics design largely follows the familiar Philips circuit with 4 times oversampling conversion using a separate 14-bit DAC for each channel.In the laboratory the performance was much as expected with a generally flat frequency response except for a mild dip of 0.25dB around 7kHz; very low noise (?104dB); low crosstalk between channels and quite reasonable linearity. No problems were experienced when using the error testing discs and this player did very well in playing back some of my badly scratched discs with very few garbled passages.Auditioning was conducted through my usual system of passive control unit and Krell power amplifier with LC connecting cables. Essentially in terms of sound quality this was very much a case of re-reviewing a Philips CD101 (or Marantz CD63) and the expected high standards wereachieved. The sound can be characterised as open, exciting with a fine sensation of space and depth, and good stereo focus. The weaknesses were primarily at the extremes of the audio band with a warm, stodgy bass and a degree of harshness at high frequencies. However within the context of the B & O system the sound quality of this player would be considered quite excellent.VERDICT: A beautiful model which will appeal to a wider market than just the traditionalB & O owner. The overall performance of the CDX is excellent and this player can be considered as good valuePROS: Good sound quality. Very good value for money. Beautiful looksCONS: Rather fiddly to use. Old fashioned top loading Which Compact Disc November 1985 BeoGram CDX Compact Disc Player Product SpecificationsTypes: 5121 (1985 - May 1988) AUS 5125 (1985 - May 1987) GB 5122 (1985 - Nov 1987) USA 5123 (1985 - May 1988) Frequency range: 3 - 20,000 Hz +/- 0.3 dB Signal-to-noise ratio: > 96 dB Dynamic range: > 96 dB Harmonic distortion: 0.003 % at 0 dB Channel separation: > 94 dB 20,000 Hz Channel difference: < 0.5 dB Converter system: 14 bit, oversampling 176.4 kHz Low pass filter: Digital + analogue Damping: > 20,000 Hz > 50 dB Output: 2 V RMS at 0 dB Power supply: 5121: 220V 5122: 240V 5123: 120V 5125: 240V Power consumption: 25 W Dimensions: W x H x D: 42 x 7.5 x 31cm Weight: 6 kg WORLDWIDE carriage may cost more OR LESS!! than the listing states (I have to enter an estimated figure) and will be charged in full as per the service chosen and destination country. Eg, air, surface, express, economy. I ALWAYS SEND WITH QUALITY PACKAGING, TRACKING AND INSURANCE. IF IN ANY DOUBT PLEASE ASK FOR A QUOTE. I NEED YOUR FULL ADDRESS FOR THISPostage/Carriage charges:You may have noticed that these has risen lately. Insurance has almost doubled and many carriers will not accept turntables, speakers or amplifiers, meaning I have to find a specialist. Im sorry that these have to be passed onto you. Qualitronics aims to recycle packaging as much as possible but it will always be top quality and usually its double-box where appropriate too.DELIVERY TO CHINA, ISRAEL, AUSTRALASIA, INDIA, RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND SOUTH AMERICA WILL BE ROUGHLY DOUBLE THE QUOTED INTERNATIONAL PRICE. TO BID IS TO ACCEPT THIS EXTRA PAYMENT. THANKS!About Qualitronics!Im running this business part-time whilst I raise my children. My daughter Issy is 5 years old, the apple of my eye, my teacher and the beneficiary of your purchases. (She says THANK YOU VERY MUCH!) Tommy is 5-months old and his dimples charm the world. I endeavour to source the HIGHEST quality electronics, mostly B&O HiFi and will have owned most of the models in question at some time in my life. This gives me a real experience of the merits to share with you. Im a time-served Sound Engineer and use my trained ear to check each audio item. Its not just sonics though, look out for the weird and wonderful... as long as its well made PRE-SALE ENQUIRIES:Im more than happy to answer any questions, offer advice and make suggestions over the phone and many customers have already found this useful.Please call the customer service line accessed by clicking the ask a question feature or opening the full information link in the business information section below. This is ebays procedure and not mine. PRODUCTION DESIGNERS AND PROPERTIES BUYERS A number of my items have now featured in TV ads, theatre and film productions and professional photography having been bought by production designers, location agents and properties buyers. These include a Beocenter 2200, Beocenter 7007 and Beovox S45 speakers among others. I recognise the tight deadlines that you have to work to and the immediacy you often have to work under. For the speediest solution I can offer, including same or next day delivery, suitability of product or advice on matching items to an era (or decade), please use the customer service line accessed by clicking the ask a question feature or opening the full information link in the business information section below. COLLECT IN PERSON:This is actively encouraged! This way, no clumsy or disgruntled delivery person can break it! Do check in advance the location of the item youre interested in. A quick call will be all thats needed to confirm the whereabouts. Whilst the business is registered in London, I also have stock stored in Maidstone, Manchester and the Midlands. I can only accept cash on collection as the payment method if visiting the premises due to the PayPal charge back scam. INSTALLATION:I am increasingly being commissioned to complete installations of the products that I sell. Depending upon your location and items purchased this can be achieved for little more than the usual shipping and insurance costs of the selected units. You receive the assurance of a properly connected system, including optimum placement design and the benefit of a full demonstration, highlighting the tips and techniques garnered from decades of experience and expertise. Recent installations have ranged from a single Beocenter being connected to the existing speakers and unit for an 89-years young-lady for a few hundred pounds to a multi-room, Beocenter, Beogram, Beovox and B&O dedicated cabinet and stands combination, with remote control, for a few thousand pounds.Please use the ask a question feature to access the pre-sales telephone number to discuss your requirements.SOURCING SERVICE:Cant find that B&O product that youve yearned for since you were a kid? Need a rare or discontinued part to repair your unit? If I dont have it in stock, then I can normally source one very quickly. I have a wide network of fellow enthusiasts, collectors, dealerships and retired B&O Engineers whom I can call upon to fulfill your needs.FEEDBACK:Your positive feedback is vital to all good sellers. It lets us know that you are happy, if not delirious, about your purchase. On very rare occasions, there may be an issue with your order, such as courier damage or simply leaving transit screws engaged. (Quite common). I can remedy any such issues to your complete satisfaction most quickly via the telephone or eBay message (without the need to open a case). Please use the contact number shown when you select the ask a question button. I realise that you are very, very busy, only one in three of my clients has found the time to leave feedback that also informs their peers of their positive experience. Indeed all of Qualitronics feedback is from buyers and not inflated by that of other sellers. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated. INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES:Please note that Qualitronics is not responsible for any additional import tariffs or customs charges levied at source or upon delivery. It is the buyers responsibility to check before purchasing for their own countrys charges. VOLTAGE:All electrical items are UK voltage (240v) and B&O UK type xxxx unless otherwise stated.
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