The Beomaster 5500 is a sophisticated receiver that forms the core of the Bang & Olufsen Beosystem 5500, a modular audio system designed for ease of use and high-quality sound. This owner's manual provides detailed instructions on setting up the Beomaster 5500, understanding its connections, and utilizing its front panel controls. It also explains the various cues and symbols displayed on the unit, how to connect headphones, and provides comprehensive technical specifications.
Function Description:
The Beomaster 5500 acts as the "brain" of the Beosystem 5500, coordinating the operation of other system components such as the Beocord 5500 (cassette deck), Beogram 5500 (record player), and Beogram CD5500 (compact disc player). It is a Beolink product, meaning it can serve as a master unit in a Bang & Olufsen Beolink system, allowing integrated control of both video and audio products using a single remote control unit, such as the Beolink 1000. The Beomaster 5500 is a receiver, incorporating an FM/AM tuner and an amplifier, and manages all input sources and output to loudspeakers.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Type Numbers: 2331/2332/2334/2335
- Power Output:
- Long-term max. output power (IEC): 2 x 110 watts/8 ohms
- Power output 20-20,000 Hz (IHF): 2 x 50 watts/8 ohms
- Audio Performance:
- Total harmonic distortion (IHF): <0.09%/8 ohms 20-20,000 Hz
- Dynamic headroom: 1.5 dB/8 ohms
- Intermodulation (IHF): <0.1%
- Wideband damping factor: 50
- Line input sensitivity: 25 mV/47 kohms
- Signal-to-noise ratio:
- PHONO A-weighted: >78 dB
- TAPE A-weighted: >80 dB
- Channel separation 10,000 Hz: 60 dB
- Line output: 500 mV/1 kohm
- External power amplifier: 1 V/1 kohm
- FM Tuner:
- FM range: 87.5-108 MHz
- FM aerial impedance: 75 and 240 ohms
- Usable sensitivity stereo: 19 dBf-2.5 µV/75 ohms
- 50 dB quieting sensitivity stereo: 40 dBf-28 µV/75 ohms
- Signal-to-noise ratio 65 dBf stereo: 70 dB
- Frequency response: 20-15,000 Hz ±1 dB
- Distortion at 65 dBf stereo: 0.2%
- Intermodulation stereo: 0.1%
- Stereo channel separation: 45 dB
- AM Tuner (LW/MW):
- LW range: 150-350 kHz
- MW range: 520-1610 kHz
- LW sensitivity 20 dB S/N ratio: 80 µV
- MW sensitivity 20 dB S/N ratio: 60 µV
- Power Supply:
- 2331: 220 V
- 2332/2335: 240 V
- 2334: 100 V
- Power frequency: 50-60 Hz
- Power consumption: Max. 225 watts
- Physical:
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 42 x 7.5 x 32.5 cm
- Weight: 8.5 kg
Usage Features:
- Placement: The Beomaster 5500 should be placed horizontally on a stable surface, ensuring proper ventilation. It should be kept away from direct sunlight, radiators, or other heat sources. If part of a Beosystem, units can be stacked or placed side-by-side.
- Remote Control: The system is primarily operated via the Master Control Panel 5500, which communicates with the Beomaster. For extended range or communication around corners, a specially designed sensor (type no. 2001) can be connected.
- Stand-by Mode: Once connected to the mains supply, the Beomaster enters stand-by mode, indicated by a tiny red light on the front display panel, ready for operation.
- Front Panel Controls:
- STEP PROGRAM: A rapid tap switches on the Beomaster to the last listened preset station. Repeated tapping cycles through preset stations.
- MUTE: A rapid tap mutes the loudspeakers connected to SPEAKERS 1 sockets. Another rapid tap unmutes them. A prolonged press switches the Beosystem to stand-by mode.
- "TIMER" Function: Allows programming the system to play at a specific time. By default, both SPEAKERS 1 and SPEAKERS 2 (if connected) will function. To cut out SPEAKERS 1 for a timed event (e.g., only using speakers in an adjoining room), depress the right-hand side of the panel and tap the left-hand side. The "TIMER OFF" cue will appear, indicating SPEAKERS 1 are cancelled for the timer function. Repeating the procedure reactivates SPEAKERS 1 for timed events.
- Displayed Cues and Symbols: The front display provides information on the system's operational status, including:
- "SPEAKERS 1 sockets cut out during programmed play"
- "Automatic Fine Tuning (AFT) indicator"
- "Loudness mode indicator"
- "Indicates preset number, unprogrammed F(M) or A(M) station, or sound values"
- "Treble adjustment in progress"
- "Bass adjustment in progress"
- "Source indicators"
- Note: Not all cues and symbols are visible simultaneously.
- Headphone Connection: A tiny socket on the front of the Beomaster is provided for headphones (e.g., Bang & Olufsen Form 1 or Form 2). Connecting headphones automatically mutes the loudspeakers connected to SPEAKERS 1 sockets.
Connectivity (Rear Panel - accessed by lifting hinged grille):
- FM Antenna: Sockets for 240 ohm or 75 ohm FM antenna.
- AM Antenna: Socket for AM antenna.
- PHONO: 7-pin DIN socket for Beogram 5500 or other B&O record players (7 or 5-pin DIN plug).
- CD: 7-pin DIN socket for Beogram CD 5500 compact disc player.
- TAPE 2/AUX: 7-pin DIN socket for auxiliary B&O tape recorder (7 or 5-pin DIN plug), or Beovision LX 2800/2500 or LX/L 2802/2502.
- TAPE: 7-pin DIN socket for Beocord 5500 or other B&O tape recorder (7 or 5-pin DIN plug).
- Earthscrew: For grounding.
- SENSOR: 6-pin DIN socket for Bang & Olufsen Sensor (type no. 2001) or Bang & Olufsen Remote Mains Switch (type no. 4002, requires adaptor part no. 6270349).
- SPEAKERS 1: Sockets for left (L) and right (R) loudspeakers in the same room, or L/R cable connections for Bang & Olufsen Beolab Penta power amplifier/loudspeaker module, or Bang & Olufsen Beolab 150 power amplifier.
- SPEAKERS 2: Sockets for left (L) and right (R) loudspeakers in an adjoining room, or L/R cable connections for a Master Control Link installation.
- PH (Phono Plugs): Sockets for record player with phono plugs - L for left channel and R for right channel.
- TP2/AUX (IN/OUT - Phono Plugs): Sockets for auxiliary tape recorder or compact disc player with phono plugs - L for left channel and R for right channel.
- LINE (IN/OUT - Phono Plugs): Sockets for equalizer - L for left channel and R for right channel.
- PRE AMP (Phono Plugs): Sockets for power amplifier - L for left channel and R for right channel.
Maintenance Features:
The manual emphasizes ensuring all connections are made before connecting the Beomaster to the mains supply. For the UK market, specific wiring instructions are provided for the mains lead, detailing the color codes (Blue: Neutral, Brown: Live) and their corresponding terminal markings (N or black for Neutral, L or red for Live). Users are advised to consult a qualified electrician if in doubt about correct connection. The product comes with an international guarantee against defects in workmanship and materials, valid in the country of purchase and honored by authorized B&O dealers in other countries, provided the guarantee form is fully completed.
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