Bell & Howell 8D-655 question

[David Hurrell]

Hello all, I am looking for info on the Bell & Howell 8D-655, which I understand was the model that preceded the 655 TQ1 series, or 655Q. Not quite sure. I think the 8D-655 had a decent valve amplifier that can be reused, while the TQ1 was solid-state. Does anyone have any insight please?

[Maurice Leakey]

David
The 655 was a later autoload version of the 642, and it retained the valve amplifier. However, I am not too sure about the 8D version. I believe there was a slight alteration to the amplifier components.
The TQI version of the 655 became the 655Q, later, when it had a two-level light switch it became the 655QE. All TQI models had a later amplifier as you describe.

[David Hurrell]

Interesting thank you

[Clive Carmock]

I used to use a pair of 8D-655s when at School for our film society. They were great machines, very quiet running I thought. Both had be modified to provide a line level output to feed an external amplifier for the hall we used.