Colour / Finish: Teak

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BeoMaster 1400 M/K

Bang & Olufsen BeoMaster 1400 M_K

“A splendid example of engineering and up-to-the-minute design, this all-transistor high-fidelity mains radio was developed by B&O for the ever-increasing number of listeners who want a radio which “has everything”

Its excellent FM section has five push-buttons. One is the usual FM bandswitch button; each of the other four can be individually tuned and locked to any station in the FM band, permitting you to tune in your favourite programmes at the touch of a button.

The Beomaster 1400K meets the wishes of the many listeners who insist on superb tonal quality and interference-free low-noise reception of stations outside the FM band. The razor-sharp selectivity of the Beomaster 1400K is a product of its numerous intermediate-frequency circuits. A further feature is a built-in short-wave expander for the SWII band, permitting you to ‘spread’ stations for maximum ease of tuning. There is a built-in decoder for reception of stereo broadcasts.

The amplifier of the Beomaster 1400K has very low distortion (less than 1%) at all frequencies and at all power output levels up to 2 x 15 watts. Its volume control circuit is physiologically compensated in the bass and treble ranges at low volume levels. A highly efficient balance control permits complete suppression of either channel at will.

The Beomaster 1400K has two built-in pressure chamber speakers and jacks for two pairs of external speakers, switchable from the front panel. The gramophone input circuit incorporates a pre-amplifier which is easily replaceable to permit use of stereo record players both with and without pre-amplifiers. A tape recorder jack is also provided. Despite the vast amount of circuitry, cabinet dimensions are relatively small.

Dimensions: 112mm high, 744mm wide, 252mm deep. Choice of teak or Brazilian rosewood finish.

The set is identical with the Beomaster 1400K and has no built-in speakers.

Dimensions: 12mm high, 414 wide, 252mm deep. Choice of teak or Brazilian rosewood finish.”

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BeoMaster 1500

Bang & Olufsen BeoMaster 1500

Beomaster 1500 was a compact combination of an AM/FM radio and a 2 x 25 watts RMS hi-fi amplifier. Four FM stations could be pre-set and tuning accuracy for all three wavebands was aided by an illuminated indicator and combined AFC/ST circuit. There were connections for a cassette deck, record player, headphones and two pairs of stereo speakers.

This was Bang & Olufsen’s smallest receiver (1979 – 80) but in terms of quality and performance data it matched their top model, Beomaster 4400 in many respects – thus offering the same high standards of electronic engineering to those who demand excellence but require less power and fewer facilities. Beomaster 1500 therefore represented extremely good value.

Beomaster 1500 could be made up as part of the Beosystem 1500 when linked together with other compatible Bang & Olufsen products.

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BeoMaster 1700 (1973)

Bang & Olufsen BeoMaster 1700 1973

Beomaster 1700 Type 2607 was a tuner designed to complement BeoLab 1700 amplifier.

“This title might suggest a paradox to many readers. And in a way you are right. But there is a reason why Bang & Olufsen has separated this otherwise perfectly integrated high-fidelity system. The combination possibilities in Beosystem 1700 are so numerous that for many people the entire system is unnecessary. The essential part of the system is BeoLab 1700: a 2 x 20 watts RMS amplifier with ambiophonic stereo facilities.

The tuner, Beomaster 1700, the cassette-recorder, Beocord 1700 and the record player, Beogram 2000 cover nearly all existing programme sources for the reproduction of music. Beovox 2702 loudspeakers complete the system. Beovox 1702 are recommended as side speakers for ambiophony, if this extra sound experience is desired. Now it is up to you to put your ideal Beosystem 1700 together. ” – 1974 Catalogue

Beomaster 1700 was a highly sensitive FM tuner with manual tuning on the entire scale, plus 3 pre-set stations. The FM scale covered the 87.5-104 MHz range, channel numbers were clearly written on the scale to aid easy tuning. There were pre-set facilities for P1, P2 and P3 so that subsequent programme selection was by easy push buttons. An illuminated indicator made tuning easy and the AFC (automatic frequency control) facility assisted fine tuning. The tuner was highly sensitive and distortion was less than 0.5 %. Frequency range was 20-15.000 Hz, the same as that transmitted from FM stations. Field effect transistors, integrated circuits and ceramic filters were used in Beomaster 1700.

This tuner offered choice in the range but don’t buy this imagining that you will be getting something akin to a Beomaster 5000. Comparing the two is invidious as the cost was far different and the contents of the Beomaster 1700 case were much simpler. It did allow use with devices like the Beocord 2400 which had a built in amplifier but the tuner would be a very low cost choice.

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BeoMaster 1700 (1980)

Bang & Olufsen BeoMaster 1700 1980

Beomaster 1700 was an AM/FM receiver in a class of its own. It was defiantly different when most high fidelity components still tended to look alike. Different in its design, its use of technology and the benefits it offered.

The FM section had facilities for presetting 5 favourite stations which could then be tuned instantly by pressing a button. The AM section covered both the Long and Medium wavebands. Hybrid filters were used to achieve high selectivity (the tuner’s ability to discriminate between the desired station and unwanted stations adjacent to it)The stereo amplifier was rated at 2 x 30 watts RMS with high quality sound reproduction up to the last watt. The tone control circuits were designed so that they could not limit or distort the quality of the reproduced sound before the amplifier’s maximum output level was reached.

All in all, the quality and performance levels of Beomaster 1700 were beyond reproach. As they should be, with the best technology. But what was most interesting was the creative use Bang & Olufsen made of technology – a (then) new operation system which afforded sharp, precise settings that were easy to locate on the scale. Two flexible slider controls formed the centre of this operation system. One was used to regulate volume level, bass, treble and speaker balance. The other was for the precise tuning of stations on Long, Medium and FM wavebands. The sliders had a sensitive, ridged surface that prevented the finger from slipping during operation.

The set’s large glass-covered communication surface, with its clear graphic indications aided easy operation. During use, response was light and immediate. Illuminated markers – light emitting diodes – kept you informed of the set’s operational status at all times. The surface was easy to clean with no irritating dust traps.

A Beogram 1700 and two Beovox C40 hi-fi loudspeakers complemented Beomaster 1700 in creating the well-balanced Beosystem 1700.

Well the above is the official line seen in the brochures. What could not be denied was the design of the 1700 which was innovative to say the least. I some ways it resembled the Beomaster 6000 quad except that it had a manual mechanism and clutches instead of the electrical control of the 6000. It gained a decent glass panel instead of the perspex of the 6000 but was let down by very poor quality plastics in the clutches, tractor drives that slipped and broke and an amplifier which was indirectly coupled compared to the direct coupled 1500 which it had replaced. Although it looked better than the 1500, it could not get close to the performance. Perhaps the beginning of a range designed more for looks than performance.

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BeoMaster 1900

Bang & Olufsen BeoMaster 1900

The 1970’s were exciting times for Bang & Olufsen. Another breakthrough during this decade was Beomaster 1900, a radio receiver and amplifier launched in 1976. Once again, design and operation differed dramatically from other contemporary products.

Originally designed by Jacob Jensen, Beomaster 1900, together with Beomaster 2400-2 were two advanced FM stereo receivers. They had identical technical specification and performance. Both were easy to use and easy to live with. Beomaster 2400-2 had the additional convenience of a cordless ultrasonic remote control module by which you could operate radio, amplifier and Beogram 2400 or 4004 record deck from a distance. Both receivers had touch-sensitive controls for operating the features and functions you used every day. All the secondary switches and adjustments were protected beneath a hinged lid, but an illuminated readout panel showed you the set’s operational status at a glance.

Beomaster 1900 boasted a powerful 2 x 30 watts RMS amplifier with distortion of less than 0,13%, five pre-set FM stations and comprehensive connection facilities. To operate it you simply touch the application “dimples” on the set’s front panel. The radio section had 4 pre-set stations which could be summoned at a touch and the phase-lock loop decoder provided excellent stereo separation even in difficult reception conditions The volume level could be pre-set at low, medium or high, and the music would always start at this level however much the volume control was altered last time the set was used.

The sets’ controls were divided into primary and secondary functions. The latter, which were less frequently used, were placed underneath the hinged aluminium panel where they were protected from dust and accidental movement.

A clear distinction was therefore made between the primary choice – accessible through a light touch – and the secondary choice, concealed under a lid hiding what the user did not need for daily use. At a stroke, what had been the norm for hi-fi in the past, with its macho grip and buttons, was eliminated. Instead, designer Jacob Jensen created a new design language, flat ‘flush-designed’ and electronically communicating, which did not target a few techno-freaks, but a much wider audience who wanted music rather than hi-fi equipment.

Beomaster 1900 had connections for two pairs of speakers, headphones, record player and cassette recorder. The receiver won the ID Award in 1976.

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BeoMaster 1900-2

Bang & Olufsen BeoMaster 1900-2

The 1970’s were exciting times for Bang & Olufsen. Another breakthrough during this decade was Beomaster 1900, a radio receiver and amplifier launched in 1976. Once again, design and operation differed dramatically from other contemporary products.

Originally designed by Jacob Jensen, Beomaster 1900, together with Beomaster 2400-2 were two advanced FM stereo receivers. They had identical technical specification and performance. Both were easy to use and easy to live with. Beomaster 2400-2 had the additional convenience of a cordless ultrasonic remote control module by which you could operate radio, amplifier and Beogram 2400 or 4004 record deck from a distance. Both receivers had touch-sensitive controls for operating the features and functions you used every day. All the secondary switches and adjustments were protected beneath a hinged lid, but an illuminated readout panel showed you the set’s operational status at a glance.

Beomaster 1900 boasted a powerful 2 x 30 watts RMS amplifier with distortion of less than 0,13%, five pre-set FM stations and comprehensive connection facilities. To operate it you simply touch the application “dimples” on the set’s front panel. The radio section had 4 pre-set stations which could be summoned at a touch and the phase-lock loop decoder provided excellent stereo separation even in difficult reception conditions The volume level could be pre-set at low, medium or high, and the music would always start at this level however much the volume control was altered last time the set was used.

The sets’ controls were divided into primary and secondary functions. The latter, which were less frequently used, were placed underneath the hinged aluminium panel where they were protected from dust and accidental movement.

A clear distinction was therefore made between the primary choice – accessible through a light touch – and the secondary choice, concealed under a lid hiding what the user did not need for daily use. At a stroke, what had been the norm for hi-fi in the past, with its macho grip and buttons, was eliminated. Instead, designer Jacob Jensen created a new design language, flat ‘flush-designed’ and electronically communicating, which did not target a few techno-freaks, but a much wider audience who wanted music rather than hi-fi equipment.

Beomaster 1900 had connections for two pairs of speakers, headphones, record player and cassette recorder. The receiver won the ID Award in 1976.

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BeoMaster 2000 (1974)

Bang & Olufsen BeoMaster 2000 1974

Beomaster 2000 at the time of its introduction in 1974 was an all-new model. The FM/AM stereo receiver was constructed to facilitate simple, logical operation.

Five FM stations could be pre-selected. Secondary controls which are not used daily were hidden under sliding panels. For example, the five FM pre-selectors, controls for AFC and muting (silent tuning), were discretely hidden away from view until such time as you needed them.

The construction of the stereo decoder was based upon a phase lock system which ensured constant high separation of channels. Manual tuning on the large FM/AM tuning scale was by means of a plain circular disc which was flush-mounted into the control panel. The tuning scale was illuminated and a light indicator assisted accurate tuning on an FM station. The AM section, (long and medium waves), had ceramic filters which enabled good separation between stations.

The newly developed automatic volume control effectively achieved a good balance between the weak and the strong AM stations. Darlington output circuits in the amplifier section produced 2 x 40 watts RMS or 150 watts total music, with less than 0.1 % harmonic distortion. One of the TAPE connections facilitated AB monitoring. It was possible to copy from one tape recorder to the other without having to fiddle with cables and sockets. There were sockets for two pairs of loudspeakers and for stereo headphones.

Two tape recorders could be connected and could be switched to enable copies of tapes to be made, in either direction. The set was housed in a large flat cabinet of a similar style to the Beomaster 1200 range, though the ‘slide rule’ pointer was replaced with a conventional dial, operated by a large flush aluminium wheel. A flywheel beneath this made manual tuning very smooth and the large diameter of the control, coupled with the now familiar dual light tuning indicator, also made it very accurate.

To complement slim appearance of the cabinet, a wire prop at the rear could be folded down, tipping the whole machine forward slightly enabling the controls and lights to be viewed more easily.

FM room aerial

Within a certain radius of the FM transmitter you could use the Bang & Olufsen room aerial, type 8902010. The aerial was easily fitted and the telescopic elements positioned as required.

This is one of the forgotten Beomasters. It utilised an amplifier design that would prove to be the most successful for B&O. It formed the basis for all the great amplifiers to follow in the range. Wonderful control of bass and plenty of reserve.

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BeoMaster 2200 (1977)

Bang & Olufsen BeoMaster 2200

Beomaster 2200 was a 2 x 40 watts RMS FM/AM receiver with logical operation and high reliability.

Operation controls were separated into primary, secondary and tertiary functions. The primary functions – those you used every day – included programme selection, volume control and the off switch. They were easily accessible on the outside of the set. The secondary controls were under an aluminium panel. These included facilities for presetting 5 FM programmes; balance and tone controls; AFC (Automatic Frequency Control facility – which keeps stations properly tuned) and a mono/stereo switch. The tertiary functions, which were also hidden but easily accessible, were the connection sockets: you could make all connections for a record player, cassette deck, headphones and two pairs of speakers without moving the set.

Beomaster 2200 had a modular chassis. The modules were connected by wire-wrapping – a construction method that enhanced the product’s quality and reliability. This technique was originally adopted from computer production. The technique replaces conventional soldering, thereby eliminating any weaknesses arising from dry-joints, drop-outs and so on.

Volume adjustment was by means of a small slider along a numerical scale. Secondary controls included AFC (Automatic Frequency Control) coupled with silent tuning (AFC/ST), FM presetting dials for the radio, mono/stereo selection and loudspeaker switches.

These were all mounted beneath a hinged lid which opened when the PROGRAM panel was touched. A further compartment housed all the connection sockets which were easily accessible from the front of the unit. There was therefore a distinction between the functions which are frequently used, those that are used only once in a while, and those that would have been used a very few times during the set’s life.

The primary functions were for selecting the programme source, controlling volume and switching the set off – so these were the only controls that were on the outside of the set.

Beomaster 2200 could be made up as part of the Beosystem 2200, when linked together with other compatible Bang & Olufsen products.

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BeoMaster 2300

Bang & Olufsen BeoMaster 2300

Beomaster 2300 was the receiver heart of Beosystem 2300, released in 1983.

Beomaster 2300 was the receiver heart of Beosystem 2300, released in 1983.

The unit was a superbly-engineered FM radio/amplifier and delivered 2 x 30 watts RMS stereo output. Its sleek design was not only beautiful, but was intelligent too. Instead of buttons, touch-sensitive dimples operated all primary functions and the user’s instructions were confirmed on the read-out panel.

Five favourite FM radio programmes could be pre-set on individual tuning dials and the phase-locked loop decoder ensured excellent stereo separation, even in difficult reception conditions. The volume level could be pre-set at low, medium or high; each time Beomaster 2300 was switched on the music always started at the selected setting, however the volume control, was left the last time the receiver was used.

There were connections for two pairs of loudspeakers, headphones, record deck and cassette deck. The slim cabinet was finished in a choice of teak or rosewood and measured 62cm wide x 6cm high(13,5cm with the lid raised) x 25cm deep.

No remote control was included with the System; Beomaster 2300 in fact, was a direct descendant of Beomaster 1900, right down to the ‘dimple’ sensi-touch controls on the set top.