Release Date: 1974

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BeoGram 3000 (1972)

Bang & Olufsen BeoGram 3000

Beogram 3000 was an automatic high-fidelity stereo record-player with specifications which easily complemented those of Beomaster 3000-2.

It was fitted with an SP 12A pick-up cartridge which had an elliptical naked diamond stylus, with a stylus pressure of 1,2g. Frequency range was 20 – 25000 Hz ±3 dB and distortion was lower than 1%. Wow and flutter was less than ±0.09% and rumble was better than 62dB. Beogram 3000 was easy to operate: you simply selected the size of record you intend to play – 7″, 10″ or 12″ – and press a button. The record-player automatically selected the record speed, 33 or 45 rpm, and lowered the pick-up into the first groove.

When the record ended, the pick-up arm lifted up, returned to its resting position and the turntable switched off. The turntable and pickup arm had a pendulum suspension which made the record-player insensitive to vibrations. The deep furrows in the turntable made it easy to pick up records. A hinged dust lid was fitted; it could be set at any angle up to around 60 degrees or completely removed by a simple sliding action.

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BeoCenter 1400

Bang & Olufsen BeoCenter 1400

The amplifier section of Beocenter 1400 offered qualities which were unusual for a combination product in this price-range. Frequency range was 20-30.000 Hz, with harmonic distortion of less than 0.5 % at maximum output. Power output was 2 x 20 watts RMS or 80 watts total music. The technical data of the FM section, like those of the amplifier fulfilled the DIN 45500 high-fidelity norms by a wide margin. A wide frequency range was obtained both on mono and stereo reception. The balanced light indicator was a simple but effective aid to accurate tuning. The automatic frequency control (AFC) facility allowed precision tuning.

Beocenter 1400 – “Each unto his own taste” – especially with music.

Receiving distant stations was no problem on Beocenter 1400 owing to the receiver’s high sensitivity (better than 1.8 uV IEC). The compact cassette section had its own operating facilities: ON/OFF switch and piano key push buttons for recording and play-back functions. You could switch between chromium dioxide and normal tapes. Recording level was controlled by a handy slider on a numerical scale and light indicators: Red or green light showed overloading or satisfactory recording level. Tape-heads were of super permalloy, an extremely durable material which ensures a long useful lifetime. Wow and flutter was less than ±0.28% (JIS norm).

Signal-to-noise ratio was better than 50 dB with chromium dioxide tapes. Bang & Olufsen placed emphasis on good station separation in the AM section (long and medium waves) without sacrificing sound quality. A slider control aided radio tuning. Beocenter 1400 had sockets for a record player, headphones and loudspeakers. An extra tape or cassette-recorder could also be connected. Beocenter 1400 utilised the (then) latest electronic components: Darlington transistors, field effect transistors, integrated circuits and ceramic filters.

When combined with Beovox 1702 loudspeakers and/or Beogram 1203, the system was known as Beosystem 1400.

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BeoGram 1202

Bang & Olufsen BeoGram 1202

The Beogram 1202, although looking very similar to the earlier Beogram 1200, was an entirely new record deck and was far more sophisticated than the earlier model. It continued with the multi-peg system of record support – possibly the decks greatest weakness – and also lacked the hinged lid of the Beogram 3000 to which it was otherwise practically identical. This is the 1200 type deck to own!

The operating system was simplified from the 1200 though the same arm and motor were used. The suspension was however far better – imagine this deck as a Beogram 3000 with a silly platter and a less useful lid and you will not be far wrong. It is however the best of the ‘peg platter’ decks. Very collectible.

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BeoGram 1102

Bang & Olufsen BeoGram 1102

Beogram 1102 was a fully automatic, hi-fi stereo record player with electronic servo-drive and high specification level. Operation was easy and straightforward. All functions were controlled by pressing the rectangular operating panel and if dissatisfied with the pitch of the record, speed could be adjusted by depressing the panel and rotating the little thumbwheel.
The pickup was an MMC 3000 with a spherical diamond. It tracked records at a stylus pressure of 1,2 grams. In order to fully exploit the pickup’s outstanding qualities, B&O constructed an extremely light magnesium pickup arm which, together with its unique suspension, ensured low inertia and thereby good conditions for correct contact between stylus and both walls of the record groove – at all times. Even warped records could be played satisfactorily.

Despite high specification levels, Beogram 1102 and 1902 automatic record-players are extremely easy to operate. All the technicalities are hidden under the surface.

Bang & Olufsen’s Electronic Servo Drive ensures that the rotatory speed of the Beogram 1102 and 1902 was always correct despite variations in the mains current supply. This is so because the system has a special feedback circuit which effects automatic corrections to compensate for these inherent variations

Beogram 1102 could be made up as part of the Beosystem 1100, together with other compatible Bang & Olufsen products

Beogram 1102 UK price in 1978: £97.00

These decks are beautifully made and offer super sound quality for almost no money. Much easier to maintain than the tangential decks simply because they are very simple! Excellent isolation from external vibrations – strongly recommended – and they were when new by Hi-Fi Choice! Simpler than the earlier 1100 – and better for that! A DC motor replaced the AC motor fitted to the 1100 and was electronically regulated with speed adjustment done through a potentiometer as opposed to the complicated measures used in earlier decks. This method would roll out across the range of Beograms.

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BeoGram 1001

Bang & Olufsen BeoGram 1001

The Beogram 1001 was a slightly updated Beogram 1000. The major change which you may notice is the lack of the name on the front of the cabinet. You may then notice the lack of a 78 rpm setting and finally the cartridge changed to the SP14 rather than the SP6/7. Performance was however just the same – surprisingly good but poor isolation from external vibration. The lid was just as useless as before and did not allow it to be left on during playback.