Release Date: 1981

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BeoCenter 5000

Bang & Olufsen BeoCenter 5000

If space was limited in your home but you still wanted top-class sound reproduction from your hi-fi, Beocenter 5000 was the perfect answer. It offered high-technology performance from radio, records and cassettes, yet measured only 72 x 38 x 9,5cm. Each sound source could compete on merit with more expensive ‘separates’. The three high-performance components were integrated together into a single unit to give the best of all possible worlds.

The 2 x 40 watts RMS amplifier meant high power with minimal distortion – less than 0,1% at full output. The automatic record deck had a low-mass, low-inertia tone arm carrying an MMC 20E pickup and a precision-built electronic servo drive system for perfect speed accuracy. The cassette recorder was capable of the highest performance levels as it included Dolby Noise Reduction circuits, metal tape facility, automatic ferric/chrome selection, Sendust tape head and 4-digit electronic tape counter. The radio covered Long, Medium and FM bands, with five pre-set stations offering instant, press-button tuning.

Beocenter 5000 offered the same musical facilities and powerful 2 x 40 watts RMS output as Beocenter 7002. The two models were identical in the matter of sound quality too, but only the Beocenter 7002 had Bang & Olufsen’s very advanced timer-track location and remote control systems. The black anodised lid of its cassette compartment further differentiated Beocenter 5000 from the 7002.

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BeoCenter 7000

Bang & Olufsen BeoCenter 7000

Beocenter 7000 upon its release, represented one of the most advanced hi-fi centres on the market. One touch produced instant music from a record, cassette tape or an FM or AM radio station. Illuminated symbols on the set’s communication panel confirmed instructions or rejected mistakes and kept you informed on the set’s operational status at all times.

in short, Beocenter 7000 offered two-way visual communication in high-fidelity.

The cordless remote control module put you in command of most of the functions from anywhere in the room. You could select any programme which would also switch on the set. You could regulate the volume – 2 x 40 watts RMS – make cassette recordings, and switch off the set. Comprehensive memory and timer facilities enabled you to program the set’s microcomputer to operate within a 24-hour period. It could record an important radio programme while you were out, and even instruct the Beocenter to wake you up with an early morning broadcast.

Each of Beocenter 7000’s three sound sources had the quality and performance level normally found in much more expensive separate units. The record deck had Electronic Servo Drive for absolute speed accuracy and its operation was fully automated. Stop, start or pause could be controlled via the remote control terminal. The cassette recorder had a Sendust record/replay head and a double-gap erase head that could even cope with metal tapes. You could locate any point on the tape simply by asking the set’s microcomputer to search for this required counter reading. The radio had facilities for pre-setting 5 FM and 1 AM stations which could then be selected instantly at the touch of a button.

Beocenter 7000 was designed by Jacob Jensen. In 1979 three more of the designer’s creations for Bang & Olufsen were included in the Design Collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York including the Beocenter 7000 music system.

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BeoCenter 7002

Bang & Olufsen BeoCenter 7002

Beocenter 7002 was one of the most advanced hi-fi music centres on the market at the time of its release. One touch gave you music instantly from a record, cassette tape or an AM or FM radio station.

Illuminated symbols on the set’s communication panel confirmed your instructions or rejected mistakes, and kept you informed of the set’s operational status at all times. In short, Beocenter 7002 offered two-way communication in high fidelity.

The cordless remote control module put you in command of all functions from your chosen listening position. Select any programme; this action also switched the set on. Regulate the volume level – there were 2 x 40 watts RMS at your disposal. Make cassette recordings. Or switch off the set – all without leaving your chair.

Comprehensive memory and timer facilities enabled you to programme the set’s microcomputer to operate any function at a given time within a 24-hour period. It could record an important radio programme while you were away from home. You could even instruct the Beocenter to wake you up with an early morning broadcast.

Each of the Beocenter 7002’s three sound sources had a high quality and performance level normally found only in much more expensive separate units.

The record deck had electronic Servo Drive for absolute speed accuracy and its operation was fully automated. Stop, start or pause by remote control. The cassette recorder had a Sendust record/replay head and a double-gap erase head that could even cope with metal tapes. You could locate any point on the tape simply by asking the set’s microcomputer to search for this required counter reading. The radio had facilities for pre-setting 5 FM and 1 AM stations which could then be selected instantly at the touch of a button.

Beocenter 7002 offered the same musical facilities and powerful 2 x 40 watts RMS output as Beocenter 5000. The two models were identical in the matter of sound quality too, but only the Beocenter 7002 had Bang & Olufsen’s very advanced timer-track location and remote control systems. The black anodised lid of its cassette compartment further differentiated Beocenter 5000 from the 7002.

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BeoCenter 2600

Bang & Olufsen BeoCenter 2600

Beocenter 2600 consisted of a 2 x 25 watts RMS AM/FM receiver and a hi-fi cassette deck. The radio section covered Long, Medium and FM wavebands. A red/green LED indicator made recording easy and accurate, whether your sound source was the radio or a microphone (not supplied) connected to the hidden socket. A separate record player could be added if required.

For the cassette section, you could use both ferric and chrome tapes. The Dolby B Noise Reduction circuits ensured clean, noise-free recordings every time and the Super-Permalloy tape head was hard wearing with a long service life.

Beocenter 2600 could be made up as part of the Beosystem 2600, when linked together with other compatible Bang & Olufsen products.

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BeoCord 1600 (1981)

Bang & Olufsen BeoCord 1600 1981

Beocord 1600 matched the Beomaster 1600 and Beogram 1600 both physically and technically. It combined high performance with easy, straightforward operation.

Ferric, chrome or metal tapes could be used. The Sendust tape head, Dolby B Noise Reduction circuits and Peak Programme Meter all contributed to high quality recording and playback. You could switch between all modes of play without fear of tangling the tape or damaging the mechanism.

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BeoCord 2400 (1981)

Bang & Olufsen BeoCord 2400 1981

This highly specified top-loading cassette deck closely matched Beomaster 2300 both in appearance and technical compatibility. But it was also worth serious consideration for use with any good hi-fi system, especially if ease-of-use was one of your demands.

Ferric, chrome and metal tapes could be used and the Dolby B noise reduction system kept your recordings clean and hiss-free. The large split-channel VU meters made it easy to set optimum recording levels using the input slider. The combined record/replay head was of long-life Sendust.

The 3-digit tape counter had a press-button reset; a memory function aided easy location of favourite tracks for repeat playing.

Piano-key controls separated all tape-transport functioned: these included a very precise pause control and a double-key record control – a safety check for preventing the accidental erasure of tapes.

Tape speed was highly accurate with deviation of less than +/- 1% and wow and flutter below +/- 0,15% DIN.

Beocord 2400 measured 40cm wide, 8cm high (11cm with cassette holder open) and 25cm deep. The slim cabinet was finished in either natural teak or rosewood.

At the 1969 Hanover Fair Bang & Olufsen and Jacob Jensen – designer of Beocord 2400 – were presented with the iF award for no less than 4 products for ‘outstanding industrial design’ including this sleek cassette recorder.

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BeoCenter 2000

Bang & Olufsen BeoCenter 2000

Beocenter 2000 was a compact high fidelity music system incorporating an FM/AM tuner, a 2 x 25 watts RMS stereo amplifier, an integrated record player and a high quality cassette deck.

The semi-automatic stereo record player benefited from Bang & Olufsen’s unique engineering method (integration) which ensured that all components were matched to give optimum performance. The (then) newly designed low-mass pickup with its MMC 20 S cartridge was an example.

Operating the radio and cassette sections was equally straight-forward. Sliding controls regulated volume, bass, treble and balance. Four FM stations could be pre-set for subsequent push button recall. The cassette deck had a green/red indicator that made it easy to set accurate recording levels. You just needed to add headphones and/or a pair of Beovox speakers for a complete entertainment system. Beocenter 2000 is incorporated with Beovox S45 loudspeakers to make up Beosystem 2000.

The SC20 system cabinet, designed specifically for Beocenter 2000 provided a functional and elegant furnishing option. It lifted Beocenter 2000 to the correct operating height and stored LPs, cassettes and other audio accessories within easy reach.

Dimensions: 77 x 74 x 35cm. Finish: teak or rosewood veneer

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BeoGram 6006

Bang & Olufsen BeoGram 6006

This deck was the Beogram designed for use with the Beomaster 6000.
To all intents the same deck as the Beogram 8000, it had a MMC20EN cartridge and black keys to differentiate it from its more expensive brother. Not replaced directly when the newer cartridges were released as the Beogram 6002 was belt drive rather than tangential drive.

This was a confusing product as it offered the same performance as the Beogram 8000 but was cheaper due to the lesser cartridge. It was not a big seller and it was not surprising that the range was rationalised by keeping a top performing Beogram in the Beogram 8002 and a substantially simpler deck in the Beogram 6002.

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BeoGram 8000

Bang & Olufsen BeoGram 8000

In 1973, Bang & Olufsen launched the world’s first record player with an electronically controlled tangential arm. It was dubbed a state-of-the-art product by the industry, and revered and appreciated by music lovers all over the world.

Beogram 8000 was Bang & Olufsen’s third generation of tangential arm decks.

The special benefit of the tangential arm is that it helped to secure the most authentic reproduction of sound from records because it tracked records in the same way they were cut. But the tangential arm was only one of the features that contributed to the achievement of the company’s goal. For Beogram 8000 also benefited from B&O’s unique approach to turntable design: integration, in which all components of the gramophone were carefully matched from the product’s earliest design stage.

To secure constantly accurate rotary speed a Tangential Drive system was developed. It incorporated a quartz-controlled electronic flywheel, similar to the system used in electricity meters. Like your domestic meter, the system is highly reliable and extremely accurate. It works all day, everyday, and never needs repair. You never needed to make corrections in the Beogram’s rotary speed. A digital display kept you informed of speed during play. Because the conventional motor has been discarded, there were no motor vibrations to distort the sound. A unique pendulum suspension system prevented external shocks and vibrations from affecting sound reproduction.

Beogram 8000 was fitted with the widely acclaimed MMC 20 CL pickup cartridge, which guaranteed excellent tracking and minimum record wear, thanks to its low effective tip mass and optimum groove contact. A stylus brush, mounted inside the tangential arm compartment, kept the diamond free from dust and micro-particles, thereby enhancing the gentle treatment of records.

Beogram 8000 could be used as part of a full stereo system – the Beosystem 6000 or 8000