1976 Bang & Olufsen B&O Beomaster 1900

The B&O Beomaster 1900 was a stereo receiver and amplifier that was manufactured by the esteemed company Bang & Olufsen and subsequently released to the public in 1976.

Background

Bang & Olufsen, which was founded in 1925 by the visionary Peter Bang and the innovative Svend Olufsen, had successfully established itself as a pioneering Danish electronics company that was well-known for its innovative design. The company came into existence from rather humble beginnings in a rural manor house located in Jutland, where the founders engaged in experimental activities involving radio technology and electronic design, gradually developing a distinctive approach to consumer electronics that placed a significant emphasis on aesthetic sophistication as well as technological precision.

By the mid-1970s, Bang & Olufsen had already gained considerable international recognition for its unique design philosophy, with products that were regarded as much art pieces as they were functional devices intended for everyday use. The Beomaster 1900 represented a significant milestone in this trajectory, as it embodied the company’s unwavering commitment to merging cutting-edge technological innovation with elegant industrial design.

Features

Above images via https://www.radiomuseum.org – an absolutely incredible website that I’d highly recommend you visit.

The Beomaster 1900 featured several groundbreaking technological elements that effectively set it apart from the contemporary audio equipment available during that time period. Its most notable innovation was the “Sensi-touch” control system, which replaced traditional mechanical switches with touch-sensitive controls—a radical concept for consumer electronics in the year of 1976. The receiver boasted a powerful 2 x 30 Watt RMS amplifier and an FM tuner that was capable of presetting five different stations.

The technical specifications included the following:
– Power output: 2 x 30 Watts RMS (4 ohms)
– FM tuner with 5 preset stations
– Touch-sensitive controls
– Hinged lid that concealed secondary controls
– Illuminated operational status display
– Dimensions: 62 x 6 x 25 cm
– Weight: 8 kg

The design, which was created by the renowned industrial designer Jacob Jensen, featured an ultra-slim profile that was complemented by an aluminum and wood finish, effectively exemplifying B&O’s minimalist aesthetic. A distinctive illuminated readout panel provided users with clear operational information, while secondary controls remained cleverly hidden behind an elegant aluminum panel.

Popularity and Legacy

During its production run, which lasted from 1976 to 1982, the Beomaster 1900 became a symbol of high-end audio technology and design excellence. Its innovative touch controls were remarkably ahead of their time, predating similar interfaces by more than a decade, which is quite a significant achievement. The receiver was particularly popular among affluent consumers who deeply valued both technological innovation and aesthetic sophistication.

The product’s design was so remarkable that the Museum of Modern Art, located in New York City, included it in an exhibition dedicated to showcasing Bang & Olufsen designs in the year of 1978. This prestigious recognition underscored the Beomaster 1900’s significance that extended beyond mere audio equipment, thereby positioning it as a noteworthy example of industrial design worthy of admiration.

Video Reviews and Commercials

At the Bang & Olufsen museum in Denmark, the presenter tours an exhibition showcasing classic audio and visual products from the company’s history. The collection includes iconic speakers, stereo systems, and media players from the 1960s and 1970s, such as the Beovox CX-2 speakers, Beogram turntable, and Biovision MX. The presenter invites viewers to identify products in the video comments.

Availability and Collectability

Today, the Beomaster 1900 is a sought-after vintage audio component among collectors and audiophiles alike. Prices vary significantly depending on the condition of the units, with well-preserved examples commanding premium prices that reflect their desirability. Original units that are in good working condition can fetch between $250 and $500, with particularly pristine examples potentially reaching even higher values.

Collectors appreciate the receiver not just for its technical capabilities, but as a tangible representation of the 1970s design philosophy that was prevalent during that era. Vintage audio enthusiasts often seek out these units not only for their historical significance but also for their potential for careful restoration, which makes the Beomaster 1900 a prized piece in many audio collections, treasured for its unique place in the history of audio equipment.