1976 Bang & Olufsen B&O Beomaster 1900

The B&O Beomaster 1900 was a high-fidelity receiver and FM tuner that was manufactured by the renowned company Bang & Olufsen and subsequently released to the public in 1976.

Background

Bang & Olufsen, a company that was founded in the year 1925 by the visionary Peter Bang and his partner Svend Olufsen, had successfully established itself as a premier manufacturer of electronics based in Denmark, known for its innovative design and remarkable technological sophistication. The company’s approach to the development of its products consistently emphasized both aesthetic elegance and functional innovation, with the Beomaster 1900 serving as a quintessential example of their distinctive design philosophy.

The receiver came into existence during a period characterized by significant technological transition within the realm of consumer electronics, when various manufacturers were exploring new and different methods of interaction and approaches to design. Jacob Jensen, who was B&O’s renowned industrial designer, was the individual responsible for the groundbreaking aesthetic and functional characteristics that defined the Beomaster 1900.

Features

The Beomaster 1900 introduced several notable technical innovations, most prominently featuring its touch-sensitive “Sensi-touch” controls—a feature that was entirely unprecedented in the field of consumer electronics at that particular time. Its technical specifications included the following:

• 2 x 30 Watts RMS amplifier
• FM tuner capable of presetting five stations
• A casing made from aluminum, plastic, and rosewood
• Dimensions measuring 6 x 61.4 x 26.2 cm
• An illuminated operational status readout panel
• Secondary controls that are protected by a hinged lid

The touch controls represented a significant departure from traditional mechanical switches, thereby offering users a more intuitive and streamlined interaction with the device. Its sleek and polished design ensured that the receiver appeared sophisticated and elegant even when not in active use, reflecting B&O’s unwavering commitment to creating electronics that could also be appreciated as aesthetic objects.

Popularity and Legacy

During its production run, which lasted from 1976 until 1982, the Beomaster 1900 became a highly sought-after component among both audio enthusiasts and design aficionados alike. Its inclusion in the prestigious collection of the Museum of Modern Art in 1978 served to underscore its significance beyond mere technological utility.

The receiver embodied B&O’s overarching design ethos—creating products that were not only technologically advanced but also aesthetically refined. While it was considered expensive for its time, with a price tag of approximately 2,000 DM, it appealed to upper-middle-class consumers who placed equal value on design as well as technical performance.

Video Reviews and Commercials

Availability and Collectability

In the present day, the Beomaster 1900 has become a highly desirable vintage audio component among collectors and retro audio enthusiasts. Prices for these units vary significantly depending on their condition, with well-preserved examples commanding substantial prices in specialized markets.

Restored versions of this iconic receiver can fetch prices ranging from $300 to $1,000, depending on factors such as originality and functional status. Collectors particularly value units that feature minimal modifications and retain their original components. The receiver’s historical significance, combined with Jacob Jensen’s innovative design, makes it a prized possession for individuals who have a keen interest in mid-1970s consumer electronics design.

Vintage audio restoration specialists often seek out these units, recognizing their exceptional build quality and their importance in the evolution of consumer audio design. While the Beomaster 1900 is no longer being produced, it continues to stand as a testament to Bang & Olufsen’s innovative spirit during a transformative period in the world of consumer electronics.