Bang&Olufsen Beogram 4000 (1972) | The Tangential Arm

 

The Beogram 4000 introduced by Bang&Olufsen in 1972 was the most revolutionary advance in the design of a gramophone. It is not a progression from previous models; it has not evolved from any earlier ideas or principles; it is completely new in concept and construction. The most sensational feature of the Beogram 4000 is its electronically controlled tangential arm which moves the pick-up in a straight line towards the centre of the record. Because this is identical to the method used in the cutting of a record, it naturally gives the best possible reproduction when the record is played. The Beogram 4000 has two "arms". One is a detector arm carrying a photocell which can "sense" the presence of a record on the turntable and recognise its size and the speed at which it should be played. The second arm is the playing arm which carries the pick-up cartridge. A computer-like data unit, stimulated by a photocell in conjunction with instructions received from the control panel, governs the operation of a servomotor which moves the tangential arms across the record. Because the tone arm is driven towards the centre of the record and not "dragged" by the record groove as happens with conventional arms, there is no extraneous lateral friction between the stylus and the groove walls. The Beogram 4000 is operated electronically by light finger pressure on the "easy-touch" control panel, which provides completely noise-free functioning and is very pleasant to use. The data circuits cannot be "confused" by erroneous instructions but perform always in a logical manner. Such a sophisticated record player demands a highly specialised and excellent pick-up cartridge, so Bang & Olufsen has developed the SP 15 integrated cartridge for use with the Beogram 4000. This tiny pick-up uses the Bang & Olufsen patented MMC (Moving Micro-cross) principle and its elliptical naked diamond stylus has very high compliance and the ability to track with perfect accuracy. The Beogram 4000 is supplied complete with wooden plinth finished in natural teak or rosewood and it has a hinged translucent dust cover. The deck, control panel and radially ribbed turntable are of brushed aluminium alloy, making the Beogram 4000 as beautiful in appearance as it is brilliant in technical design. Original sale price in Germany: 1690 DM.

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