Revived 1985 Turntable from Bang & Olufsen Adapts to Modern Streaming Technologies
Bang & Olufsen Revives Past Glory with the Beosystem 3000c
Danish luxury audio brand Bang & Olufsen is delving into its history to produce modern releases, such as the recently unveiled Beosystem 3000c. This stunning turntable demonstrates how companies can draw inspiration from their archives more frequently.
To mark its centennial, Bang & Olufsen is restoring 100 of its 1985 Beogram 3000 turntables. Each vintage device undergoes a meticulous refurbishing process at the company'sFactory 5 in Struer, Denmark. The rebuild includes stripping down, reassembling, and pairing the turntables with contemporary Beolab 8 speakers.
The Recreated Classics series, a highlight of Bang & Olufsen's restoration prowess, involves tracking down original units instead of merely reissuing vintage designs with modern internals. Each component, from aluminum elements to the signature tangential tracking mechanism, receives a thorough overhaul, ensuring the authenticity that made these products unique in the first place.
The Beosystem 3000c, positioned as the third entry in this program, follows the Beogram 4000c turntable and the Beosound 9000 vertical CD player. When it first debuted in 1985, the Beogram 3000 stood out for its compact size compared to other turntables. Its design, now 36 years old, still appears futuristic. Aesthetically, the revived turntable remains as sleek as ever, boasting an eye-catching platter design with outward lines and an elevated base that suggests it is floating on your credenza.
Combining two distinct listening experiences, the turntable retains the warmth and intimacy of playing vinyl records while offering the convenience of streaming services through partnered Beolab 8 wireless speakers. The Beolab 8s were selected not only for their matching walnut lamellas and pearl-blasted aluminum shells but also for their studio-quality active monitoring, which complements any turntable setup. Wireless connectivity allows for optimal positioning according to room acoustics, rather than the constraints of traditional bookshelf speakers.
This restoration project also underscores Bang & Olufsen's commitment to environmental responsibility by repurposing old technology and bucking the industry trend of planned obsolescence. The Beogram 3000's tangential tracking technology, which eliminated distortion by maintaining a constant 90-degree angle to the groove, was revolutionary in 1985 and remains impressive today.
Limited to just 100 numbered pieces, the Beosystem 3000c, priced at an eye-catching $30,000, is now available via select Bang & Olufsen stores and its website.
The Beosystem 3000c, while retaining its vintage style from 1985, is paired with modern Beolab 8 speakers, showcasing how a blend of lifestyle and technology can revitalize a classic home-and-garden gadget like the turntable. The Recreated Classics series by Bang & Olufsen not only revives past glories but also highlights their commitment to sustainable practices, repurposing the Beogram 3000 turntable and bucking the trend of planned obsolescence in the tech-filled world of gadgets.
