Beocord 1500 family

(1964-1969) Stereo tape recorder

A stereo tape recorder for connection to an existing stereo system. As such, no power amplifiers or microphone amplifier were fitted, the intention being to provide a means to make really good recordings from records or the radio. A single stereo input channel of standard DIN level was the only source, but two outputs were provided, one of a fixed DIN level, and the other (Line) of a variable level controlled by a concentric (L,R) knob on the control panel. With a special lead and the right Beomaster, it was possible to do off-tape monitoring during recordings, though using the standard DIN connection through the “radio” socket this function was not available. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

Mechanically, Beocord 1500 De Luxe was the same as Beocord 2000 De Luxe, and was offered in the same way in either 2 track + 4 track replay and 4 track only models. The Beomaster 900 RG Compact radiogram featured a recess of the exact size to fit Beocord 1500 De Luxe, which made it into a complete audio system. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

The Beocord 1500 De Luxe was replaced by Beocord 1800 in 1970, which looked very similar but included several detail improvements, such as a die-cast chassis and optical automatic stop. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

(1967-1970) Mono tape recorder, 1⅞, 3¾, 7½ IPS speeds, Two track, 1x10W

Type number: 4203

This model was the last mono tape recorder in the B&O range. It used similar mechanicals to the Beocord 1500 De Luxe and 2000 De Luxe, but was only fitted with mono heads and amplifiers. Intended as a stand-alone recorder rather than as a tape deck, it included a built-in loudspeaker and 10W amplifier, though only 3W was available unless an external loudspeaker was used. The amplifier could be used independently from the tape deck for a record player or microphone, and included separate bass and treble controls. Recordings could be made either manually or by using the automatic level control, an advanced feature for the time, which strangely did not feature on the more expensive stereo models that employed similar mechanicals. For manual recording, a large clear meter was used to show the correct level, a considerably more accurate instrument than the “magic eye” indicator tubes found on other tape recorders. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

The Beocord 1100 was much smaller that the other models in the range at the time, and so was easily portable. All models came with a carrying handle and a locking lid to protect the controls and tape. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.