Beomaster 1400 family

(1968-1970) MW/LW/2xSW/FM Stereo receiver, 2x15W, built-in stereo loudspeakers

Type number: 2101

This model replaced the Beomaster 900K and used the same radio chassis as the Beomaster 1400M. The loudspeakers retained the same pressure chamber layout and were still 6x4” full range drivers, though they had to be of a higher power rating to cope with the new amplifier. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

(1968-1971) MW/LW/2xSW/FM Stereo receiver, 2x15W

Type number: 2105

The Beomaster 1400M replaced the Beomaster 900M. Though very similar in size, this new model represented a considerable advance over what had come before in all aspects. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

The styling of the Beomaster 1400M was a departure from what was becoming normal B&O practice. Instead of being as slim and low as possible, the Beomaster 1400M assumed more conventional proportions, allowing for a large control panel and easy placement on shelving systems. The overall appearance of the set had been entrusted to a team of designers who usually worked with television sets, so it came as no surprise to find styling cues, such as the silver aluminium framing of the front of the set and the black ventilation grille across the rear, that were already present in the Beovision range. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

The Beomaster 1400M matched its sturdy appearance with a really sturdy build. Much of the chassis and front panel was die-cast instead of pressed, something that one would not find anywhere else but the Beolab 5000 system. Internal layout was similar to that of the Beomaster 900, though advances in technique meant that not as much printed circuit area was necessary. The FM stereo decoder and the magnetic pickup equalising preamplifier were built as separate plug-in modules, though all Beomaster 1400Ms sold in the UK came with both fitted as standard. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

Of all the technical improvements made, the most significant was an increase in the overall level of performance. With better circuitry and nearly three times as much power, the Beomaster 1400M fully meat the DIN 45 500 standard for Hi-Fi, something that was not the case for the 900 range. This better performance was in part due to the use of silicon transistors, as opposed to the germanium types used previously. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

The Beomaster 1400M was well specified and included features such as four pre-set FM programmes, FM AFC, a tuning meter, a short wave fine tuner, two pairs of switchable loudspeaker sockets and a connection for a stereo tape recorder. It could be used as the main unit in a quality Hi-Fi system, with the Beogram 1000 record player and Beovox 2400 loudspeakers being the recommended first additions. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

(1971-1973)

Just as with the Beomaster 900, the Beomaster 1600 chassis was available in table cabinets with and without built-in loudspeakers. The Beomaster 1600K included a pair of stereo loudspeakers, though by the time of its launch the “table radio” concept had been eclipsed by the idea of “unit audio”, where compact units with separate loudspeakers were the norm. Because of this, the standard 1600M proved to be the more popular of the two versions. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

The Beomaster 1600K was replaced by the Beomaster 800, though the new unit lacked the comprehensive shortwave coverage and FM pre-tuned stations of its predecessor. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

(1971-1973) MW/LW/2xSW/FM stereo receiver, 2x15W

Type number: 2113

An updated version of Beomaster 1400. Again a most unusual design for a Beomaster, taking many styling cues from the Beovision range of the day, such as the black plastic front panel and controls, clear black on white markings, large buttons, bright trim surround and black rear vent grille. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

Internally the most striking feature was that the chassis was die-cast, as opposed to being of pressed sheet. The reasons for this are not clear. Otherwise the appearance was of a much revised Beomaster 900, with the main parts located in very similar places. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

The design was however most up to date, with a positive supply rail, silicon rectifier and silicon transistors throughout. Interestingly, the Beomaster 1600 shared the same output transistors as the Beomaster 3000, even though the latter offered twice the output! Also common to the Beomaster 3000 was the inclusion of a loudspeaker input, so that an external source (perhaps a Beovision TV) could play through the loudspeakers of the Beomaster. Two pairs of loudspeakers could be connected, push buttons on the front panel being provided to select them. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

As with the Beomaster 900, coverage of the short wave was included, with one normal and one bandspread mode, which also had a separate (and very effective) fine tuning wheel. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.