Beocord 2000 family

(1985-1987) Stereo cassette recorder, Fe/Cr/Metal tape, Dolby B NR, Datalink

Type numbers: 2921, 2922, 2923, 2925

The matching cassette recorder for the Beomaster 2000 and 3000, which replaced Beocord 2400. The use of the new Vortex tape transport, first seen in the Beocord 5000, allowed the Beocord 2000 to be much slimmer than its predecessor, so now it looked “right” when placed alongside the Beomaster. Another piece of progress was that the new mechanism could be electronically controlled, so the previous mechanical keys could now be replaced with touch pads, identical to those on the Beomaster. This also made Datalink a practical addition, which brought with it remote control, when used with Beomaster 3000. To complete the re-style of the front panel, a single LED recording level display replaced the twin meters of the 2400, though this was not new, it had been seen before on the Beocord 1700, a model which the Beocord 2400 had replaced!

A surprising feature was the manual tape selector, which took the form of a slide switch under the top cover. The Beocord 5000, which used an almost identical mechanism, had fully automatic tape selection, so it was clearly possible. There was also no tape detection switch, also unlike the Beocord 5000, so the machine would engage regardless of whether a cassette was loaded. The Beocord 2000 was the last Beocord model not to include HX Pro noise reduction, and offered similar performance to the cassette section of a Beocenter, such as the 7000. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

(1988-1989) Stereo cassette recorder, Metal tape compatible, Dolby B HX NR, Datalink

Type numbers: 2941, 2942, 2943, 2945

The cassette recorder for Beosystem 3300. As there was never a Beocord 3000 for the previous Beosystem 3000, this model effectively replaces Beocord 2000. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

The obvious difference is the new styling and colours, to match Beomaster 3300, but the important change was that the Dolby HX system was now included, boosting the performance considerably. The inclusion of HX on Beocord 3300 meant that now all B&O cassette machines (with the exception of the Beosystem 10 portable radio cassette) now included this valuable enhancement. Internally, the cassette mechanism remained mostly the same as before, though two small plastic hooks were added to make accurate loading of the cassette easier if the machine was hung vertically on the wall. Another most welcome change was the fitting of an automatic tape type detector, as seen on the Beocord 5000, to replace the manual switch of the Beocord 2000. Strangely, there was still no “cassette in” sensor, so unlike the Beocord 5000, the mechanism could still be activated with no cassette inserted, and the machine was unable to report a “no tape” condition to Beomaster with two way communication, such as the Beomaster 5000. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

Users who had upgraded from a Beocord 2000 would also have noticed some differences in the operation logic. For example, pressing forward or reverse winding at any time would set the machine into “music search” mode directly, a longer touch being needed to engage normal winding. Repeated touches would skip a number of tracks, though there was no display to show how many tracks were being searched through. Engaging record was now also easier, all that was needed was a long touch on the record sensor to enter “record pause” mode, then a brief touch to commence recording. Though not auto reverse, the feature of being able to play one side of the tape repeatedly remained from Beocord 2000, and was still activated by repeated touching of the play sensor. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

The Beocord 3300 was the last new model to be introduced without auto reverse. It was replaced by Beocord 4500. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

(1989-1992) Stereo cassette deck, Dolby B NR, HX Pro, Datalink

Type numbers: 4961, 4962, 4963, 4964, 4965

A re-designed form of the “basic” Beocord model intended for use with the Beomaster 4500. Replacing the Beocord 3300, this model featured auto-reverse, a motorised lid and a new finish of black glass and polished steel. The theme of simplicity was carried over from the previous model, and features such as Dolby C, automatic Dolby recognition, automatic level control and a tape counter were all lacking. Under the hinged cover, that was now power operated, were three manual controls, a record level slider and two switches, one for selecting the Dolby noise reduction (B type) and one for switching the auto reverse on and off. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

Mechanically, the Beocord 4500 followed the practice of the other auto reverse machines in the range (the Beocord 6500 and Beocenter 9500) and was updated with a new type of mechanism during the production run. New software was required for this, but there were no obvious outward differences. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

(1990-1992) Stereo cassette deck, Dolby B NR, HX Pro, Datalink

Type numbers: 4966, 4967, 4968

This cassette deck was intended for use with the Beomaster 3500. Technically, it was identical to the Beocord 4500, the only difference was the finish of the hinged lid, which was flat grey instead of polished steel. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.