Bang & Olufsen Beocord 2000
Bang & Olufsen
Denmark
Tape Deck Details
Number of Motors
1
Number of Heads
3
Head Configuration
Stereo
Wow & Flutter
0.2%
Signal-to-Noise [dB]
55
Dimensions [mm]
455 × 205 × 360
Weight [kg]
18
Year built
1965–1970
Head Composition
Permalloy
Equalization
NAB/IEC
Frequency Response
40–16 kHz
Speed
1⅞, 3¾, 7½
Max Reel [inch]
7
Tracks
1/4 Rec/PB
Price
Additional Information
The Bang & Olufsen Beocord 2000 is a 1965–1970 flagship stereo reel-to-reel tape recorder from B&O's golden era, available in K (transport-only), De Luxe, and T (with speakers) variants, renowned for studio-grade mechanicals in a luxurious teak/rosewood cabinet designed by Jacob Jensen.
Transport and Format
Tracks: 4-track/2-channel stereo or 2-track versions (¼-inch tape); playback of 4-track mono possible, no 4-track recording.
Heads: Separate record and playback heads (2-track or 4-track) plus dual erase heads for full off-tape monitoring and sound-on-sound.
Motors: Dual-motor (hysteresis synchronous capstan + take-up reel) with professional-grade wow/flutter stability.
Speeds: 1⅞, 3¾, 7½ ips (4.75/9.5/19 cm/s); NAB/IEC equalization.
Reels: Up to 7-inch (18 cm); rewind ~120 seconds for full spool.
Performance Specs
Frequency response (±2 dB): 40–16 kHz (7½ ips), 40–12 kHz (3¾ ips), 50–6 kHz (1⅞ ips).
Wow/flutter: ≤0.2% peak (7½ ips), ≤0.3% (3¾ ips), ≤0.5% (1⅞ ips).
S/N ratio: >55 dB (50 dB 4-track); crosstalk >45 dB; bias/erase 100 kHz.
Electronics and I/O
Amplifier (T/De Luxe): 2×6–8W RMS into 4 Ω speakers; independent stereo preamps for mic (50–200 Ω/50 µV), phono (33 kΩ/2 mV magnetic), radio (45 kΩ/2 mV).
Outputs: Line 0.775 V/47 kΩ (DIN/RCA), speakers, stereo headphones.
Features: Split stereo faders, sound-on-sound, echo loop, bass/treble controls, modular plug-in preamps.
Physical Details
Dimensions: ~455 × 205 × 360 mm (17.9 × 8.1 × 14.2 in).
Weight: 16–18 kg depending on variant; power 90 W max (220 V/50 Hz, multi-voltage).
Audiophile Context
B&O's most capable consumer open-reel delivers near-pro transport precision with mixing flexibility for dubbing/editing; De Luxe upgrades offer independent L/R control over original 2000K; highly prized restored for warm modular electronics and 7½ ips fidelity before B&O shifted to cassettes.