Turntable Details
Drive
Belt
Motor
DC
Wow & Flutter %
0.03
Rumble [dB]
-80
Speed
33, 45
Dimensions [mm]
Platter Material
Platter Diameter [mm]
Total Weight [kg]
Tonearm
Year Built
5.30
Linear
Platter Weight [kg]
Plinth Material
Price
Additional information
The Bang & Olufsen Beogram 5500 (Type 5941) is a high-end tangential (linear tracking) turntable produced in the 1980s, known for its precision and advanced electronic control.
Technical Overview
Tonearm: Electronically controlled tangential tonearm that plays the record at the exact angle the original master was cut, ensuring accurate tracking.
Cartridge: Typically equipped with an ultra-sensitive MMC 4 (Moving Micro Cross) cartridge, designed to read the signals with very low stylus pressure (recommended tracking force 12 mN / 1.2 g), which helps preserve the longevity of records.
Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 rpm with electronic speed control and speed deviation less than 0.2%.
Wow and Flutter: DIN weighted less than ±0.06%, WRMS less than ±0.03%, ensuring very smooth playback.
Rumble: DIN weighted better than 80 dB, unweighted better than 55 dB.
Power Supply:
Type 5941 version: 190 - 265 V AC
Other variants for different voltages (5944 for 90–130 V, 5945 for 190–265 V)Power Consumption: Less than 10 W.
Dimensions: 42 cm (width) x 7.5 cm (height) x 32.5 cm (depth)
Weight: 5.3 kg (11.7 lbs)
Material: Aluminum chassis with a white or silver finish, usually paired with a tinted dust cover.
Additional Features:
Precision servo-controlled DC motor for platter rotation
Special chassis suspension and a short, rigid tonearm minimizing vibrations and unwanted resonances
Automatic record size and speed detection
Full track search and record repeat facilities accessible via a Master Control Panel
Compatible with Bang & Olufsen's Beosystem 5500 and can be controlled via its Master Control Panel
Data Link compatibility for integrated control within Bang & Olufsen systems
Summary
The Bang & Olufsen Beogram 5500 is renowned for combining elegant design with technical excellence. Its tangential tonearm provides precise tracking that is gentle on records while delivering exceptional audio fidelity. The low wow and flutter, along with high signal purity from the MMC 4 cartridge, place it among the top audiophile turntables of its era. Its compact size, light weight, and distinctive minimalist aesthetic make it a timeless object of both design and sound quality.