Bang and Olufsen Beogram 5500 5945

The Bang & Olufsen Beogram 5500 Type 5945 is a tangential tracking turntable produced for the US market, sharing most of its characteristics with other Beogram 5500 models but specifically designed for 190–265 V power supply regions.

Technical Overview

• Tonearm: Electronically controlled tangential tonearm that tracks the record grooves at the exact angle of the original mastering.

• Cartridge: Typically outfitted with an MMC 4 cartridge, offering a low recommended tracking force of 12 mN (1.2 g) to minimize record wear.

• Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 RPM, with electronic speed control.

• Wow and Flutter:
  DIN weighted less than ±0.06%
  WRMS less than ±0.03%

• Rumble:
  DIN weighted better than 80 dB
  Unweighted better than 55 dB

• Power Supply: 190–265 V AC, 50/60 Hz

• Power Consumption: Less than 10 W

• Dimensions (W×H×D): 42 cm × 7.5 cm × 32.5 cm (16.5 in × 3 in × 12.8 in)

• Weight: About 5.3 kg (11.7 lbs)

• Build and Design: Aluminum chassis with a sophisticated suspension system and minimalist design by Jacob Jensen.

• Additional Features:
  Precision servo-controlled DC motor ensures stable platter rotation
  Automatic record size detection and speed adjustment
  Full track search and repeat functions via Master Control Panel compatibility
  Part of the Beosystem 5500 range with Data Link integration for full system control

Summary

The 5945 variant of the Beogram 5500 is essentially identical to other models in the series, engineered for reliable operation in higher voltage regions like the USA. With its advanced tangential tracking arm, low wow and flutter, and high-fidelity MMC cartridge, it offers an audiophile-grade playback experience while preserving records due to low tracking force. Its elegant design and integration into the Beosystem 5500 make it a prized vintage turntable brandished for both quality and aesthetics.