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
1991
Platter Weight [kg]
Plinth Material
Price
£405
Additional information
The Bang & Olufsen Beogram 6500 (type 5948) is a precision-engineered, fully automatic, tangential-tracking turntable from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Designed as part of B&O’s high-end Beosystem 6500, it is renowned for its advanced engineering, user-friendly features, and minimal record wear.
Core Technical Specifications
Manufacture Years: 1989–1991
Drive System: Electronically controlled, tangential arm with Optimum Pivot Point suspension for isolation from vibrations.
Speeds: 33⅓ and 45rpm, with automatic speed and record size detection.
Speed Deviation: Less than ±0.2%.
Cartridge: MMC2 (Moving Micro Cross), standard stylus pressure of only 1g for minimal friction and record wear.
Wow and Flutter (DIN): Less than ±0.06%.
Rumble (DIN weighted): Over 80dB
Rumble (DIN unweighted): Over 55dB
Built-in RIAA Pre-amplifier: Allows direct connection to AUX or other line inputs.
Remote Control: System remote compatible (Beolink/DataLink).
Power Supply (5948): 120V (the model number last digit indicates regional voltage; 5946 = 220V, 5949 = 100V, 5950 = 240V).
Power Consumption: <10W.
Dimensions (W × H × D): 42 × 7.5 × 32.5cm.
Weight: 5.3kg.
Finish: Polished aluminum, black, and white options available.
Key Features
Tangential tracking: Arm travels straight across the record, minimizing tracking angle error and distortion.
Automatic Size & Speed Selection: Senses size of record and adjusts appropriate speed automatically.
Advanced Suspension: Chassis and tonearm are both suspended (“Optimum Pivot Point” system) to prevent vibration interference.
Fully Automatic Play: Simple touch-controls for playback; automated arm movement, lift, and return.
MMC2 Cartridge: High-precision, very light-tracking B&O cartridge for accurate sound and record longevity.
Inbuilt RIAA Preamp: Plug-and-play with any amplifier; no separate phono stage required.
System Integration: Beolink/DataLink compatible for seamlessly operating as part of a full B&O system, but also works perfectly in any hi-fi arrangement.
Legacy
The Beogram 6500 5948 stands out for its era-defining automation, technical sophistication, and elegant design. It remains highly desirable among collectors and audiophiles for both single-component use and integration in a vintage B&O stack.