Bang & Olufsen Beomaster 1200 Stereo Receiver Denmark 1969

Design first. The most important thing about the Beomaster 1200 was not a detail of its design or construction, but that it was the centrepiece of the 1200 system, the first ‘complete’ audio system that B&O offered. The 1200 system offered all the sources available at the time, a three speed record player, a two speed stereo tape recorder and a radio with full coverage of the AM and FM bands. A pair of matching two-way loudspeakers completed the system.
Beomaster 1200 itself offered exciting new styling based around all the controls being on the top surface and the largest ever “slide rule” tuning pointer B&O ever used. Of course, Beomaster 1000 had some of the controls on the top, but since all the Beomaster 1200’s controls were on the top, it became practical to hang the set vertically against a wall as well as set it down on a table.

Technically, Beomaster 1200 was a logical development of the silicon version of Beomaster 1000. The output stages and power supply were very similar indeed, though a novel ‘electronic fuse’ based around two current sensing resistors (one for each channel) had been added. These were arranged so as to cut off the regulator transistor should either power amplifier attempt to draw excessive current. Along with the Beomaster 5000 tuner and the Beomaster 3000 receiver (both models in the “High Fidelity” range), the Beomaster 1200 was novel in that the FM stereo decoder was an integral part of the radio section, as opposed to being an optional module.
The shift to the use of electronic FM tuning across the Beomaster range of course included the Beomaster 1200, so it was possible to include three preset FM radio stations, the miniature tuning scales for these were located beneath a slide cover to the right of the selector keys. For manual tuning, an indicator light next to each scale showed which waveband was in use, and its intensity helped to show the correct point of tune.

This is a completely cleaned and restored item. Unfortunately the transparent Slide rule tuning dial is missing but FM stations can be programmed and played from Station-1-2-3 memory. All other functions work properly as you can see in the video.

Specifications
Manufacturer: Bang & Olufsen
Model: Beomaster 1200
Type: Receiver
Years of manufacture: 1969 - 1973
Made in: Denmark
Designer: Jacob Jensen

Technical data
Power Output: 2 x 15W (sinus) / 2 x 20W (music)
Frequency Response: 20 - 40,000 Hz (±1.5 dB)
Distortion: - 1% (40 Hz - 12.5 kHz)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 50 dB (at 50mV output)
Tuner Bands: FM (87.5-104 MHz + 3 presets), LW, MW
Dimensions (H x W x D): 7.8 x 54.5 x 20.5 cm (approx.)
Weight: 6 kg (approx.)
Design: Minimalist, wood/aluminum, top controls
Technology: Transistorised 

Features
Jacob Jensen design
Controls on top surface, enabling flat, inclined, or vertical wall mounting
Part of a complete audio system (often with Beogram record player, Beocord tape deck, speakers) 

Tags: BangAndOlufsen, Beomaster1200, Receiver, Vintage, Hifi, Stereo