Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4002 (1974–1980)

Name: Bang & Olufsen BEOGRAM 4002
Brand: Bang & Olufsen

At 12kg, it sits like a precision instrument. No wobble, no pretense, just Danish calm and a tonearm that glides across the record.

Overview

The Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4002 isn't a turntable for people who like to tweak. It's for people who believe high fidelity should be silent and nearly invisible in operation. Released in 1974 and produced until 1980, this linear tracking turntable was made in Denmark during B&O's strongest analog years. It carries the minimalist look of designer Jacob Jensen: clean lines and brushed aluminum surfaces. It looks like furniture, and it was meant to.

What sets the Beogram 4002 apart isn’t just its looks. It uses a tangential tonearm that moves in a perfectly straight line across the record, eliminating tracking error entirely—a feat most belt-driven turntables with pivoted arms can’t match. No manual cueing, no guesswork. Drop the record, press play, and the arm finds its path with clinical precision. The system was advanced for its time, and in well-maintained units, it still feels like magic.

Under the hood is a DC synchronous motor coupled to a belt drive, turning a 30 cm platter that weighs 2.2 kg. That is enough mass for speed stability without unnecessary inertia. It plays 33 and 45 rpm and comes factory-fitted with the MMC-4000 cartridge, which delivers 2 x 1mV output and tracks at 0 to 1.5 grams. Signal-to-noise ratio is rated at 65dB, and wow and flutter is held to an exceptionally low ±0.025% WRMS, figures that rival many modern turntables. The power supply is universal, accepting 110V, 130V, 220V, or 240V at either 50Hz or 60Hz. At 490 x 100 x 380 mm and 12kg, it takes up space like a piece of lab equipment.

The Beogram 4002 was available with a rare factory CD4 option, which suggests B&O saw the short-lived quadraphonic vinyl trend coming. Whether many were sold this way is unclear. The market didn't follow through either way.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Bang & Olufsen
Product type	Turntable
Years of manufacture	1974–1980
Made in	Denmark
Output	2 x 1mV
Speed	33 & 45 rpm
Attached cartridge	MMC-4000
Wow & flutter	± 0.025% WRMS
Signal-to-noise ratio	65dB
Tracking force range	0 – 1.5g
Motor	DC synchronous motor
Drive system	Belt drive
Platter	30 cm diameter, 2.2 kg mass
Power supply	AC 110V/130V/220V/240V, 50Hz/60Hz
Power consumption	40W
Dimensions (W x H x D)	490 x 100 x 380 mm
Weight	12kg
Type	Linear Tracking / tangential turntable
Factory option	rare CD4 factory option

Key Features

Electronic Tangential Pick-Up Arm

The most defining trait of the Beogram 4002 is its linear tracking arm, which moves in a straight line from the center to the edge of the record. Traditional pivoted tonearms introduce tracking error as they swing across the disc. This one keeps a constant 90-degree angle to the groove. In theory that means perfect alignment and minimal distortion. Watching it work is half the fun.

MMC-4000 Cartridge Integration

Factory-mounted with the MMC-4000 cartridge, the Beogram 4002 arrives calibrated and ready. It can resolve fine groove detail without aggressive wear, as long as the arm's delicate balance is preserved.

Universal Power Supply & Global Design

The Beogram 4002 accepts 110V, 130V, 220V, or 240V inputs at both 50Hz and 60Hz. No voltage converters, no internal jumpers. Plug it in anywhere in the world. That reflects B&O's global market ambitions and the product's premium positioning.

DC Synchronous Motor with Belt Drive

The motor system combines a DC synchronous motor with a belt-driven platter, a setup chosen for low noise and stable speed regulation. The 2.2 kg platter provides enough inertia for consistent rotation, and the belt isolates the platter from motor vibrations. The motor runs quietly. In a working unit, the only audible sign of operation is the soft click of the arm engaging.

Collectibility & Value

The Beogram 4002 originally retailed for ¥250,000 circa 1976, a premium price that put it firmly in the high-end market. Working and restored units today command strong prices: listings on Reverb and Facebook Marketplace have appeared at $1,249.50 and $1,300.00 respectively. Non-functioning units, such as one listed on Lenco Heaven for £2.50, show how much condition matters. This is not a plug-and-play collectible without risk.

A well-documented and very common issue is the tonearm failing to lower, often due to old, frozen grease in the rail mechanism or degraded internal lubricants. Owners report that disassembly, cleaning, and re-lubrication are frequently required to restore full function. Replacement belts, while not original, are available through specialists, and references exist to custom-made belts fitting perfectly. Refurbished units are offered by specialty dealers, which points to ongoing demand.

The Beogram 4002 remains sought after, for its design as well as its sound. It was replaced by the Beogram 8000, which brought further technological refinements.