Bang & Olufsen Beogram 5005 (1986–1987)

The arm glides forward on its own, finds the groove, and the music begins. No fingerprints, no fumbling.

Overview

The Bang & Olufsen Beogram 5005 Automatic Turntable does nearly everything for you. Press play and it lifts the tonearm, detects the record size, positions itself and drops into the groove. B&O introduced it in 1986 and produced it through 1987. It was the first of a new generation of lightweight, linear-tracking decks that became the core of B&O's turntable lineup. It wasn't the flashiest model in the range, nor the most complex. It was streamlined and integrated, and built to work within the Beosystem 5000.

It replaced the Beogram 5000, stepping into a mid-tier role between the Beogram 1800 derivatives and the flagship Beogram 8002. But don’t let “mid-range” fool you—what started as a modest upgrade would, over time, rise to the top as more expensive models were phased out. The 5005 wasn’t just a stopgap; it was the foundation of a new era. Owners report a machine that feels both familiar and forward-thinking, carrying over the iconic styling cues of earlier tangential-tracking Beograms while quietly simplifying the mechanics underneath. It’s a design that whispers rather than shouts, with clean lines, an aluminum finish, and that unmistakable Jacob Jensen touch. You don’t just play records on it—you interact with it, guided by subtle feedback and intuitive automation.

And yes, it’s automatic. Fully. The tonearm comes over, drops, plays, and returns properly—all without you touching a thing. With a single button, it can even lift and queue up records, making it one of the most hands-off turntables of its time. That’s not just convenience; it’s a philosophy. B&O believed your focus should be on the music, not the mechanism. The 5005 delivers on that promise, offering neutral sound with little to no coloration—clean, accurate, and unobtrusive. It’s not trying to impress you with warmth or punch. It’s just there, doing its job, sounding exactly like the record, nothing more, nothing less.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Bang & Olufsen (B&O)
Product type	Linear tracking (tangential) automatic turntable
Production years	1986 - 1987
Speed	33 1/3 and 45 rpm
Speed detection	Automatically detects 33 RPM versus 45 RPM sized records
Wow and Flutter	0.08%
Rumble	-70dB (DIN B)
Tonearm type	Linear tracking (tangential)
Cartridge	MMC 20CL
Stylus included	MMC 4 Stylus
Tracking force	1.2 grams
Outputs	7-pin DIN connector
Power connection	Captive power cable
Power consumption	14 watts
Dimensions	430 x 350 x 115 mm (WxDxH)
Weight	7.5 kg
Has transport screws	Yes

Key Features

Linear Tracking with Precision

The Beogram 5005 uses a tangential tonearm, which eliminates tracking error by moving in a straight line across the record. Pivoting arms drag through the groove at an angle. This one stays aligned from edge to center. The arm uses a cord-drive system with plastic pulleys and a nylon-covered steel wire, which is quiet and reliable when maintained. Its movement is guided by the Optimum Pivot Point (OPP) suspension, a pendulum-based system that isolates vibration at the back of the tonearm so the stylus tip stays undisturbed. That translates to cleaner tracking, especially on worn or warped records.

Smart Automation

The 5005 manages records as well as playing them. Drop a stack on the platter, press a button, and it will lift and queue them up with no manual intervention. It detects whether you've placed a 33 or 45 RPM record based on size, using a weight-sensing system beneath the platter (the radial bars on the surface are purely decorative). The tonearm moves into position, lowers gently, plays the record, lifts, and returns to its cradle. If you want control, there is manual track selection, search (forward and backward), repeat, and a pause function.

Integrated Design

Built for the Beosystem 5000, the 5005 shares the same cabinet style, size, colors, and finishes as the Beomaster 5000 and other components in the line. The Datalink connection allows it to be controlled remotely via the Beomaster or Master Control Panel 5000, which makes multi-room operation possible. You can stop or change records mid-play without touching the unit or powering down the system. The orange "standby" dot from earlier models was removed because the software no longer required a Datalink standby mode.

Subtle Details

Jacob Jensen's design shows in the small details. The lid uses a simple counterbalance spring, with no release catch. At the back, a tiny spotlight activates automatically when the arm is under manual control, illuminating the stylus area. The second arm, positioned to the right of the tonearm, doesn't play records - it only carries a speed indicator light. The drive is a belt drive with an electronic DC servo motor, for stable speed with minimal noise. The tracking motor is a simpler, more cost-effective design borrowed from the Beocord 5000 reel-to-reel, a sign that B&O was streamlining internally.

Historical Context

The Beogram 5005 was the first model in what became the final new Beogram turntable design. It lacked the direct-drive "tangential drive" motor of the Beogram 8000, and moved toward compact, lightweight, serviceable automation. It was introduced as a replacement for the Beogram 5000 and positioned between the Beogram 1800 series and the top-tier Beogram 8002. Unlike its predecessor, it didn't include the light inside the lid, but it kept the essential styling of B&O's tangential turntables.

Inside, some observers noted a slight lowering of standards compared to the 4000 and 8000 series. There are more molded plastic parts, a simpler tracking motor, and gears driven from the turntable shaft for mechanical functions. The 5005 was designed to be practical, repairable and integrated. It completed the Beosystem 5000 lineup by making remote-controlled turntable operation a reality. It started as a mid-range offering, and later models in this lineage eventually rose to the top of the range as more complex and expensive turntables were discontinued. The 5005 was replaced by the nearly identical Beogram 5500, with minimal changes.

Collectibility & Value

Today the Beogram 5005 suits collectors who like B&O's design but want something more accessible than the 8000-series flagships. Prices vary widely. Recent listings show units selling from €245 to €1,150, depending on condition and region. A refurbished unit with warranty can go for as much as £1,299.00 GBP, which reflects the cost of professional restoration. Not all units are ready to play. Some are sold "for parts or repair" and remain untested, while others have issues like "starts for a bit then stops."

Common problems include discoloration or staining in the aluminum finish, uneven platters that cause record scraping, and aging electronics or mechanical parts. The cord-drive system can degrade over time, and the plastic pulleys may need replacement. Replacement parts are available from specialists - platters, upgraded drive cords, and modern equivalents like the Soundsmith SMMC 4 stylus/cartridge combo that can replace the original MMC 20CL. Transport screws are included, which helps with shipping, but many units arrive with wear from improper handling.

Condition is everything on a purchase. A well-maintained 5005 is near-silent in operation. A neglected one can be a money pit. Look for units with even platters, clean finishes, and verified operation. Refurbished models from reputable dealers offer peace of mind, though at a premium.