Bang & Olufsen Beogram 8002

A high-end turntable from Bang & Olufsen’s 8000 series, featuring a microprocessor-controlled tangential arm and precision direct drive system.

Overview

The Bang & Olufsen Beogram 8002 is a turntable designed as the top model in the 8000 series. It was engineered to be a technical tour de force, combining high-fidelity audio performance with advanced mechanical design. This model features a quartz-controlled direct drive motor, a die-cast aluminium plinth, and a smoked acrylic top plate, reflecting a focus on both precision and industrial elegance.

Specifications

Drive system	Quartz controlled direct drive motor
Platter	300 mm die-cast aluminium
Speeds	33 1/3 and 45 rpm
Wow and flutter	0.03% WRMS
Rumble	-78 dB (DIN B)
Tonearm type	Electronically controlled tangential tracking arm
Cartridge	MMC 20CL
Tracking force	1.2 grams
Tracking error	Less than 0.1 degrees
Dimensions (W x H x D)	460 x 140 x 360 mm
Weight	10.5 kg
Power consumption	15 W
Finish	Anodised aluminium and smoked acrylic

Design

The tonearm is driven by a microprocessor-controlled motor along a rail and uses an optical system to read the record groove for precise positioning. The plinth is constructed from die-cast aluminium, and the top plate is made of smoked acrylic, contributing to both rigidity and aesthetic refinement.

Context

The Beogram 8002 was the flagship model in the 8000 series, positioned above the Beogram 8000. It was designed to represent the pinnacle of Bang & Olufsen’s turntable engineering at the time, emphasizing accuracy, build quality, and innovative drive mechanics.

Market

Pricing guides exist based on historical sales data, indicating collector interest. The unit is complex and can be expensive to repair if issues arise. The MMC 20CL cartridge is proprietary and no longer in production, making replacement or retipping difficult and costly.