Bang & Olufsen BEOMASTER 3000-2 (1969–1975)

It weighs 8.7 kg and spans half a meter. It's a Danish slab of solid-state gear that hums along quietly.

Overview

The Bang & Olufsen BEOMASTER 3000-2 is a solid-state stereo receiver built between 1969 and 1975. Jacob Jensen designed it, and it has his minimalism: clean lines and uncluttered surfaces. It was marketed as a receiver with an integrated FM tuner. Output is 30W+30W RMS, which is modest by today's standards, but fine for its time. Music power is rated at 60W+60W, which suggests headroom for dynamic peaks without strain.

Collectors who value coherence over flash still rate the BEOMASTER 3000-2. Its construction is consistently described as solid. The front panel layout is clear: large tuning and volume dials dominate, with function switches on either side. It was meant to be the centerpiece of a system, paired with matching B&O speakers and turntables. No production context or competitor comparisons survive in the documentation. Its modest power, high build quality and precise tuning suggest it targeted listeners who prioritized fidelity and longevity over features.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Bang & Olufsen
Product type	Stereo receiver with FM tuner
Production years	1969–1975
Output (RMS)	30W+30W
Output (Music)	60W+60W
Frequency response	40 Hz to 20 kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion	0.3%
Channel separation	50dB
Tuner Section Accessory function	Automatic tuning of FM preset
Speaker impedance	4 ohms
Tuning range	FM 87.5–108 MHz
Recorder output	170mV recorder (RCA)
External dimensions (W x H x D)	580 x 95 x 260 mm
Weight	8.7 kg

Key Features

4 Ohm Speaker Impedance Compatibility

The BEOMASTER 3000-2 is engineered to drive 4 ohm loads, which was uncommon in receivers of its class. That lower impedance rating suggests a stronger output stage, capable of delivering current into demanding speaker cabinets. It isn't explicitly documented, but this design choice likely helped bass control and dynamic response, especially with early B&O loudspeakers that often presented challenging loads.

Automatic FM Preset Tuning

The tuner section has an automatic preset function, which put it above basic manual tuners. It also has a calibrated signal meter and balance lights (as noted in user reports). Together they allowed precise station alignment and stable reception across the 87.5 to 108 MHz FM band.

LOUDNESS Function with Frequency Correction

The receiver has a LOUDNESS function for low-volume listening. This contouring circuit boosts bass and treble at reduced levels to make up for the ear's lower sensitivity in those ranges. A general frequency correction option adds some subtle tonal shaping. Neither is meant for dramatic EQ, but for fine-tuning to the room or to preference.

AB Monitoring with Dual Turntable Inputs

Solid-State Circuitry in a Minimalist Chassis

Collectibility & Value

No current market prices or auction benchmarks are documented. Anecdotal evidence suggests units in mint condition do surface, sometimes with original paperwork such as manuals and price lists. The most commonly reported maintenance issue is degraded electrolytic capacitors, which is predictable in a unit approaching 50 years of age. The capacitors, particularly in the power supply and signal path, should be treated as service items on any non-restored example. No other failures are documented, so the design appears fundamentally sound, with long-term reliability likely tied to proper recapping and occasional contact cleaning.