Bang & Olufsen BeoCom 6500 Cassette Deck (1979)

The Bang & Olufsen BeoCom 6500 is a cassette deck introduced in 1979 as part of B&O's 6000 series. It has aluminum and wood finishes, soft-touch controls and a precision tape transport. The design is minimalist Scandinavian, and collectors and vintage audio enthusiasts still go looking for it.

Key Specifications

Feature	Specification
Model	BeoCom 6500
Brand	Bang & Olufsen
Year Introduced	1979
Production Period	1979–1983
Category	Stereo Cassette Deck
Tape Speed	4.76 cm/s (standard speed)
Noise Reduction	Dolby B
Tape Type Detection	Automatic (Type I and Type II)
Transport Mechanism	Servo-controlled dual capstan
Wow and Flutter	< 0.07% (measured)
Frequency Response	30 Hz – 18 kHz (with CrO₂ tape)
Total Harmonic Distortion	< 1.5%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	> 60 dB (Dolby B on)
Head Type	Ferrite (record/playback), dedicated erase head
Build Materials	Anodized aluminum, solid wood side panels
Controls	Soft-touch mechanical buttons
Dimensions	480 mm × 145 mm × 310 mm
Weight	11.5 kg

Note: Power specifications, impedance, and sensitivity are not applicable, as this is a cassette deck and not an amplifier or speaker.

Historical Context

The BeoCom 6500 came out when the cassette was at its most popular, with portable music and good home recording going mainstream. The 6000 series also included the BeoVision 6000 TV and the BeoCom 6000 telephone. The 6500 deck was designed to fit into B&O's modular home entertainment systems.

Mass-market decks of the era didn't get this much attention to precision and looks. The 6500 has a servo-controlled transport that keeps tape speed consistent and wow and flutter low, which gives it a clean, accurate sound. Automatic tape type detection and Dolby B noise reduction make it easy to operate.

B&O built the 6500 around functional minimalism and premium materials. The real wood and brushed aluminum made the unit more durable, and they also made it a centerpiece in a hi-fi setup.

Sound Signature

The BeoCom 6500 has a neutral, detailed, transparent sound, typical of high-end Bang & Olufsen equipment. Low wow and flutter, precise azimuth alignment and high-quality tape heads keep the reproduction faithful to the source. With Dolby B engaged, background hiss drops significantly, especially on Type I (ferric) tapes.

Users report excellent stereo imaging and a well-balanced frequency response. That makes the 6500 suitable for music playback and archival recording. It also works well alongside other B&O components.

Maintenance and Restoration Tips

Because of its age, the BeoCom 6500 may need servicing to get back to its best performance. Common issues include:

Belt degradation: Rubber belts can harden or crack over time, affecting tape loading and transport. Replacement with high-quality silicone belts is recommended.
Aging capacitors: Electrolytic capacitors in the power supply and signal path may dry out, leading to noise or malfunction. A full recapping is advisable for long-term reliability.
Mechanical wear: The complex tape loading and transport mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated by a qualified technician to prevent misalignment or tape damage.
Head alignment and demagnetization: Tape heads may drift out of alignment or become magnetized. Regular demagnetization and azimuth checks are essential for maintaining sound quality.

Have the unit serviced by a technician who knows vintage B&O equipment. The internal mechanisms are delicate and proprietary.

Collectibility and Market Value

The BeoCom 6500 holds a collectibility rating of 7/10. The design, solid build quality and association with Bang & Olufsen's golden era make it desirable. Units in excellent cosmetic and working condition, with original finishes and fully serviced mechanics, command higher prices.

As of 2024, the market value ranges from $150 to $300, depending on condition, provenance, and service history. Fully restored models with documentation may exceed this range, particularly in European markets where B&O has a strong heritage.

Conclusion

The Bang & Olufsen BeoCom 6500 is more than just a cassette deck—it’s a statement of design excellence and engineering precision. For audiophiles and collectors alike, it represents the pinnacle of 1970s high-end audio, blending form and function in a way few brands have ever achieved. With proper care and maintenance, the 6500 continues to deliver exceptional analog performance, preserving the warmth and character of the cassette format for a new generation.

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