The Beogram 1000 had its origins in the late 1950s and, despite numerous detail changes, it was still recognisably the same machine with which B&O had entered the stereo era. The real answer, of course, was for the company to design its own high-quality turntable. As a stop-gap, Thorens TD124 motor units fitted with B&O arms and cartridges were released, this concoction being known as the Beogram 3000. Initially the issue was addressed by offering a Beocord open-reel tape recorder with the system, but its high cost and a lack of pre-recorded material meant that this was not a practical solution. The sudden step up in quality represented by both the Beolab 5000 amplifier and Beomaster 5000 tuner meant that the firm's Beogram 1000 turntable was no longer good enough to perform the vital role of key source component. The company's Beolab 5000 system of 1968 caused a problem when it came to system building. After all, it holds an enviable list of records, world firsts and key patents in a wide range of domestic audio technologies. This is not to dismiss the company's technical prowess. However, B&O was the real specialist when it came to the 'all under one roof' philosophy, reinforced by the stylistic integrity of its components and the occasional use of slightly odd interconnection standards. Conversely, the Japanese heavyweights such as Sony, Technics and JVC were once able to put together a fairly convincing complete package, as could Philips (on a good day!). The argument for building a system using components from different manufacturers because 'no company is good at everything' is a good one – up to a point. Designed to be worthy of the company's flagship Beolab 5000 system, this late '60s turntable was the last conventional deck to top the B&O range.
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