Bang & Olufsen Beocenter 2

Details

With the BeoCenter 2, you only need a single thin cable to connect the Master Unit to the Socket Unit. You can choose from lengths of 1.8, 3, 5, or 10 meters, and a 1.8-meter cable is provided as standard. Additionally, this unit features MasterLink, RGB, PowerLink, power connections, and other connectors, allowing you to seamlessly integrate BeoLab active speakers or a home cinema system.

Thanks to the compact and lightweight design of the BeoCenter 2 Master Unit, users enjoy great flexibility in placement options. Specifically, it can be wall-mounted, attached to a dedicated stand, or simply placed on a table or shelf.

Digital Radio Module

Moreover, the BeoCenter 2 DAB digital radio module provides access to terrestrial free-to-air broadcasting of high-quality audio and data. DAB digital radio offers a modern approach to broadcasting via a network of terrestrial transmitters, giving you more choices, superior sound quality, and enhanced information compared to traditional analogue radio. Starting from November 3, 2004, this module will become a standard feature of the BeoCenter 2 in the UK.

To ensure compatibility, both the Socket Unit and Master Unit require updates. This necessity means that DAB functionality cannot be used with earlier BeoCenter 2 models. However, Bang & Olufsen commits to honoring the upgrade promise for customers who purchased their models under that understanding. The first Master Unit with suitable software for DAB functionality has the serial number 18139286.

Important Note: To install the DAB module in your BeoCenter 2, it is essential that both the Socket Unit and Master Unit are the latest versions. Therefore, mixing pre-serial number 18139286 Master Units with DAB Socket Units (part number 1280020) is not possible.

Master Unit Connections

Simply press ‘load’ on the anodized aluminum top panel, and the BeoCenter 2 reveals your chosen media. This system consists of two linked units: the Master Unit (the player) and the Socket Unit.

BeoCenter 2 Press Release (October 2003)

Bang & Olufsen’s BeoCenter 2 embodies the essence of a classic Bang & Olufsen product. It combines mystique, elegance, simplicity, and functionality. At a glance, the design masks the many functions contained within. However, upon physical contact, the symmetrical polished aluminum doors glide open to reveal a combined CD and DVD player. When in use, the doors close to emphasize the importance of the experience over the source.

While it’s common for a DVD player to play CDs, the BeoCenter 2 stands out by offering radio, CD, DVD, and MP3 CD playback, integrating all sources of entertainment into one unit. “At Bang & Olufsen, we prioritize the integration of technologies. With the BeoCenter 2, we provide our customers with the ability to merge music and video sources seamlessly,” says President and CEO Torben Ballegaard Sørensen.

Master Unit

Furthermore, the oval design of the Master Unit signifies a departure from traditional boxy audio-visual systems. Additionally, the display size ensures readability from a distance, while a light meter adjusts its brightness based on the room’s lighting, preventing glare in dim settings.

In addition to RDS (Radio Data System), the BeoCenter 2 tuner allows you to program and name up to 60 radio stations. Moreover, you can integrate it into a Beolink network, enabling playback of digital music files stored on a computer when connected to a Beolink PC2.

Clean Up the Mess

Bang & Olufsen aims to enhance the user experience by eliminating the clutter of remote controls. Consequently, the Beo4 remote control simplifies operation by managing all functions of connected devices, including room lighting.

Cables remain cleverly concealed in stands and behind screens, thereby preserving the aesthetic appeal of the products. When complete concealment isn’t feasible, cable holders are provided, turning a necessity into a design feature. Overall, the design philosophy avoids visual clutter, presenting a simple and elegant product.

The BeoCenter 2 continues this legacy with its two-part structure, allowing the stylish Master Unit to be placed optimally in any space—whether on a table, mounted on a wall, or on a custom aluminum floor stand that complements its shape.

From the Master Unit, only one cable connects to the Socket Unit, which contains all necessary connections for the mains, speakers, TV, and aerials. You can discreetly place the Socket Unit under furniture or behind curtains, keeping the visible portion of the BeoCenter 2 free from cable clutter.

World-Class Aluminium Processing

The two sliding aluminum doors of the BeoCenter 2 presented a challenge for Bang & Olufsen. Both doors are crafted from a single piece of aluminum, ensuring that details in the polished finish match perfectly. Throughout the milling and surface treatment processes, the doors remain aligned to achieve a flawless final product.

Precision is paramount, with the machines grinding the edges to extremely tight tolerances. For every 1/100 millimeter along the edge, the machinery self-corrects to maintain a perfect oval shape.

During anodization, tiny pores form on the surface of the aluminum, which are utilized in the screen printing process for applying numbers and characters. This method creates durable markings that resist wear even with frequent use.

Controlling the BeoCenter 2 involves intricate precision. The area beneath the Master Unit is milled down to 0.5 millimeters, allowing the thin aluminum sheet to flex easily when pressed, activating the electrical circuits. This contact is subtle but effective.

The control “wheel” on the right door also showcases this precision engineering. It features an additional 0.1 millimeter of aluminum removed from its edge, allowing for smooth volume adjustments while adhering to the same mechanical principles as the rest of the unit.

Product specification

Type Numbers

Master Unit:

• 2801 (2003-12) – Master Unit 1280014

Socket Unit:

• 1280005

BeoCenter Product Specifications

Master Unit Specifications

Socket unit

Weight: 2.8 kg
Cabinet Finish: Black

Audio Performance

Video Performance

Service manual

Beocenter 2 service manual can be downloaded here for free.