The BeoLab 5000 is an amplifier renowned for its ability to reproduce sound without hiss or hum, ensuring that all frequencies of the tonal range are delivered exactly as intended. Its enormous power allows for the reproduction of even the loudest passages without distortion.
The operation of the BeoLab 5000 is logical and straightforward. For varying or poor record quality, efficient filters can compensate by removing specific tonal ranges where flaws may be present.
Additionally, it supports the connection of multiple speakers, including a center speaker, and provides channel-wise control of program material. A special test control feature facilitates balance adjustments between channels. The use of silicon transistors ensures a very low noise level, high temperature stability, and an extensive tonal range.
The BeoLab 5000, along with the Beomaster 5000 FM tuner and Beovox 2500 Cube loudspeakers, marked the first product series designed by Jacob Jensen in 1967. This series transformed traditional design with an innovative slide rule interface that replaced conventional tuning knobs.
This design not only simplified the user interface but also set the foundation for Bang & Olufsen’s future form language.
The Beomaster 5000, an amplifier with a similar slide rule interface, served as the perfect partner to the BeoLab 5000. The FM tuner eliminated static between stations and included a built-in ‘database’ that automatically tuned in stereo broadcasts.
The TV boom of the 1950s negatively affected cinemas, reducing pressure on Bang & Olufsen’s sound engineers. Nevertheless, their passion for high-class sound reproduction remained strong.
By the 1950s, the team had developed stereo systems for Cinema-Scope installations and contributed to Denmark’s first stereophonic radio transmissions.
In the early 1960s, as the development of High Fidelity gained momentum in the US, Bang & Olufsen set its sights on the emerging European Hi-Fi market. Under the leadership of chief engineer Nikolaj Krebs Sørensen, the team began developing the BeoLab 5000 series to create the world’s most perfect hi-fi system.
The BeoLab 5000 featured an ultra-selective tuner and a powerful, distortion-free amplifier offering 2 x 60 watts—qualities never seen before. The design was equally groundbreaking.
Jacob Jensen and his assistant, David Lewis, designed new linear controls resembling a slide rule bar, enhancing precision. This design approach initiated the era of the slide rule bar motif.
They also redefined the Hi-Fi module handles and transformed standard gold panels into extruded natural anodized aluminum.
The BeoLab 5000 became not just Bang & Olufsen’s flagship product but also inspired more affordable versions like the Beomaster 1200 and 3000.
Competitors were compelled to follow suit as the linear slides replaced traditional knobs, continuing the evolution until the mechanical grips were replaced by the electronic ‘easy touch’ controls of the Beomaster 1900.
Type Numbers: 5303 (1969 – Dec 1972)
Designer: Jacob Jensen
Manufactured: 1967 – 1972
Colour Options: Rosewood, Teak
Technical Specifications
Power Output: 2 x 60W
Speaker Impedance: 4 ohms
Frequency Range: 20 – 20,000 Hz (+/- 1.5 dB)
Distortion: 0.2%
Intermodulation: 1%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
-90 dB < 60W
-58 dB < 50 mW
Bass Control
+/- 17 dB at 50 Hz
Treble Contron
+/- 14 dB at 10 kHz
Outputs
Power Supply
110 – 130V, 220 – 240V
Power Consumption
45 – 325W
Dimensions (W x H x D)
47 x 10 x 25 cm
Weight
10.4 kg
Inputs
DIN, MIC DIN
Phono High (DIN – RCA)
Phono Low (DIN – RCA)
Tuner High (DIN – RCA)
Tuner Low (DIN – RCA)
AUX (DIN – RCA)
Tape (DIN – RCA)
Beolab 5000 (1969) service manual can be downloaded here for free.
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