Bang & Olufsen (B&O) is a premium Danish consumer electronics company known for its high-end audio products, television sets, and telephones. Founded in 1925 by Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen in Struer, Denmark, the company has established itself as a symbol of luxury and innovation in the electronics industry.

Early History

1925: Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen, two young engineers with a passion for radio technology, founded Bang & Olufsen. They started their business in the attic of the Olufsen family home, focusing on the development of quality radio equipment.

1927: The company's first significant product was the Eliminator, which allowed radios to be powered directly from the mains electricity rather than batteries. This invention marked a turning point for the company, showcasing its ability to innovate and solve practical problems.

1930s: B&O continued to innovate with the development of the first mass-produced radio with push-button controls, the Hyperbo, in 1934. This period also saw the company expanding its product range to include amplifiers and loudspeakers.

World War II and Post-War Expansion

1940s: The factory in Struer was destroyed by the Nazis in 1945 as a reprisal for the company's refusal to cooperate with the German occupation. Despite this setback, B&O quickly rebuilt and resumed production, focusing on developing new and advanced technologies.

1950s: This decade marked the beginning of B&O's emphasis on design, with the introduction of the Beolit 39, a radio that combined innovative technology with sleek, modern aesthetics. B&O began collaborating with leading designers, establishing a tradition of creating products that were not only technologically advanced but also visually appealing.

Design and Innovation Era

1960s: The 1960s were a transformative period for B&O, characterized by significant advancements in product design and technology. The company introduced the Beomaster 900, a high-fidelity stereo receiver that became one of its most iconic products. This era also saw the introduction of the Beogram 1000 turntable, which featured a unique design and superior sound quality.

1970s: B&O continued to push the boundaries of design and innovation with the Beolab 5000, a modular hi-fi system that allowed users to customize their audio experience. The Beocord 5000 tape recorder and Beogram 4000 turntable, with their cutting-edge technology and striking design, further cemented B&O's reputation for excellence.

1980s: The 1980s saw B&O expanding its product range to include televisions, with the introduction of the Beovision 6000. This television set was notable for its advanced technology and minimalist design. The company also introduced the Beosystem 2500, a complete audio system that integrated a CD player, tape deck, and radio tuner in a sleek, compact design.

Digital Age and Modern Innovations

1990s: B&O embraced the digital age with the introduction of the BeoSound 9000, a six-CD changer that featured a unique vertical design and automatic disc recognition. This period also saw the launch of the BeoVision Avant, a television that combined cutting-edge technology with exceptional design.

2000s: The new millennium brought further innovations, including the BeoLab 5, a state-of-the-art loudspeaker with built-in digital signal processing and adaptive bass control. B&O also introduced the BeoSound 5, a digital music system that allowed users to access and manage their music collections with ease.

2010s: In response to changing consumer preferences, B&O began focusing on wireless and portable audio solutions. The BeoPlay line, launched in 2012, featured products like the BeoPlay A9, a wireless speaker with a distinctive circular design, and the BeoPlay H6 headphones, which combined superior sound quality with premium materials and craftsmanship.

Best Equipment

Beogram 4000 Turntable (1972): The Beogram 4000 is one of B&O's most iconic turntables, known for its tangential tracking tonearm and elegant design. It set new standards for sound quality and precision in vinyl playback.

BeoSound 9000 CD Player (1996): This six-CD changer is celebrated for its vertical design and innovative disc-handling mechanism. The BeoSound 9000 is a perfect blend of form and function, reflecting B&O's commitment to aesthetic excellence and technological innovation.

BeoVision Avant (1995): The BeoVision Avant was a revolutionary television that featured a motorized stand, allowing the screen to swivel to the perfect viewing angle at the touch of a button. Its sleek design and superior picture quality made it a standout product in B&O's lineup.

BeoLab 5 Loudspeakers (2003): These high-end loudspeakers are renowned for their exceptional sound quality and advanced features, including adaptive bass control and built-in digital signal processing. The BeoLab 5 represents the pinnacle of B&O's audio engineering.

BeoPlay A9 (2012): A modern wireless speaker with a distinctive circular design, the BeoPlay A9 is both a piece of high-quality audio equipment and a statement piece of interior design. Its powerful sound and versatile connectivity options make it a popular choice for contemporary music lovers.

BeoSound Shape (2017): This modular wall-mounted speaker system is designed to deliver immersive sound while doubling as an art installation. The BeoSound Shape reflects B&O's commitment to integrating technology seamlessly into modern living spaces.

Continued Excellence

Bang & Olufsen's journey from a small start-up in Denmark to a global icon of luxury and innovation is marked by a series of groundbreaking products that blend superior technology with cutting-edge design. With a legacy of nearly a century, B&O continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of audio and visual technology, maintaining its status as a leader in the high-end consumer electronics market.