How it all started

Bang & Olufsen’s existence has always been and continues to be based on the initiatives of innovative, tenacious and ambitious people. In short, people who believe that to create is to live.

It all began on 17 November 1925 with a fully paid-up share capital of DKK 10,000. DKK 4,000 was owned by Peter Bang, DKK 4,000 by Svend Olufsen and DKK 1,000 by each of their fathers. Thus equipped with capital, the two young engineers could embark on an era in Danish electronics history that would prove to be something of an adventure. Together they founded the company that would become internationally renowned for its design icons and exceptional sound and image quality. Today, Bang & Olufsen A/S is known around the world for its exclusive TVs, music systems and speakers – products that combine technological sophistication, emotional appeal and outstanding design.

In addition to home entertainment products, Bang & amp; Olufsen also applies its acoustics and design expertise to the automotive industry, working with leading brands to develop advanced sound systems for various exclusive models.

95 years of magic – A walk down memory lane

A dialogue between past and present

Ever since Bang & Olufsen launched its first product in 1925, classic design has shaped the visionary line of the brand. Here, we’ve collected some of our most iconic products over the years. You might recognise some of them.

1939

Beolit 39

Beolit 39 was the first of a series of radios from Bang & Olufsen, introducing the new product names starting with Beo. The inspiration for the innovative, organically shaped bakelite radio comes from the dashboard of a Buick. The name of this icon was also the inspiration when Bang & amp; Olufsen launched their category of products for a life on the go back in 2012 with Beolit 12.

1959

Beovision Capri TV

The elegant 17″ fixed-leg teak television was one of a series of televisions inspired by the expression, materials and form of the Danish Modern design movement. The long legs, rounded corners and slightly slanted grey screen in front of the picture tube were a big step towards a more minimalist look.

1972

Beogram 4000

This turntable, designed by Jacob Jensen, was a landmark technological achievement. Part of what made the turntable stand out was the innovative use of a tone arm that moved tangentially rather than diagonally, reproducing the sound the way it was recorded. The unique suspension absorbed horizontal vibrations from the environment, making the Beogram 4000 more “dance-proof” than other turntables on the market. Beogram 400 was hailed at the MoMa design exhibition for its stylish combination of teak and aluminium along with its innovative functionality.

1976

Beomaster 1900

This radio receiver and amplifier, designed by Jacob Jensen, was groundbreaking and challenged the industry with its touch-sensitive opening and closing and easily accessible primary functions as well as hidden secondary functions. It is part of the MoMa’s permanent exhibition and won an ID Award in 1976.

1985

Beovision MX2000

Beovision MX2000, designed by David Lewis, was a completely different type of television. Visually, the television was remarkable for its contrast screen, and technically it had been given stereo sound, automatic channel search and an advanced remote control. The reclining design, which could be placed on the floor or a table, gave the television a more informal look.

1986

Beocenter 9000

This cassette recorder, CD player and radio, designed by Jacob Jensen, was a further development of the Beomaster 1900 by the same designer. It was not only the mirror-finish aluminium and glass surface that made it avant-garde, but also the easy-touch fields on the glass panels and the hidden functions that were only visible when changing CDs or cassette tapes.

1996

Beosound 9000

This standing version of the Beosound 9000, designed by David Lewis, is a perfect example of the innovation, technology and movement of Bang & Olufsen’s previous products. The six-CD changer is the world’s fastest. If allowed to continue accelerating, it would reach 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, the acceleration of a modern sports car.

2003

Beosound 3200

This classic radio and CD player, designed by David Lewis and also known as the Beosound Ouverture, was launched in the early 90s and marked a new era in design, emphasising the function of the product. It was the first time ever that CDs were played vertically, allowing the product to be wall-mounted. The glass doors respond to a hand movement and open automatically to reveal the control buttons at the bottom.

Beosound A1 Grey Mist - Bluetooth højttaler

2016

Beoplay A1

The shape itself, the flat cylinder, was agreed upon very early in the process. It had to be soft and nice to the touch, as you handle it a lot. It needs to come out of the bag, go into the bag, and hang loosely. It gives it a patina of character to be used in everyday life.

Buy Beosound A1 2nd Gen.

2018

Beosound Edge

Beosound Edge, designed by Michael Anastassiades, is a minimalist, simple unbroken circle designed for intuitive touch and movement, delivering immersive crystal clear sound. The sophisticated wireless speaker rolls effortlessly and features the world’s first Active Bass Port.

Buy Beosound Edge

2019

Beovision Harmony

This television, designed by Torsten Valeur, is a whole new experience in sound and image: a carefully choreographed combination of magical movement and acoustic clarity, moving images and human-centred design. Sound, craftsmanship and design merge in this new visionary television. Behind the elegantly crafted oak and aluminium fronts is advanced technology, manually fine-tuned to reproduce every detail of music and sound.

Buy Beovision Harmony

How it all started

95 years of magic – A walk down memory lane

A dialogue between past and present

1934

Hyperbo 5 RG Steel

This very early audio furniture, designed by Bang & Olufsen, was ahead of its time and a true example of design history. It was inspired by the Bauhaus movement and founder Peter Bang’s Marcel Breuer desk chair, and very few were produced.

1939

Beolit 39

1959

Beovision Capri TV

1972

Beogram 4000

1976

Beomaster 1900

1984

Beovox CX 100

These classic passive speakers, designed by Jacob Jensen, are among the most successful in Bang & Olufsen’s history and were produced until the end of 2003. The clean design with aluminium cabinet and black fabric is at once timeless and retro.

1985

Beovision MX2000

1986

Beocenter 9000

1996

Beosound 9000

1998

Beocom 6000

This cordless phone with its curved profile and simple shape was designed by Henrik Sørig Thomsen. It has a pioneering wheel that made it possible to have multiple lists of last called and saved numbers that you could easily scroll through. A wall or table charger was included.

2003

Beosound 3200

2012

Beoplay A9

This round powerful all-in-one music system, designed by Øivind Alexander Slaatto, is a multiroom speaker created as a piece of furniture. The speaker, with its beautiful fabric, decorative aluminium ring and wooden legs, can be adapted to any interior.

2015

Beoplay A2

This take-anywhere product was designed by Cecilie Manz and weighs just 1.1kg. It’s designed to be lightweight and portable without compromising sound quality. The speaker is made from extruded aluminium, has a quality leather strap for easy carrying and the sound comes out from both sides.