As more and more content becomes digital today, most of our consumption happens through our smartphones. We listen to music being streamed from the cloud and even force ourselves to enjoy videos with subtitles on screens not much larger than our hands. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this lifestyle, especially for people on the go, it takes away some of the elements that make those activities special on their own. For example, you will sometimes miss out on the visual and tangible aspects of owning products designed specifically to make those activities enjoyable and memorable, making listening to music almost mechanical and rote. This concept design for a beautiful Hi-Fi system tries to bring back some of that joy, and it takes inspiration from some of the best creative minds in the industry.
Designer: Hans Baerholm
Bang & Olufsen isn’t just famous for its audio expertise that now permeates many sound systems, including those in cars and phones. The marque has been known for decades for its design acumen, skillfully integrating audio systems into beautiful forms that stood the test of time and fads. The Beogram 4000 turntable and Beomaster 6000 4ch receiver, for example, carry a classic design that embodies minimalist aesthetics and principles that have become en vogue today. Unsurprisingly, these two have served as the foundations for a reimagining of that product line, aptly called the Beogram Remaster.
Rather than just a single piece of equipment, the Beogram Remaster is actually a set that completes a whole audio system designed to bring back the pleasure of listening to music that isn’t beholden to a small pocket computer. More than just distinct pieces of hardware, however, the B&O-inspired “Remaster” has a harmonious visual identity that builds upon the B&O DNA but also tweaks it a bit for more modern tastes.
The turntable, for example, sports the same distinctive slits that radiate from the middle as the original Beogram 4000. This time, however, the plate is more subdued and blends almost seamlessly with the rest of the turntable’s surface. The tonearm is a simpler but larger rectangular block that belies its special talent. It is driven by a linear motor, allowing the turntable to be mounted vertically on a wall. In fact, almost every piece of the Beogram Remaster collection could be mounted in the same way, creating wall art that is also functional at the same time.
The receiver also hides its modern nature beneath its classic appearance. Unlike the original, it can integrate more than just radio stations and DAB. It can also receive streams and podcasts from the Internet and most likely from your phone as well. It is an all-around receiver that handles anything and everything available today, all wrapped in a design that similarly blends the past and the present.
More than just a nod to past designs, the Beogram Remaster is a call to enjoy the act of listening in its pure form. One that doesn’t involve a smartphone or at least doesn’t put the smartphone in charge. The Remaster stays faithful to the design language that brought Bang & Olufsen to fame while also delivering the amenities of modern life. It is, in essence, a testament to the timelessness of good design, whether it’s playing traditional radio music or a Spotify playlist.
