The Bang & Olufsen Beosystem 72-22 is A Very Expensive Bit of Nostalgia

Bang & Olufsen have done a fantastic job over the past two years reinventing the brand; we’ve had nothing but praise for their range of wireless loudspeakers and headphones which have proven to be more than just fancy looking boxes. The Bang & Olufsen Beosystem 72-22 is a huge bit of nostalgia with a focus on both vinyl playback and powered loudspeakers. It also comes with a rather frightening price tag.

Bang & Olufsen is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its classic Beogram 4000 Series Turntables with the release of the limited edition (only 30 units available for the U.S. and Canada) Bang & Olufsen Beosystem 72-22.

The price? Just a modest $45,000 USD.

What You Get

If you can get past the price, here is what the Beosystem 72-22 provides.

Beogram 4000 Series Turntable: A recreated version of the Beogram 4000 Series turntable originally designed by Jacob Jensen in 1972.

Read our previous report on the recreated Beogram 4000c for more details.

Beolab 18 Stereo Speakers: The Beolab 18 speaker set (normally $11,000 a pair) are powered speakers that can be used in both wired and wireless systems (including WiSA systems). In the 72-22 system, the Beolab 18 is connected to the Beogram 4000 turntable via wireless connection to the system hub (Beosound Core). Since the speakers have their own built-in amps, no added receiver or integrated amplifier is required.

The system combines a walnut finish with a pearl-blasted, titanium tone anodized aluminum finish.

Tip: If you want to dig deeper into your wallet you can substitute the Beolab 18 speakers for the Beolab 28 ($16,500/pr) or Beolab 50 ($40,000/pr). This means that the Beolab 28 adds $5,500 to the price of the system, while the Beolab 50 adds $29,000.

Beoremote Halo Remote Control: The Halo includes a battery, so you use it around the house. It can be charged via USB-C or wirelessly with the Beoplay Charging Pad. With no further installation required, the Halo directly connects to compatible Bang & Olufsen wireless speakers or the Beosound Core. You can then play your favorite music from compatible sources with one touch.

Besound Core: The Beosond Core is the central hub that includes all the wired and wireless connectivity that may be needed.

• 1 x USB-C (for power via external power supply)
• 1 x Power Link socket (RJ45) with two channels 
• 1 x Line-in (analogue & digital combo) with sensing 
• 1 x Ethernet 10/100 Mbit/s 
• 1 x Wi-Fi
• 1 x Toslink digital sound out 
• 1 x USB (for Connection to the BeoSound Shape – if you are using that speaker system)

Streaming Support

• Chromecast built-in
• Apple AirPlay
• Bluetooth
• DLNA – DMR
• Spotify Connect
• Deezer
• Tunein Internet Radio

The Cabinet 

The box that the turntable, halo remote, and Beosound Core come in, once unpacked, is also a cabinet that serves as the turntable stand with plenty of room to store records. In fact, four records are included as gift:

• David Bowie: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
• Paul Simon: Debut Solo Album
• Allman Bros Band: Eat a Peach
• Carly Simon: No Secrets

Availability and Pricing

The Beosystem 72-22 is available only in North America, exclusively through Bang & Olufsen stores. As mentioned at the top of the article, the pre-packaged price is $45,000. Only 30 will be sold.

The Beosystem 72-22 includes:

• Recreated Beogram 4000c turntable
• Beolab 18 loudspeakers (pair)
• Beoremote Halo
• Beosound Core
• Cabinet
• 4 Records