Beolit 400 was one of a new variety of Beolit transportable radios which was introduced in 1970. The portable radio delivered 1W of music power and covered FM only. It was a simplified version of Beolit 600 and so was lacking a tape recorder/record deck connector as well as band selector switches.
Its performance was outstanding helped by AFC and offered good sound with low distortion. It came with its battery compartment but could be connected to the mains if desired.
Accurate tuning was by way of a transparent plastic pointer, similar to that of a slide rule, which could be made to slide across the top of the unit to tune into different radio stations. There were small metal ball-bearing ‘markers’ which could be positioned within the top groove to act as references for frequently-used stations.
It came with a wide variety of exterior colors to allow it to blend into one’s décor more easily which could be easily clipped on and off.
It was replaced by Beolit 505.
Bang & Olufsen with Jacob Jensen were given 1971 iF Design Award for their design of the Beolit 400, and it was included within New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Design Collection in 1972.
The UK price at the time of its release in July 1971 was 28.90 GBP.
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