The ITT Schaub-Lorenz Stereo 5500 HiFi Cassette all-in-one music center, released in 1973, exemplifies the era's pursuit of integrated audio solutions, combining a tuner, amplifier, and cassette recorder into a cohesive unit. This music center was manufactured in Germany to offer users a comprehensive and versatile listening experience. The ITT Stereo 5500 exudes the classic aesthetic of the 1970s, with a sleek cabinet typical of high-end audio equipment. Its bookshelf form factor, 630 x 100 x 290 mm dimensions, makes it suitable for various home environments. The front panel features a clean layout with intuitive controls, including knobs for volume, balance, and tone adjustment, as well as buttons for selecting input sources and speaker configurations. One of the standout features of the Stereo 5500 is its ability to connect up to four external speakers, allowing for stereo playback in two separate rooms simultaneously or an enhanced four-dimensional sound experience in a single room. By positioning two speakers in front and two behind the listener, the system could simulate the immersive acoustics of a concert hall, complete with reflected and diffused sound. An impressive 2 x 45 watts output delivers ample power for a rich and dynamic sound experience. The frequency response spans from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, accommodating the full range of human hearing. The integrated cassette recorder provides the convenience of creating personalized music programs, while the tuner offers access to various radio broadcasts. The system accommodated various audio sources, including record players with magnetic or crystal pickups and external tape recorders. This flexibility made it a central component of any home audio setup. The tuner supported stereo FM broadcasts and included a convenient preset function for up to five stations. The automatic stereo decoding and threshold-value limiter ensured optimal sound quality, even in areas with weaker signals. The system’s ability to reproduce detailed highs, rich mids, and deep bass made it a favorite among audiophiles. Whether playing vinyl records, cassette tapes, or FM radio, the Stereo 5500 delivered a warm and immersive listening experience.
Especially the GDR took over such design, and there was a difference between devices for export to non-socialistic countries and the ones for the owners in the GDR. B&O ( by the way danish ) never could be copied, there was no material enough and not enough resources to change the sequence of production. I like the puristic design of B&O - it has his own language.
