I think I can help with a little history of Tandberg(from Norway).It was founded in 1933 by Vebjorn Tandberg.They started making speakers for cinemas.But soon they began making radio's(recievers).They got quite famous for their reel-to-reel tape-recorders in the 1960's.
In the early seventies the cassette-deck was the new thing.Tandberg wasn't satisfied with the tape-heads on the market,so they build their own tape-head factory.I remember when I was in school(1973-1983) we had Tandberg taperecorders.Probably because of the good quality.It could stand anyone who had no idea about taperecorders(teachers and pupils....: )
They began to produce bigger recievers.Their first 'big one' is the TR1000((2 x 35 Watt/8 Ohm)-10,20,40 & 55),wich came in 1972.In the late 1974 the TR2025(25 W),2040(40 W) and TR2075(75 W) came.The TR2055(55 W) came AFTER (1977) the three I just mentioned.
In 1978 the new generation of TR2000 came(TR2030,2045,2060 & 2080). Tandberg went bankrupt around x-mas 1978,for the first time,but not the last time.
They realized that recievers was not what people wanted anymore,and they created the 3000-series.First TIA3012.A pre-amp as well(TCA3002) and the power-amp(TPA3003=100 Watt/8 Ohm).The black alloy and the way it was designed to be put on top of eachother was a way to appeal to the americans,by the way: )Sometimes you will see it in silver,but black is the most widespread colour.To go with the amplifiers Tandberg made one of the best tuners ever made on this planet:TPT3001.It is still legendary and often I see it on eBay for more than a thousand dollars.....Theres a smaller one(TPT3011).I had the pleasure of owning one,once.....a beauty!!: )
Ofcourse there was still tape-recorders.A legend is TCD3014 with i/r remote control.A great machine.I had one in my younger days.Cd recorded on this machine,sounded a lot better than from my cd-player(also a Tandberg TCD3015A).
Tandberg made big equipment,mostly for home-use.They made mono-amplifiers(TPA3009A) fx.It was 1 x 180 Watt/8 Ohm.I had this set of amplifiers,and I don't believe it will ever get better than that!: )The biggest amplifier they ever made was TPA3016 A.It delivers 220 Watt-stereo/8 Ohm. It's from the late 1980's.At this time they also made their last reciever,a TR3080.It's a digital tuner and with 100 Watt and remote control.It was never a hit among costumors.The concept 'reciever' couldn't sell.A few times between late 1980's and lte 1990's they went bankrupt.The norwegian government coughed up money.....loads of money.
Tandberg tried once more in the 1990's and produced the 4000-series.I don't know much about it.Not many was produced.But it is possible to get pre-,amplifier,tuner and cd in the 4000-series.And I've heard a lot of good about it.
Tandberg has produced a lot of good speakers.Especially the Studio Monitor's. I've got a pair of them.Never heard anything like it!: )Mine is 32 years old,but they look and sound like they were made yesterday.Truly amazing.But also smaller speakers from Tandberg are great.A small 6-sided speaker is worth owning.The name is Fasett.Place it on the floor and hifi will never mean the same........: )That little speaker will amaze anyone listening to it.I am pretty sure that this goes for TL5020 and TL3520 too.
Tandberg didn't make their own turntables for the last 30 years.They had two models of Thorens(TD150) and just put on the name 'Tandberg'(TT150/TT500).The last one they 'made' was TT5000(1977).It is,as well as I know,a Dual turntable.I have it here,hooked up to the rest of my 100% Tandberg stereo: )
Vebjorn Tandberg remained single throughout his life.The conditions he gave his workers was a lot better than what the unions demanded........ He 'retired' in april 1974.He still took his rounds in the factories a few years after he retired.At the end,the management got fed up with him,and he was no longer welcome.Early autumn 1976 he was found dead in his car in the garrage,with a hose from the exhaust-pipe into the car.
I must say that I'm amazed on a daily basis here.Turn on my Tandberg TR2075,my TCD3015A(cd),my TCD310 and my TCD330(both cass.) and my TT5000(turntable)......hooked up with my Tandberg Studio Monitor's........it is pure joy and pleasure.And I know of nowhere it sounds better than in my own livingroom.Nice to know: )
