Hidden among the many sterile, surreal surroundings of Severance‘s newest episode lies a uncommon turntable with a historical past as intriguing because the present itself.
A classic PCS 5 turntable makes a cameo within the seventh episode of Severance‘s second season, titled “Chikhai Bardo.” Encased in a smooth wall unit, it encapsulates the timeless brilliance of Dieter Rams, the German industrial designer whose work formed a few of the twentieth century’s most celebrated shopper electronics and closely influenced firms like Apple.
Recognized for his minimalist ethos, Rams within the early-Sixties developed the Vitsoe 606 shelving system, which anchors the turntable, for Braun. Its journey to the dystopian halls of Lumon Industries concerned BASA, a classic furnishings and hi-fi firm that not solely sourced the system, but in addition ensured its purposeful authenticity for Severance. The present’s producers bought it from BASA again in 2023 and its set up and testing took over two years, the group mentioned.
The complete setup contains Braun’s TG60 tape recorder in addition to L450 audio system and a TS45 amplifier. Nonetheless, its pièce de résistance is Rams’ PCS 5 turntable, a relic of a bygone period that was far forward of its time.
This iconic piece of audio gear, initially developed by Rams in 1962, embodies his philosophy of “much less, however higher.” Crafted with a mix of enameled metal, chrome-plated metal, lacquered wooden and aluminum, the turntable and its elegant, utilitarian design replicate Rams’ dedication to creating merchandise that marry magnificence with operate—rules that also resonate in design in the present day.
Again then, the PCS 5 retailed for 658 Deutsche Marks, equal to between $1,500 and $2,000 in in the present day’s cash when adjusted for inflation. It now exists as a prized object for audiophiles and followers of mid-century fashionable design.
In the meantime in 2025, the second season of Severance is breaking data after toppling Ted Lasso because the most-watched collection globally on Apple TV+. The sensible sci-fi present has amassed over 600 million minutes of viewership within the U.S. over all current episodes, ballooning subscriptions by 126%, in response to knowledge launched by the streaming service.
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