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 modern wall unit, it encapsulates the timeless brilliance of Dieter Rams, the German industrial designer whose work formed among the twentieth century’s most celebrated client electronics and closely influenced firms like Apple.
Identified for his minimalist ethos, Rams within the early-Nineteen Sixties developed the Vitsœ 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 additionally ensured its useful 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 stated.
The total setup consists of 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 tools, 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 perform—rules that also resonate in design right this moment.
Again then, the PCS 5 retailed for 658 Deutsche Marks, equal to between $1,500 and $2,000 in right this moment’s cash when adjusted for inflation. It now exists as a prized object for audiophiles and followers of mid-century trendy design.
In the meantime in 2025, the second season of Severance is breaking information 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 keeping with information launched by the streaming service.
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