Hidden among the sterile, surreal environment of Severance‘s latest episode lies a rare turntable with a history as intriguing as the show itself.
A vintage PCS 5 turntable makes a cameo in the seventh episode of Severance‘s second season, titled “Chikhai Bardo.” Encased in a sleek wall unit, it encapsulates the timeless brilliance of Dieter Rams, the German industrial designer whose work shaped some of the 20th century’s most celebrated consumer electronics and heavily influenced companies like Apple.
Known for his minimalist ethos, Rams in the early-1960s developed the Vitsoe 606 shelving system, which anchors the turntable, for Braun. Its journey to the dystopian halls of Lumon Industries involved BASA, a vintage furniture and hi-fi company that not only sourced the system, but also ensured its functional authenticity for Severance. The show’s producers purchased it from BASA back in 2023 and its installation and testing took over two years, the organization said.
The full setup includes Braun’s TG60 tape recorder as well as L450 speakers and a TS45 amplifier. However, its pièce de résistance is Rams’ PCS 5 turntable, a relic of a bygone era that was far ahead of its time.
This iconic piece of audio equipment, originally developed by Rams in 1962, embodies his philosophy of “less, but better.” Crafted with a blend of enameled steel, chrome-plated steel, lacquered wood and aluminum, the turntable and its elegant, utilitarian design reflect Rams’ commitment to making products that marry beauty with function—principles that still resonate in design today.
Back then, the PCS 5 retailed for 658 Deutsche Marks, equivalent to between $1,500 and $2,000 in today’s money when adjusted for inflation. It now exists as a prized object for audiophiles and fans of mid-century modern design.
Meanwhile in 2025, the second season of Severance is breaking records after toppling Ted Lasso as the most-watched series globally on Apple TV+. The brilliant sci-fi show has amassed over 600 million minutes of viewership in the U.S. over all existing episodes, ballooning subscriptions by 126%, according to data released by the streaming service.
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