ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
Hello all,
I am totally new in Beoworld and does not so much about Bang Olufsen products.
But recently I sold my Linn Majik DSI plus Ninka speakers and started to find some replacements.
The reason why I sold my really good Hifi system is due to
1. The sound from the speak when watching movie is not attractive.
2. Linn K600 cables are too thick and look not tidy in the apartment.
3. The speak does not look so modern and appealing.
Therefore accidentally I found Beolab 8000 by its luxury design and astonishing look.
By diving in the forum of Beoworld, it is known that Beolab 8000 is not good at bass which people suggests Beolab 2/11. I am afraid that it is over my budget. Then I found Beolab Penta which I found the price is quite similar in the second hand market. But the appearance is a bit less attractive. Since I will connect to Sonos connect, I am worried that the display of Beolab Penta will not work at all.
My desire points of my new system:
1. Suitable for movie and music, music performance should be close to Hifi system
2. Nice, modern appearance
3. Possible to connect to Sonos Connect or Bluesound Node 2 since I want to stream my music through airplay wirelessly.
A lot of things are personal and subjective and relative, so any comments are welcome.
Best Regards,Bincheng
"You think we can slap some oak on this thing?"
Hello,
I will use it for my living room, it is around 5m*5m.
Beolab 9 | Beolab 8000 | Beolab 6000 | Beolab 2 | Beolab 3 | Beosound 9000 | Beoplay A9 | Beomaster 8000 | Beovox M75, / S75, / S45.2
Thanks for sharing your experience. It is beneficial for me to make a decision.
I understand your thinking here. And the need for the system is quite similar to mine.
1. Sonos connect does not have sub output so Bluesound node 2 is an option. What Yamaha system do you have? I would like to have the wireless solution
2. Beolab 8000 + Beolab 2 is what I imagine the system in my mind but never have the chance to listen to it. I even never listen to Beolab 8000 before and I was impressed by its design. It looks so cool and morden.
By the way, before diving in B&O system, I was looking into Naim Mu-So which looks beautiful too with 400 W which produce good sound.
Howzit:Hi Bincheng, I recently completed a new set up for my living room. I am connecting to a Yamaha, and in your case, a Sonos. I also wanted a high quality system for both music and especially for movies. After much thought, work, and planning, I ended up with Beolab 8000. The bass is actually not bad, but for movies, a subwoofer would complete the system. I would recommend that you get a set of Beolab 8000. Later on, you will be able to get a Beolab 2. While your budget is currently limited, you can always add the Beolab 2 later on, even if it takes a year. The audio system is work that will never finish! The reason I recommend the beolab 8000 is really because it’s design will never go out of style. You can later move it to another room or bedroom if you ever change out your sitting room setup. It’s simply a set of speakers you can keep for a very long time into the future. The sound quality is pretty good, but if the smaller bass is not tolerable for you, you can always use a cheaper subwoofer while you save up for a Beolab 2. I used a B&W ASW2500 for a while, and actually kept it as part of my system since it sounds much better than a Beolab 2 after I got the Beolab 2. That’s the good part about connecting to a none B&O source, you can use any subwoofer you like!
I recently completed a new set up for my living room.
I am connecting to a Yamaha, and in your case, a Sonos. I also wanted a high quality system for both music and especially for movies.
After much thought, work, and planning, I ended up with Beolab 8000. The bass is actually not bad, but for movies, a subwoofer would complete the system.
I would recommend that you get a set of Beolab 8000. Later on, you will be able to get a Beolab 2. While your budget is currently limited, you can always add the Beolab 2 later on, even if it takes a year. The audio system is work that will never finish!
The reason I recommend the beolab 8000 is really because it’s design will never go out of style. You can later move it to another room or bedroom if you ever change out your sitting room setup. It’s simply a set of speakers you can keep for a very long time into the future. The sound quality is pretty good, but if the smaller bass is not tolerable for you, you can always use a cheaper subwoofer while you save up for a Beolab 2. I used a B&W ASW2500 for a while, and actually kept it as part of my system since it sounds much better than a Beolab 2 after I got the Beolab 2. That’s the good part about connecting to a none B&O source, you can use any subwoofer you like!
Thanks for your remind. I have read those info in some posts but dont know if it is common for old Hifi system or it is unique for Beolab 8000.
leogoeswild:Not to dis or anything, but he should be informed about the issue with the Beolab 8000 when aging. Repairing it yourself takes some skill.
Repairing it yourself takes some skill.
Game of Thrones, the Americans etc.
Music: Pop (Norah Jones etc), Jazz, Hip-hop (Eminem etc)
leogoeswild:Also you say movie and music. What kind of movies and what kind of music?
I have never owned a pair of Pentas and can't remember how they sound so not able to comment on these specifically. However, I have owned a pair of Mk 1 and Mk 2 BeoLab 8000s with a BeoLab 2 sub and I was extremely satisfied with the look and sound reproduction of this setup for movies and for music. I only used the sub with movies.
As a design statement, together they looked and still to this day look very modern and contemporary adding a real statement to whichever room they are placed in. I was more than happy with the sub for bass; in fact,i t was far too overpowering on many occasions but in a good way, I just didn't make use of it to that depth.
As for the BL8000s when playing music, well to my ears they produced a truly wonderful sound and I was often blown away by them. I would therefore wholeheartedly recommend such a setup. All the best and what a fantastic position to be in. Enjoy whichever route you choose, I am sure you'll be so happy either way. Simon.
B&O products are V1-32, BS2, H95, E8 and an Essence remote.11-46 now replaced with Sony A90J 65”, Sony HT-A9, Sony UBP-X800M2 and Sony SRS-NS7.
Hello Simon,
Thanks for your good comments.
I just called local repair store and had a chat with them.
The guy suggests to use Beolab 8000 + one Beolab 2 + Beosound core. Beosound core has wireless connection and connect the Beolab2. Then from Beolab 2, one connects two Beolab 8000. But this system is above my budget, especially Beosound core which is hard to find in the second hand market. It means that I need to buy the new one. I was thinking to have sonos connect but it lacks sub output. Bluesound node 2 is an option. How do you set up your system? How to connect the whole system for movie and music? I am interested in the detail setup here. ^-^
By the way, what is the difference between MK1 and MK2 in your opinion?
BAND'OH!: I have never owned a pair of Pentas and can't remember how they sound so not able to comment on these specifically. However, I have owned a pair of Mk 1 and Mk 2 BeoLab 8000s with a BeoLab 2 sub and I was extremely satisfied with the look and sound reproduction of this setup for movies and for music. I only used the sub with movies. As a design statement, together they looked and still to this day look very modern and contemporary adding a real statement to whichever room they are placed in. I was more than happy with the sub for bass; in fact,i t was far too overpowering on many occasions but in a good way, I just didn't make use of it to that depth. As for the BL8000s when playing music, well to my ears they produced a truly wonderful sound and I was often blown away by them. I would therefore wholeheartedly recommend such a setup. All the best and what a fantastic position to be in. Enjoy whichever route you choose, I am sure you'll be so happy either way. Simon.
Regards
Kiran
Born in NL; I ride ML
Hello Kiran,
I use iMac or phone to stream music wirelessly. At least, this is what I like to play music.
I have looked airport express solution, then you will connect 3.5 mm socket to RCA inputs in Beolab 8000. I am not sure the quality of sound in this setup.
TV only has coax output but I may upgrade my TV.
Kiran:Why do you need the core? How do you listen to music? If it’s streamed from your mobile or tablet then why don’t you buy an apple airport express and use this as airplay? Or chromecast audio... The speakers obviously need to be connected to the TV as you want to enjoy your movies... Your TV needs some sort of input for the streamers (airplay, chromecast)... What TV do you have?...
How do you listen to music? If it’s streamed from your mobile or tablet then why don’t you buy an apple airport express and use this as airplay? Or chromecast audio...
The speakers obviously need to be connected to the TV as you want to enjoy your movies...
Your TV needs some sort of input for the streamers (airplay, chromecast)...
What TV do you have?...
bincheng:I have looked airport express solution, then you will connect 3.5 mm socket to RCA inputs in Beolab 8000. I am not sure the quality of sound in this setup.
Do you use 3.5 mm to rca cable?
bincheng:Do you use 3.5 mm to rca cable?
Allright.
I dont have NL/ML and a bit confused about all the setting here.
Both the Pentas and BL-8000s are great speakers. I own both and have had them for well over 20 years. The Pentas will give you adequate bass but are not as crisp on the high frequencies like the BL-8000. Of course, a pair of BL-8000 paired with a Beolab 2 or Beolab 11 subwoofer would take care of the bass. One member indicated that there are problems with the BL-8000s as they age. I'm not sure what he means by that, as I have owned mine since 1993 and one needed a new transformer at one point, but that is not a common issue. The smaller BL-6000s have a known issue with foam rot around the woofers. I had to perform this repair on my BL-6000 speakers a few years ago but never experienced this problem with the 8000s, which I have owned for years longer. My Pentas have been problem-free since 1996.
Also, Pentas have a fragile, stainless steel finish. They can be easily dented and show every fingerprint. Personally, I think the BL-8000 is a more iconic and timeless design and is my all-around favorite.
BeoLab 5, BeoVision 7-55 MK2, BeoSound 5 Encore, BeoSound 9000, BeoLab Penta III, BeoLab 8000, BeoLab 6000, BeoLab 2, BeoLab 7-6, BeoSound 8, BeoTime (analog clock), Beo 4 remote.
I vote for the 8000 as well, at one point in time, (actually not long ago), I have considered replacing the 8000 with focal, but the look of two black boxes vs the slim 8000 is no comparison at all. Am keeping the 8000(gold color) until I replacing them with BL 5. Then I will move the 8000 into the bedroom. :)
BL8000, BL10, BL4000, BL2, BL3 (Sold), Beocentre 2 (Sold), Beosystem 3, LG C8
The main reason why I started to look into Beolab speakers is due to the design of Beolab 8000.
Pentas is probably due to its bass, but as you describe Pentas is a bit more fragile in terms of the product quality.
Start with Beolab 8000 as a start and add Beolab 2 or 11 or even other brands sub can be a good idea.
Then it is what receiver I should use, sonos connect seems lack of sub output, bluesound node 2 can be an option.
Hungedu: Both the Pentas and BL-8000s are great speakers. I own both and have had them for well over 20 years. The Pentas will give you adequate bass but are not as crisp on the high frequencies like the BL-8000. Of course, a pair of BL-8000 paired with a Beolab 2 or Beolab 11 subwoofer would take care of the bass. One member indicated that there are problems with the BL-8000s as they age. I'm not sure what he means by that, as I have owned mine since 1993 and one needed a new transformer at one point, but that is not a common issue. The smaller BL-6000s have a known issue with foam rot around the woofers. I had to perform this repair on my BL-6000 speakers a few years ago but never experienced this problem with the 8000s, which I have owned for years longer. My Pentas have been problem-free since 1996. Also, Pentas have a fragile, stainless steel finish. They can be easily dented and show every fingerprint. Personally, I think the BL-8000 is a more iconic and timeless design and is my all-around favorite.
That is really a good example how the design of the speaker can save its life.
The reason of dropping my linn Ninka is also due to the outlook of it.
May I ask how you use BL 8000 in your setup?
chickenceo: I vote for the 8000 as well, at one point in time, (actually not long ago), I have considered replacing the 8000 with focal, but the look of two black boxes vs the slim 8000 is no comparison at all. Am keeping the 8000(gold color) until I replacing them with BL 5. Then I will move the 8000 into the bedroom. :)
Good choice but over my budget.
I Google airport express and the output is a combination of mini toslink and analog output so it can use 3.5 mm to rca cable.
I use the BL8000 as front L and R connect to the pre out of the Pioneer LX83 using modified 9pins (was it 9 pins?) and 12v trigger. The same way I used to connect the BL 2 and BL4000. Only the BL 10 that need 7v trigger have I used a dedicated trigger box.
I have been using the whole setup for almost 10years and only one 4000 had failed me and send back for an amp replaced. The only real problem I have is the tacky sticky finishing on the BL10 and the BL2.
I have found the 8000 sounds a bit sharp to my ears and I have to play around the EQ on the Pioneer. It's getting closer to what I like, but am still fine tuning. 😁
I think I will go to Malmö which is close to Denmark to have a look at Beolab 8000 MK2 to check the condition and listen to it.
I am sorry that I dont know about 12V trigger.
I probably will think about to add Beolab 2 in future if I buy Beolab 8000 this time.
Steve said I can add Beolab 2 to the Beolab 8000 and Node 2, as follows. The Beolab 2 subwoofer needs a powered cable to generate the trigger signals that would normally be sent from a B&O television:-
https://soundsheavenly.com/line-in-connection/singletwin-rca-to-beolab-2-7-10-2500-powered-trigger-kit
The Beolab 8000 speakers will then plug into the two output sockets on the Beolab 2 using standard Powerlink mk.3 cables (one cable is needed for each speaker):-https://soundsheavenly.com/powerlink-8-pin-din-connection/powerlink-mk-3-compatible-8-pin-din-cable-with-4-cores-wired-low-profile-cable
Bincheng - I recommend./ Peter Pan
My set up is very similar to what you're looking at, in that I currently have a pair of BeoLab 8002 (similar sound to 8000 mk2) with a BL 2. Interestingly I had a Bluesound Node 2 at some point but ended up replacing it with a BeoSound Core. I found the Core had slightly better audio quality than the Node 2. The bass seems a little punchier with the Core vs. Node. I don't recall now, but with the Core you don't need a separate trigger for the BL 2.
Also, if you want to use the Optical connection from an Apple TV. You can use the Apple TV 4K and there are many HDMI audio extractors that will split the HDMI video and audio. They are pretty cheap on Amazon and work well in my experience.
My current BS Core use case is set up to take an optical input from an Apple TV 4K using an audio extractor (Monoprice) and the Core is connected to a BL 11, which is connected to BL 6000s. This set up is in my bedroom vs. the BL 8002 + BL 2 which is in my TV room (connected directly to the Sony TV's variable line out output - the Sony OLED TVs have this, not sure about others).
I love the bass from the BL 2. Some people say it is too slow for music but that hasn't been my experience. It compliments the BL 8000 perfectly.
B&O in my life 😊: