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
Here we go: http://www.bang-olufsen.com/da/sound/loudspeakers/beolab-20
:)
Here's an album of the images: http://imgur.com/a/fOUPi
The ALT element is an improvement in both design and materials over the old one, in my opinion.
Haven't decided about the rest, it looks a bit more 'evil' somehow with the hawkish lines.
I saw them through the windows of a dealer in Denmark this morning. I immediately noticed the beautiful integration of the lens. Looks very interesting.
Another bonus is that you see a picture of the BL20s together with the Avant on the above url.
They look like they have the pyramid shape of the beolab 4s.
Beoplay A2
According the the specs it has toslink. Having digital in is really important for me and the reason I chose BL5s over BL9 some years ago. I look forward to see them and hear them tonight...
kimchr: I saw them through the windows of a dealer in Denmark this morning. I immediately noticed the beautiful integration of the lens. Looks very interesting. Another bonus is that you see a picture of the BL20s together with the Avant on the above url.
Which dealer? So I can plan my commute home ...
kimchr: According the the specs it has toslink. Having digital in is really important for me and the reason I chose BL5s over BL9 some years ago. I look forward to see them and hear them tonight...
That's nice to know. It also has WISA built-in.
Regarding drivers, the mid and bass seem to be same size as Beolab9.
Saw them at Falconer Alle. The Avant was covered by black cloth but the BL20s were on display close by. The Avant has BL18 speakers on the sides. I guess you can see both BL20 and Avant at any dealer later today.
These look really nice, even on photo...
Beoworld app with direct photo upload and emoticons.
They remind me of stretched out BL4's.
Do we know the price increase from the Beolab 9?
Interesting use of a DVC woofer to get more bass extension...almost an octave more than the BL9 if the specs are correct.
Jeff
I'm afraid I'm recovering from the BeoVirus.
Jeff: Interesting use of a DVC woofer to get more bass extension...almost an octave more than the BL9 if the specs are correct.
Yes, I noticed that too... 19.5hz v's 28hz -albeit the specs for the Lab 9 at 28hz state -10db points, where nothing is quoted in that regard for the new 20.
I personally like the style and specs of the new 20 very much.
Whether there would be enough of an overall performance jump to want to go to the expense of changing over from the 9's to the 20's is doubtful though.
However, I've already had thoughts that I could eventually go for 20s for the front, and move my 9's to the surround position, rather than adding Lab 3's to my existing 18mnth old 9's.
Of course, if they update the 5's soon, then that's a completely new ball game.
One of the things I find totally refreshing and very pleasing when B&O bring out new product though, and this is a first for me in terms of brands I've dealt with over the years, you don't feel hard done by.
What I mean there, is B&O don't push new product to the point you feel almost ashamed to have the superseeded product, and that you'd be 'silly' or really 'missing' out not to trade up to the latest device.
These were the sorts of games that a certain Salisbury company who's products I once owned would play, which ended up making you feel very dissatisfied with what one had - which was no doubt the desired intent to try and get you to upgrade and spend more money.
B&O don't appear to do get unpleasant with their established and loyal customers like that, and as far as I'm concerned that earns huge respect and kudos from me.
I have to say I also really like the new TV a great deal - puts my V1 well in the shade and even eclipses the BV11 IMHO for a really classy looking TV, and with a touch of that old magic re the speakers sliding down and sideways from underneath that always made B&O seem magical.
I already want one!
Congratulations to B&O for some stunning and exciting new product! - well done!
Kind regards
John...
4 beolab 5, beolab 9, beolab 10, beolab 5000, beolab 8000 mk2, beolab 6002, beolab 3500, beovision 7 55 mk2, 2 beovision 11 46 mk4, beotime, beosound ouverture, beosound essence, beoplay A8, beomaster 900 RG de luxe and the collection continues...
I heard seriously the BeoLab 20 tonight !
Best Bang & Olufsen's loudspeaker for the price. It is looking very elegant either. If you have € 9.000, don't hesitate, let's buy !
@olvisab
There will be no speakers between BL 18 and BL 20. Save up money and buy the BeoLab 20 ! You will not regret.
The BeoLab 5 is End Of Life.
No big difference in sound between BL 5 and the new BL 20. This new loudspeaker is really a bargain.
I hope they will have a replacement programme like they had (with Beolab18) to replace your old Beolab9+money for Beolab20
Beolab 20 has the same technical features of Beolab 5 but at a lower cost.
Sell your Beolab 9, so I'll buy on the cheap!
Hmm, saw it in the store today. Not a fan of the white plastic at the base of the chrome ALT. Why not keep it simple and seamless with just the metal and the cloth.
Beosound Stage, Beovision 8-40, Beolit 20, Beosound Explore.
Went to a release event at one of the local dealers Thursday night where the showed the new Avanta with 4k video and as well gave a brief audio show with the BL20 which where connected to a BV11. But, while B&O saw to that the dealers had 4k video to show there haven't provided the dealers with any kind of 96KHz/24-bit music which I have to say it's a bit odd. I mean they now are one of the few on the market with 24-bit audio technology which also includes WISA tech which they are the only one on the market currently; and the do NOTHING with it!
So I went over today with a bunch of 96KHz/24-bit tracks including a few tracks which I had as well as ripped 320kbps cbr mp3's to compare (and yes, I'm aware I wrote mp3...). I have to say that at my own settings here at home with BL8000 I'm able to hear the difference playing HDtracks and CD's but the different was much clearer on the BL20; One word - Just LOVE them! But, ask the dealer to demo them with some proper ripped flac files to make it a bit more interesting or at least bring your own music to get the most out of the demo.
BeoBoy68:The BeoLab 5 is End Of Life. No big difference in sound between BL 5 and the new BL 20. This new loudspeaker is really a bargain.
Ah, you know... A little B&O here, a little there
kimhav:Went to a release event at one of the local dealers Thursday night where the showed the new Avanta with 4k video and as well gave a brief audio show with the BL20 which where connected to a BV11. But, while B&O saw to that the dealers had 4k video to show there haven't provided the dealers with any kind of 96KHz/24-bit music which I have to say it's a bit odd. I mean they now are one of the few on the market with 24-bit audio technology which also includes WISA tech which they are the only one on the market currently; and the do NOTHING with it! So I went over today with a bunch of 96KHz/24-bit tracks including a few tracks which I had as well as ripped 320kbps cbr mp3's to compare (and yes, I'm aware I wrote mp3...). I have to say that at my own settings here at home with BL8000 I'm able to hear the difference playing HDtracks and CD's but the different was much clearer on the BL20; One word - Just LOVE them! But, ask the dealer to demo them with some proper ripped flac files to make it a bit more interesting or at least bring your own music to get the most out of the demo.
I asked a dealer about replacing Beolab9 for Beolab20. They'll do it, but it only amounts to a 25% discount, i.e. they give a *** price for your Beolab9 while not discounting the Beolab20 from its MSRP.
Oh dear! I like to think I have good taste but I think the new B&O aesthetic is so not happening. How are these speakers going to sit well with designer furniture or art?
I don't understand why B&O is not elevating luxury but instead moving into mainstream?! Some brands can't survive with being mainstream. Like Hermes will not sell as well if marketed at a lower price point.
Dom
2x BeoSystem 3, BeoSystem 5000, BeoSystem 6500, 2x BeoMaster 7000, 2 pair of BeoLab Penta mk2, AV 7000, Beolab 4000, BeoSound 4000, Playmaker, BeoLab 2500, S-45, S-45.2, RL-140, CX-50, C-75, 3x CX-100, 3x MCL2 link rooms, 3x Beolab 2000, M3, P2, Earset, A8 earphones, A3, 2x 4001 relay, H3, H3 ANC, H6, 2014 Audi S5 with B&O sound, and ambio
Maybe they save that 'ginmick' for the new BL5?
MM
There is a tv - and there is a BV
DMacri:They are probably looking to sell more volume and not relying on the vanity market as a steady, predicable form of income.
Yeah probably that... Or maybe B&O is targeting at people new to luxury electronic where they like their stereos to look as if they mean business. Are the Beolab18s selling well though? I have seen them when I passed by the store and I actually felt a bit embarrassed to have been curious.
If the Lab18s are selling well then I am clearly no longer B&O's target market.
wonderfulelectric: I am clearly no longer B&O's target market.
I am clearly no longer B&O's target market.
I'm not having a personal attack here, but judging by your opinions of B&O over the last year I think you may be correct....
x:________________________
Jonathan. You're just getting bossier and bossier by the minute, or shall I say second!! (Joke). Love your work. I think the update to the 9's look fantastic. Nice job B&O.
So I am hearing a couple of different views...anyone with a BL5 listened to the new BL20? How do they compare?
BV11-55, BS9000, BL1, BL19, Transmitter 1, Beo4, Beocom 6000, BeoTalk1 200, Sennheiser HD600, McIntosh MHA100
When the BL 9's debuted, I remember seeing post after post claiming they looked like penguins, monks, evil, etc. I think the BL20s look even more so like penguins, people, etc. The looks really don't do it for me. Looks aside, if they sound as good as folks are saying they are. Well, Bravo to B&O.
I checked out the manual online for the BL20 and I can see the bottom front tip of the speaker grill getting scuffed up for those who aren't careful. The manual makes it a point to note it.
What a dilemma, I was so looking forward to a television, but now me thinks a speakers set + Beosystem 4 (with my current plasma display) may be a good way to get back into the B&O game.