BeoLab 5 and Playmaker

Hello all!

This is my first post to the BeoWorld forums. This site has been invaluable in my B&O endeavors so thank you to all of you!

I finally made the leap and purchased a pair of BeoLab 5s (upgrading from 3s and 2 combo). I have a few questions if someone could answer. 

1) I have one BL5 daisy chained with an 8 pin PL cable to another BL5 then a 7 pin PL to RJ45 to the Playmaker MKI. My assumption is that it would not play because it is missing the middle pin, but it played fine. Would I hear a difference in sound quality if I upgraded to an 8 pin PL cable? Is there a better setup option without dealing with the B&O remote? I'm using AirPlay from my iPhone at higher quality encoding.

2) I was surprised I could reach max volume. It is loud no doubt, but I assumed it could go louder. Is there a way to push the Playmaker to a higher max volume outside of volume from AirPlay from my iPhone? I do not have a B&O remote, but I do have the BeoSetup app. I didn't see an option on there. Thoughts?

3) I calibrated the speakers to my room which is about 15x20 ft. Wondering if someone has calibrated them outside, brought them back in and were happy with the result. Is it too boomy?

Thanks again!

Hi Austin and thanks for your post.

Interesting setup - not many are using a BL5/Playmaker combo.

1: the 'missing' pin doesn't change anything.

What do you mean with: 'a better setup option without dealing with the B&O remote?'

2: I guess you know, that you can control the volume on the Playmaker itself?

The max volumen of the Playmaker can be set to different fixes. There is one step (90) above the default (78) - which is only recommended with large speakers e.g. the BL5.

You'll need a Beo(4) remote for adjusting this.

3: No idea - i wouldn't do it, though.

Hope this helps a bit.

MM

The PM has it's own volume wheel which i use. I didn't realise you could use a remote with the PM.

I loved it when I read that you want to calibrate them outside and then bring them in. Go Hard Or Go Home :-)

I think the BL5 need the SP/Dif input over PL to get the best out of them.

PL input alone gives a "flat" response in these loudspeakers.

Yes, I do not own any B&O TVs yet. Would love an Avant to connect it to one day. I was able to borrow a Beo4 remote from the B&O store and changed the Playmaker to the 90 option. Made a world of a difference. Plays much louder and perfectly crisp with a balanced bass. Thanks for the advice!

Didn't know you can control the tracks along with volume with the B&O remote. Feels great in the hand. May have to get myself a BeoRemote One!

Aussie Michael:

I loved it when I read that you want to calibrate them outside and then bring them in. Go Hard Or Go Home :-)

I think it was Moxxey who had bad experiences trying to reset his BL5s so I would recommend against such a strategy

Thanks for your comments MM.

I note your comment that not many are using the BL5/Playmaker combo. That may explain why I have been having trouble finding an answer to my issue. I do use that combo, and it works very well when it is working. However the Playmaker seems to be a piece of junk - it does not hold a connection via Airplay from any of my iDevices for more than a few tracks. I have tried everything I can find to get it sorted, but no luck. I can stream 1080P video from my iDevices to my TV without any issues, but can't do the same to the Playmaker.

Can you advise what alternate options there are for BL5 and Airplay? My Playmaker is ready for the recycle yard. Quite possibly the worst value money I have ever spent

Appreciate any comments.

Each time, when this theme comes up, I have to write, that my own Playmaker has worked flawless since the day I bought it (as one of the first) - no hickups whatsoever there, when using AirPlay.

I won't deny, that the PM. can be sensible, but usually I blame it on the wifi surroundings. The PM can (!) indeed work as intended.

Mostly these problems are found, when a lot of wifi traffic is going on from neighbours etc.

Did you try to hardwire the device, so that only the AirPlay from the mobile device to the acces point/router is wireless?

Or maybe change the placement of the PM?

This might help - if it is possible in your setup....

P.S. Before you bring it to the recycling yard, feel free to send it to me ;-))

As an alternative - I suppose, that you want Beo controlling - I only see the BS Essence.

If you don't need or consider multiroom, you could use the (cheaper) 1th Generation Essense.

If you are not warm with the Essence 'Wheely' for controlling - and you don't always want to use the app - you can connect an ir-eye to the Essence box to use the Beo4 as the controller.

MM