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
Chris Townsend:in the last three months I’ve been dismissed from work! to today being told...”our bad, here’s your old job back”! Bit short on patience......
BeoNut since '75
svinaik: Welcome to the rebel club......
Welcome to the rebel club......
That could be the new name of this thread ;-)))
MM
There is a tv - and there is a BV
Great thread and I too have really enjoyed reading all from start to finish this evening. It is funny calling it a rebel thread but in many ways it is I guess, and that's so sad for our shared love of the B&O brand. Nonetheless, it is what it is. I too will be buying a Loewe model but since my hose renovations will not be starting until April 2018 and going on for 3-6 months it seems that I too (like Anglo...) will be waiting for the next models from Loewe in the new year so this is in many ways quite exciting. Of course if B&O also have a new model being released then I will definitely consider that too but I have to be honest and say I am not holding out much hope at all given their recent history of product releases. Anyway, I am not going to bash B&O any more as I have made my points and feelings clear many times in different threads. I do however hope I may one day be pleasantly surprised. The Loewe/Almando combination seems perfect so this is my way forward with BL9s as fronts until I change them for Klang models at some point as I like my system components to all be the same where possible. I'll need to test the speakers though to ensure I feel happy with them and that they are suitable B&O replacements. Cheers and please keep the posts coming in this lively and very informative exciting thread. 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.
New: Beovision Harmony, Beolab 50's, Beolab 28's, Beolab 18's, Beolab 17's, Beosound Stage & LG, Beosound 2, Beoplay M3, Beoplay A1, Beoplay Portal, Beoplay H4 gen 2, Beoplay E8 3.0
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Old: Beosound 9000 mk3, Beolab 3's, Beovision Eclipse, Beolab 1's, Beolab 2, Beovision 10-46, Overture 2300, beolab 8000's, Beolab 4000's, Beovision avant 32" etc. etc.
Interesting thread. I'm keen on the Eclipse but interested in the Loewe, especially if the 77 can be had for the same price as a 65 Eclipse. A few questions re the Loewe:
BV6-26, BV7-40, BL7.4, BL3, BL5, BS9000, BC1, ES1, Beo4, BeoPort
Beer_Baron: Interesting thread. I'm keen on the Eclipse but interested in the Loewe, especially if the 77 can be had for the same price as a 65 Eclipse. A few questions re the Loewe: I'd like 7.1 surround and was planning on an Oppo. Can the Oppo replace the need for the Almando? How do you configure BL5s to act as both front speaker and as sub? The floor stand looks awful. My perfect floor stand for such a big screen would lower the screen to the floor when off, raising to a viewing position when on. This is because mine would be in front of a window which is unfortunate but the only place it can be. Don't need it to swivel. I've looked but I've not seen such a stand anywhere (except on the giant B&O plasma which I forget the designation).
Here are some answers.
7.1 Surround via Oppo : To use Oppo as your surround processor, you are totally bypassing the Loewe Integration. B&O speakers can technically be used with any other non B&O product but I am not an expert on Oppo and B&O Integration. Hopefully some better informed individual can respond
BL5 as front and sub : You do not have to do this separately. BL 5 as front already have very deep bass and in the Loewe sound set up, you can define the range of speakers. For BL5, just pick the lowest range possible in the set up. In fact I also have BL5 and never felt the need for any other sub as they go real low.
Floor Stand : since you have very unique requirements, I really can not think of any off the shelf offering. Perhaps one of the forum sponsors, STB bracket folks can help you.
BAND'OH!:The Loewe/Almando combination seems perfect so this is my way forward with BL9s as fronts until I change them for Klang models at some point as I like my system components to all be the same where possible. I'll need to test the speakers though to ensure I feel happy with them and that they are suitable B&O replacements.
@Simon
I am also interested in checking out the Klang 9. I am back in Europe in February (Paris) and will make it a point to go to Loewe Gallery to listen to them though I have no plans to buy them, considering I just bought BL50.
But...Love the look of Klang 9 and I think Chris Townsend had mentioned that he listened to them and found them to be very clean. Well, If I ever have more space in the house and move my BL5 to my son, I just may get into Klang 9 also to go with Loewe BILD and keep BL 50 only for the pure stereo listening... Well nothing wrong in dreaming on.....
If I kept my 5s, could I use this Almando Box with a Loewe 5-65?
https://almando.com/index.php/almando-powerlink-switch-stereo.html
I ask because it’s considerably cheaper than some of the others. Considering how I feel about how we were sold the 5s, the Klang 9s seem a fairly certain bet to be honest.
Beosound Stage, Beovision 8-40, Beolit 20, Beosound Explore.
Chris Townsend: If I kept my 5s, could I use this Almando Box with a Loewe 5-65? https://almando.com/index.php/almando-powerlink-switch-stereo.html I ask because it’s considerably cheaper than some of the others. Considering how I feel about how we were sold the 5s, the Klang 9s seem a fairly certain bet to be honest.
It should work. Just make sure that either this box comes with correct cable for connection (IN) with Loewe 5.65 (DAL - Digital audio link) or you order the cable separately.
On the BL5 side (OUT) , it is a simple Powerlink connection with standard B&O power link cables. If you have any doubts, just send a question on the customer service link on Almando. They are very good in responding.
On the other hand, if your B&O dealer takes back the BL5, you have the Klang pathway totally open to you .
My Bild 5 is arriving today(only ordered it Tuesday) Is there a way of controlling Sky Q from the Loewe remote?
Maybe the ‘rebels’ can get some inspiration from this article when trying to set up their BeoLabs
with a built-in Loewe surround processor/an Almando ditto (or another third-party processor):
http://www.tonmeister.ca/wordpress/
Millemissen: Maybe the ‘rebels’ can get some inspiration from this article when trying to set up their BeoLabs with a built-in Loewe surround processor/an Almando ditto (or another third-party processor): http://www.tonmeister.ca/wordpress/ MM
Thanks MM. Truly a great article. Geoff is a mine of knowledge on sound.
This article also demystifies the B&O integration with non B&O products. I must admit that I was also a victim of my own limited knowledge fearing that B&O are a closed system product but I am grateful that I am able to enjoy the best of what B&O does (BL 50 in my case) with the best that I think other companies do (Loewe BILD in my case).
Loewe surround processor / Almando takes the unknown out and gives a very simple solution via the Loewe sound setup and Almando automation combined with B&O App for BL 50 with no issue at all in terms of sound stage as well as any lip synch.
Sorry to hijack this thread, but how do I assign Sky Q to say “TV” or our UHD player to “Video” etc?
Chris Townsend: Sorry to hijack this thread, but how do I assign Sky Q to say “TV” or our UHD player to “Video” etc?
@Chris, I am not familiar with Sky Q etc. but on the Loewe side, Each of the input (I Presume Sky Q is connected with either HDMI or AV connection) can be renamed to what ever you want.
On the Home / Source menu, highlight the connection and then press "Menu" on the remote and it opens up a side menu which allows you to change the name / Thumbnail on the Loewe .
I hope that I understood your question well and this is what you were looking for but if not, I am not sone one UK / Europe will know better answer.
It is.
For cables from the Oppo to Beolab 5s I would check with Steve of Sounds Heavenly. An issue with RCA line inputs of B&O speakers is that on absence of volume the speaker may shut off. (my Beolab 6000s did.) I believe Steve has cables that can go from RCA outputs to a Powerlink adapter that can keep the speaker on during low volume.
ARC will not help in this case. This would help if you have a soundbar or a reciever.
What Chris needs is a HDMI with CEC, and I expect all have this.
Then you will rely on CEC which is not as good as B&O PUC but works weel enough in most cases.
Beovision Harmony 77" 2nd Gen, Beolab 5, Beolab 17, Beosound 1, Beoplay M3, Beoplay Portal, Beoplay Earset, Beoliving Intelligence
I’m afraid because of the behaviour of our old dealer, my wife insists that B&O is now removed from our house. I’ve sold our Beolab 5s, and our 7-55 is now long gone unfortunately. I’ve bought a Loewe 5-65 and some matching speakers from Richer Sounds, a company I was guilty of discounting due to nothing other than snobbery. Thankfully they’ve been a completely proved me wrong.
There will still be some Beoplay products, but even they are falling to B&W and Naim. We’ve agreed to keep the 5-42, because it’s old skool David Lewis design and a symbol of what the company once was.
Unfortunately for B&O in the longer term, is that my 3 young boys who were guaranteed customers for the next 70-80 years, will now be lost due to the greed and mischief of a shop we had bought in for 12 years.
Best regards to you all
Chris
I get it Chris, I am completely with you. I have similar feelings to a local dealership in my neck fo the woods. But there you go, you buy the person or the experience, never the product. So many companies miss this; Lee being an exception. Simon.
How to program the Loewe remote to control "other" non-Loewe devices.
Loewe remote: 89900A23-4 / 89900D13-4 (remove battery cover to see number) are the latest models, comes with every Loewe TV in 2017/2018.Every Device button (TV/STB/VIDEO/AUDIO) can be programmed for another brand.The STB button is pre-programmed (according the manual) to control an Apple TV.
There is a list of codes in which a few "SKY" related boxes are mentioned with the 3-number code, this code can be programmed under the STB-button as follows:Press STB button and OK button for 5 seconds (at the same time). The LED above STB flashes 2 times, then release both buttons.Enter the 3-digit code. The LED above STB lights up for one second.Press OK to end the program-mode. The LED above STB flashes 2 times to confirm succesfull programming
These are all SKY related codes, hopefully one works:SKY 034, 050, 189, 227, 001 SKY MASTER 060, 133, 168, 170, 197, 215 SKY PLUS 002 SKYLAB 051 SKYMAX 033 SKYSAT 197 SKYVISION 059
It is also possible to put the Loewe Assist is a LEARN mode, if anyone requires info let me know.
https://www.loewe-friends.de/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=6864&p=140561&hilit=assist+anlernen#p140561
This is the URL to the LOEWE-FRIENDS site, it is all in german !!
Chris Townsend:I’m afraid because of the behaviour of our old dealer, my wife insists that B&O is now removed from our house. I’ve sold our Beolab 5s, and our 7-55 is now long gone unfortunately. I’ve bought a Loewe 5-65 and some matching speakers from Richer Sounds, a company I was guilty of discounting due to nothing other than snobbery. Thankfully they’ve been a completely proved me wrong. There will still be some Beoplay products, but even they are falling to B&W and Naim. We’ve agreed to keep the 5-42, because it’s old skool David Lewis design and a symbol of what the company once was. Unfortunately for B&O in the longer term, is that my 3 young boys who were guaranteed customers for the next 70-80 years, will now be lost due to the greed and mischief of a shop we had bought in for 12 years. Best regards to you all Chris Beolit 15, Beoplay A2, H6/H2, Form 2, Beoplay A3, Beovision 5-42 connected to a DVD1
KMA
B&O product history since 1991: Ridiculously long to list in a signature.
PCS:It is also possible to put the Loewe Assist is a LEARN mode, if anyone requires info let me know.
@PCS thanks much. This is very helpful.
If you know the codes to use to program the Oppo Blue Ray players or Sony UHD player, it will be super useful as I have connected the Sony UXB 800 and Oppo 105D to the Loewe BILD 7.
Sincerely
I found three codes for SONY SONY 067, 211, 227
None for OPPO but you can try the Cambridge code maybe:CAMBRIDGE 006, 104, 199
I will send you, svinaik, the learn instructions by email
Folks, One more insight on the Loewe BILD UHD Connection.
Loewe BILD has 4 HDMI connections but only 1 HDMI port (HDMI 4) will support the full HDR / Dolby Vision / UHD input. If you have more than one source equipment capable of UHD / HDR outputs (e.g. Apple TV 4H HDR + Sony UXB 800 or Oppo 203), you will have to find an external solution to get full advantage of the UHD resolution.
I have just ordered an external HDMI UHD switcher to connect my source equipment (Apple TV 4K and Sony UXB 800) to the switcher and then switcher will be connected with the Loewe HDMI 4.
I do not know if the Eclipse also has the same issue or not but if any one wants to know more about the HDMI UHD switcher that I have ordered, let me know and I will post more details.
I wish Loewe had provided at least 2 HDMI sockets with UHD capabilities but it is what it is... With the switcher, If I ever need, I can connect unto 4 sources with a single connection going to Loewe.
Hi svinaik,
According to Loewe they have on the current OLED sets 3 HDMI-connections with HDMI 2.0 (=UHD) and one with HDMI 2.0a.
HDMI 1: 4K-capable, HDR, ARC-FunctionHDMI 2: 4K-capable, HDRHMDI 3: 4K-capable, no HDRHDMI 4: 4K-capable, HDR, Dolby Vision. (=HDMI 2.0a)
So, UHD on all 4 ports, but Dolby-vision only on HDMI4.
According to https://www.whathifi.com/sony/ubp-x800/review your Sony player does not support Dolby Vision, the Apple 4k TV does.
So I guess you can connect your Apple TV to HDMI 4 and your Sony to HDMI 1 or 2 without loosing any picture quality.
kiwi4all: Hi svinaik, According to Loewe they have on the current OLED sets 3 HDMI-connections with HDMI 2.0 (=UHD) and one with HDMI 2.0a. HDMI 1: 4K-capable, HDR, ARC-FunctionHDMI 2: 4K-capable, HDRHMDI 3: 4K-capable, no HDRHDMI 4: 4K-capable, HDR, Dolby Vision. (=HDMI 2.0a) So, UHD on all 4 ports, but Dolby-vision only on HDMI4. According to https://www.whathifi.com/sony/ubp-x800/review your Sony player does not support Dolby Vision, the Apple 4k TV does. So I guess you can connect your Apple TV to HDMI 4 and your Sony to HDMI 1 or 2 without loosing any picture quality.
@Kiwi4all
Thank you so much for your input. You are 100% correct that all the HDMI 1,2 and 4 are 2.0 and above can accept the HDR signal.
When I connected the Sony UBP-X800 to HDMI 2, I should have also removed the "HDMI Compatibility" in the Connections section in the setting menu. I think the "HDMI Compatibility" setting downgrades the HDMI port so that it can communicate with older generation devices. Once I removed that setting, I was able to get the HDR picture on the TV via Sony UBX 800.
Thank you again for providing the correct information and saving me the effort and cost of putting in HDMI Switcher.
Loewe BILD rocks....
svinaik:Loewe BILD rocks....
Hi Svinaik,
since this week I also have a Bild 5.55 in my living room.
Discovered same problem like you with the HDMI-connections, as my LG UHD player does support Dolby Vision.
My current work around is to manually connect either LG or Apple TV to HDMI. In the last three days I only played with the LG player.
And by using "Planet Earth 2 4K" discs...I also learned: you have to have the right HDMI-cable also. My old HDMI-cables are all only HDMI 1.4 certified.
Awaiting new cables.
The Loewe Bild up to now is nice, but not rocking yet ;-)
kiwi4all: Discovered same problem like you with the HDMI-connections, as my LG UHD player does support Dolby Vision. My current work around is to manually connect either LG or Apple TV to HDMI
My current work around is to manually connect either LG or Apple TV to HDMI
Hi Kiwi4all
Since you do have 2 sources capable of Dolby Vision (LG UHD Player and Apple TV), the only work around will be to use a HDMI Switcher which can take in 2 UHD signals and then connect to Loewe HDMI 4.
Before your post on HDMI 2.0 ports on Loewe, I had already found and ordered an HDMI Switcher which I think is the best in the field. The link to the product is here in case you end up using Both, LG UHD and Apple TV 4H HDR and feel the need. Since I have the Sony UBX 800 which can only play HDR (No Dolby Vision), I am just plugging it to HDMI 2 on Loewe and Apple TV is on HDMI 4. Fantastic picture quality though even with just HDR via Sony.
http://www.gefen.com/product/4k-ultra-hd-600-mhz-4x1-switcher-EXT-UHD600-41
Folks,
Adding a one month plus report on Loewe BILD 7 with BL 50.
One area Loewe has impressed me is on the clarity of speech via the TV speaker (configured as center channel). Even though the speaker is rated 120W, it has all the guts to do a fantastic job as the center channel speaker and in combination with BL 50, it is just remarkably smooth and blends in very well with B&O sound.
On the picture side, All OLEDS are fantastic and Loewe BILD 7 has a bit more than "standard" guts, Loewe Ventavision does produce a great contrast between the bright and dark spaces. Pictures are very real and moving parts are very smooth.
Operating system is quite intuitive and easy to use. I am a lot better in using the remote now and I control the Apple TV as well as Sony UHD blue ray players directly with the Loewe remote. I still have few more steps to figure out but for the time being , very happy with how I am able to operate the system using only Loewe remote.
Almando multiplay surround does it's job perfectly while being hidden from out of sight. It is truly a silent warrior and keep doing what it is supposed to do without any hitch.
All in all, I am super pleased with Loewe BILD 7, Almando Multiplay surround and BL 50. If I had to space, I would love to bring my BL 5 to the party but they are doing a dedicated job with my good old BV9 which has been moved to bedroom.
@svinaik
Agree with your comments 100% on bild 7 (picture 7).
I have been an owner for a year and the image still blows me away most days. Having the right feed of course is vital and amazing as the sotware is it can't make a purse out of a sow's ear. I have now built up quite a collection of UHD 4k discs. HDR is immense and Dolby Vision has to be seen to be believed. Feed these through the Oppo 203 #couchpotato.
I'm now looking forward to receiving my Almando next week and starting to source some sweet B&O kit. 5.1 is the aim.
Pics when I get it all set up.
Loewe Bild 7.55 - Beolab 8000 (Mk2) - Beolab 3 - Almando Multiplay - Oppo 4K Ultra HD UDP-203.
8000's (Mk2) and Beolab 3's on route -
Cables on order from https://www.soundsheavenly.com/12-bang-olufsen
Steve was amazingly helpful even replying to my questions while closed on holiday. He's the man.
background noise of speakers BL9 + 8000
Guys, do you have the same "problem" with your Loewe/BeoLab integration regarding a background noise on all speakers?
First I`ve noticed it while listening to the latest news on the BeoSound 4 (also connected via Powerlink cable to the almando box). While speak rests there was a hearable backround noise. I turned the volume to 0 and the backgound noise - of course - did not fall silent.
I switched to the Loewe Bild 5 OLED and there also was the same background noise. Have tried to put the Powerlink cable to other plugs of the almando box, but the does not work.
Could you also please check your Loewe telly with almando box and BeoLab speakers if you have the same Background noise.
Thank you very much.
Steffen
LOEWE bild 5.55 OLED + AppleTV; BS4; BL9; BL8000 MKII all black
I suggest you contact Jeurgen at Almando for advice.
Are you using suitably shielded cables? https://www.soundsheavenly.com/12-bang-olufsen
hotknife: Could you also please check your Loewe telly with almando box and BeoLab speakers if you have the same Background noise.
@Steffen, I have no background noise at all. Speakers are totally silence at 0 volume.
Could it be coming in from your power lines as they are notorious for inducing noise in the system. AS the electronics in the new system are very sensitive, it could be a possibility. Try using a different power strip / distributor. If all fails, it could be that your Almando may need replacement.
If the power lines are the cause for the noise, I have a simple suggestion. You may want to check into Shunyate product. Link below
https://www.dedicatedaudio.com/collections/power-conditioning/products/shunyata-defender-power-conditioning-module
Sanjay
Rafiki: I suggest you contact Jeurgen at Almando for advice. Are you using suitably shielded cables? https://www.soundsheavenly.com/12-bang-olufsen
That is a very good point. There are so many inferior cables now a days that you have to specifically ask for a certain level of certification. I am using CAT 7 cables across the system and no issues with the noise or quality of sound.
As Rafiki suggested, Steve is a very reliable and fair priced source for cables. If you reach out to him, Just let him know that you would like to have Cat 7 cable for connections between the speakers and Almando.
Received an invite from Almando to access the set up App currently in beta for IOS.
Looks 'fairly' straight forward so we'll see when everything arrives next week however I'm not that tech savvy..
Tip for Alamando:
Guys, thank you very much for your answers.
After I´ve put the almondo box to power-off and connected the BeoLab 9 straight to my BeoSound 4 the same background noise appeard. So the noise is not produced by the almando box.
I`ve checked all Powerlink cables, they are the latest version form B&O.
I think, the background noise is produced because I´ve put the powerlink cable + power cable into the same cable conduit. And for sure my wife will kill me if I seperate all cables and double the amout of cable conduits in the living room. All cable conduits are visable.