BEOLAB PENTA

 

Hi all,

I'm new in the forum and I'm sorry for my english (I'm italian) this is my first thread:

 I have a pair of Beolab Penta MKIII and no B&O device to  connect.

I wanted to know please if I can use their  with any preamplifier or it has to have a specific characteristics, it is better to buy a Beomaster  B&O (6500 5500 7000 which is best ?).

 I would also use my cd player (cd charger PIONEER), if I connect it  to the  Beomaster should  do I use an adapter (which one)?

 

Thank you  

 

You can use the Penta with any pre-amplifier but also with any integrated amplifier. There are inputs on the base both for Powerlink sockets but also for Speaker link. The latter will allow any amplifier to be used. The advantage of a Beomaster using Powerlink sockets (6500 and 7000) is that the displays will work.

If you plan to use your CD changer, I would use your present amplifier as well.  What is the power output and I can tell you how to set up the Pentas.

Welcome to Beoworld.

Hi Peter, I have a integrated amplifier, it has minimun RMS output power per channel 85 W (8ohm).

 

 

Orfeof:

Hi Peter, I have a integrated amplifier, it has minimun RMS output power per channel 85 W (8ohm).

Sorry but if I use an integrated amplifier, don't I damage the penta amplified ? Thank you.

The Pentas have separate inputs for amps and pre-amps. However, if use an amp to drive them, what happens is the external amp signal is attenuated down to line level and then re-amplified by the Penta's internal amplifier. While this works, the sound quality is degraded in the process.

Personally, I used to drive my Penta 2s through my BeoCenter 9500's speaker link. When I switched over to PowerLink cables (B&O's pre-amp signal), I was surprised how noticeably the sound improved.

-- Paul

Hi,

I would agree with Paul that using Powerlink cables (mk.2 versions, as shown here: http://www.soundsheavenly.co.uk/bando-pl2.htm) from a Beomaster 6500 or 7000 gives the best sound quality and operate the displays on the Pentas.  Speakerlink cables (http://www.soundsheavenly.co.uk/bando-speakerlink.htm) will also give you good sound quality and will operate the displays, but they won't quite match the sound quality that Powerlink can provide.  However, Speakerlink is still an excellent way to pair the Pentas with older B&O audio systems that don't have Powerlink sockets fitted.

I use my Penta 3's on RCA Line cables with my PC, as this uses the same input levels as the Powerlink sockets.  The sound quality is superb and I still think they are the best sounding speakers I've ever bought.

Kind regards, Steve.

Orfeof:

Hi Peter, I have a integrated amplifier, it has minimun RMS output power per channel 85 W (8ohm).

 

Sorry but if I use an integrated amplifier,  don't I damage the penta  amplified ?

Thank you.

 

 

Obviously see the other comments but the straight answer is no, you can use the present system. I agree you will get better results either using a Beomaster with Powerlink cables or from a normal pre-amp with phono cables, but if you have an 85W amplifier at present, you can certainly use it straight away. At work but I will post the instructions on how to do this tonight if someone doesn't beat me there!

Hi,

Yes, you can connect directly from the red and black speaker terminals of the amplifier to the Penta with standard speakers cables (like these: http://www.soundsheavenly.co.uk/bando-105strd.htm) - 2 pin DIN plugs make the connection to the Speakerlink sockets under the Pentas easier (the other 2 pins in these sockets are not needed when connecting a non-B&O amplifier to the speakers, as they just drive the displays).

Kind regards, Steve.

Thank you all for the answers,

ok  then to have the best sound quality I have to use a pre-amplifier, If I use a BeoMaster to connect my Pioneer cd charger what kind of adapter  shall be used and where can I find it?

Hi Orfeof,

This is the type of adapter you need to connect from the red and whtie Audio Out sockets on the Pioneer CD changer to the CD socket of the BeoMaster:-

http://www.soundsheavenly.co.uk/bando-rca.htm

Kind regards, Steve.

Hi Steve,

thank you for your help, but what exactly are these values, if I have to choose a pre- amplifier to replace a BeoCenter What should I choose ?

Most pre-amps produce variable Line level and this is fine. The CD produces level line level and this is fine for the input on any audio unit - don't attach it to a dedicated record player input though!

(sorry for the duplicate post)

Hi Peter,

Thanks - you've beaten me to it, as I was going to say the same thing!

Have a nice evening, Steve.

OK,  you are very helpful.

Buona Giornata