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
Hi, can anyone - just shortly - explain the differences between the 3 versions?Is it only cosmetic, connections, display or are there any changes to the amps as well?And how are these compared to the BL 8000 - thinking about the sound.
Rgs, Leif
Between I and II there are different amplifier. The display changed with every version. Between II and III the only change is the display. There was a slight change of the crossover from serial 04771089.
//Bo.A long list...
Hello Leif,
In addition to what has already been said:
Penta MkI: Speakerlink connections, orange segment-display
Penta MkII: new amplifier, now with powerlink and speakerlink connectors, red/amber dot-matrix display
Penta MkIII: change to green dot-matrix displays.
Compared to the BL8000 Penta is a true 3-way speaker (BL 8000 only two-way). IMHO Penta has a depper/fuller bass (larger frequency range) and has an richer/fuller overall sound, in the midrange the Penta might sound muddyier/less detailled than the Lab8000. The twetter is situated right in the middle of the speaker which is about ear level when you are sitting. Please note that Beolab Penta was introduced in the 80's and has the typical warm/full sound caracteristics of this era.
I have a Pair of Penta MkIII and prefer them over the Lab8000 (which is also a very good speaker). In my personal opinion Beolab Penta is, beside Beolab5, one of the best speakers ever made by B&O.
Cheers
Foxtrott
"The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers."
William Shakespeare, Henry VI, Part 2, Act 4
I agree - very easy to listen to unlike the modern speakers which can be more tiring due to more 'detail' with treble emphasis. The bass is a bit inaccurate as there is a rise in the upper bass to compensate for a slight lack in ultimate bass extension. At the end of the day, a big bass driver is always better than lots of small ones but if you have a column speaker, this is the compromise you make. Had mine since new and very happy with them!
Peter
Thanks guys for info.
What version are we talking about? What kind of amp changes are made from Mk1 to Mk2?I've been offered the 6601 - also the Mk1 to a price approx. 330£. Is it worth buying? Or should I go for the Mk3?
Another question: Are the amp's interchangeable with each others? Can I change the Mk1 with the ones from Mk3?
You can swap the amps though you will need to find them! The speaker attaches to the amp via simple cable so this is relatively srightforward. I would go for Mk3s - plenty around and getting cheaper. Watch for foam rot in the drive units.