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
mibook84:It feels a bit strange that B&O is moving into the BOSE-format with small one way speakers and a big sub that has ams for the sub and satellites. It feels very much like a direct competitor to a BOSE LifeStyle system. Before this all B&O speakers was two or three way in a setup plus the sub. The BL14 does not have the lens feature either. I don't say it is a bad set, I just think it is a bit different from what we are used to on the technical side. I have noticed that people are starting to sell their beolabs (probably to get the BL14) and I wonder, is this the new B&O way? I think this should rather be in the BeoPlay-selection.
Beosound Stage, Beovision 8-40, Beolit 20, Beosound Explore.
Hi rob08,
To connect Beolab 14 to Beovision 11, you need three shielded RJ45 cables from the TV to the subwoofer, these are not included with the speakers. If you need these cables please let me know, as I have them available in a range of lengths and colours.
Beolab 14 includes cables from the subwoofer to the front speakers (5m long) and from the subwoofer to the rear speakers (10m long) only.
Hi Millemissen,
To connect Beolab speakers directly to a non-B&O TV for stereo sound, the TV needs to have a headphone socket fitted. This is still fairly common, although some manufacturers are starting to supply TVs without a headphone sockets recently. The problem with Line Out and Optical Out sockets is that these are not volume controlled, so there is no way to control the volume of the speakers. This would mean that an audio system or pre-amp would need to be added between the TV and the Beolabs to control the volume.
However, any TV with a headphone socket can be used directly with Beolab 14 in "double stereo" mode without needing an amplifier (even though B&O's own website says that this is not possible)
Kind regards, Steve.
Steve.
www.soundsheavenly.com
Founder of Sounds Heavenly Cables and Brand Ambassador for Bang & Olufsen
Sounds Heavenly are proud to sponsor BeoWorld!
Please check out my YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/soundsheavenlycables
Chris Townsend: mibook84: It feels a bit strange that B&O is moving into the BOSE-format with small one way speakers and a big sub that has ams for the sub and satellites. It feels very much like a direct competitor to a BOSE LifeStyle system. Before this all B&O speakers was two or three way in a setup plus the sub. The BL14 does not have the lens feature either. I don't say it is a bad set, I just think it is a bit different from what we are used to on the technical side. I have noticed that people are starting to sell their beolabs (probably to get the BL14) and I wonder, is this the new B&O way? I think this should rather be in the BeoPlay-selection. Bose sold 2.5 billions dollars worth of stuff last year. They are doing something right in their marketing and retail their distribution of their products. Every airport I pass through has at the very least Bose earphones and docks for sale. And at the end of the day if they end up going out with a V1, then brilliant.
mibook84: It feels a bit strange that B&O is moving into the BOSE-format with small one way speakers and a big sub that has ams for the sub and satellites. It feels very much like a direct competitor to a BOSE LifeStyle system. Before this all B&O speakers was two or three way in a setup plus the sub. The BL14 does not have the lens feature either. I don't say it is a bad set, I just think it is a bit different from what we are used to on the technical side. I have noticed that people are starting to sell their beolabs (probably to get the BL14) and I wonder, is this the new B&O way? I think this should rather be in the BeoPlay-selection.
It feels a bit strange that B&O is moving into the BOSE-format with small one way speakers and a big sub that has ams for the sub and satellites. It feels very much like a direct competitor to a BOSE LifeStyle system. Before this all B&O speakers was two or three way in a setup plus the sub. The BL14 does not have the lens feature either. I don't say it is a bad set, I just think it is a bit different from what we are used to on the technical side. I have noticed that people are starting to sell their beolabs (probably to get the BL14) and I wonder, is this the new B&O way? I think this should rather be in the BeoPlay-selection.
Bose sold 2.5 billions dollars worth of stuff last year. They are doing something right in their marketing and retail their distribution of their products. Every airport I pass through has at the very least Bose earphones and docks for sale.
And at the end of the day if they end up going out with a V1, then brilliant.
Thats true. I don't have anything against them. I have both a pair of on ear headphones from them that I love and had a good computer 2.1 from them that I sold when I got my Apple Led Display. And I have a 2.1 system that currently is lended to the thai-restaurang a few hundred meters from me. I just think it is a bit strange because I am used to hearing B&O people saying that BOSE is really bad all the time and now they take the same speaker approach. I think the setup is almost identical actually.
Beolab 50, Beolab 8000 x 2, Beolab 4000 x 2, BeoSound Core, BeoSound 9000, BeoSound Century, BeoLit 15, BeoPlay A1, BeoPlay P2, BeoPlay H9 3rd Gen, BeoPlay H6, EarSet 3i, BeoVision Eclipse Gen 2 55", BeoPlay V1-40, BeoCom 6000 and so much else :)
@Michael (his post on the previous page): ".......I don't say it is a bad set, I just think it is a bit different from what we are used to on the technical side......"
Why BeoPlay section?
It is all about setting things up the way that suits you - with the well known B&O-quality.
A BL14 is (just as all B&O Play products and the AutoMotive too) a genuine Bang & Olufsen product.
Maybe you don't need it - I am sure a lot a newcomers or owners of a 'standalone B&O tv" will be happy to become a soundexperience like the BL14 offers.
Just because things weren't so in the past,does not mean that things can chance.
The BL14 is one of the loudspeaker-setup-possibilities from Bang & Olufsen - be happy that we now have an even broader range to choose from.
Greetings Les Mis
There is a tv - and there is a BV
Steve at Sounds Heavenly: Hi Millemissen, However, any TV with a headphone socket can be used directly with Beolab 14 in "double stereo" mode without needing an amplifier (even though B&O's own website says that this is not possible) Kind regards, Steve.
Hi Steve,
please do not tell me, that you would tell/advice people to use a headphone-out connection for a BL14.
The headphone-out is well known for being the worst connection for an external soundsystem.
That is probably is the reason for B&O not mentioning that it is possible (which it is ).
So we are back with the preamp!!!
Question to be answered is: which cables are needed to connect a BL14-set (in 2.1 mode) to a stereo preamp feed by a Playmaker?
Could you provide this kind of solution, you would - I am sure - be able to sell quite a few cable-sets!
Greetings Millemissen
Michael:I have noticed that people are starting to sell their beolabs (probably to get the BL14) and I wonder, is this the new B&O way? I think this should rather be in the BeoPlay-selection.
I would say, good news. I like this kind of set but in a 50/60 m2 room this won't replace pentas, 3 ...
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...
.
Millemissen: Hi Steve, please do not tell me, that you would tell/advice people to use a headphone-out connection for a BL14. The headphone-out is well known for being the worst connection for an external soundsystem. That is probably is the reason for B&O not mentioning that it is possible (which it is ). So we are back with the preamp!!! Question to be answered is: which cables are needed to connect a BL14-set (in 2.1 mode) to a stereo preamp feed by a Playmaker? Could you provide this kind of solution, you would - I am sure - be able to sell quite a few cable-sets! Greetings Millemissen
I would not normally suggest using the headphone output of a TV to Beolab 14 as the first choice, however, I have received a number of enquiries on this issue already from people who are looking to add Beolab 14 to their current non-B&O TV first, then upgrade to a pre-amp or receiver later. As most mid-brand TVs (eg. Sony, Loewe, Bose, etc) have fairly good quality headphone amps fitted, this should not cause a problem for the sound quality.
I have the cables to connect Beolab 14 to a PlayMaker in 2.1 mode in stock, you would need 3 x Powerlink to RJ45 cables (http://www.soundsheavenly.co.uk/bando-rj45pl-long.htm - one for each socket on Beolab 14), plus one RJ45 to Powerlink adapter (http://www.soundsheavenly.co.uk/bando-rj45pl.htm) and 1 x RJ45 to Powerlink Splitter adapter (http://www.soundsheavenly.co.uk/bando-ply.htm) to convert these to fit the two RJ45 outputs on your PlayMaker. Using the splitters in this way means that you can easily change up to a 5.1 surround sound TV in the future without needing to change your cables (you would just need to remove the Splitters to upgrade to surround sound via Powerlink).
Please note that there are several ways to make these connections, I've listed the one that gives an easy upgrade path to a TV like Beovision 7 for the future. If you would prefer cables to allow for a different upgrade path, please contact me via my sponsor link below and I will be happy to help you.
Thank you very much, Steve!
Unless I am missing somethings, It seems to me that a crossover is lacking in this type of connection. That would send some treble to the subwoofer and some bass to the satellites. Maybe they've got some built in filters, but I am not sure. But I'd recommend listening to this solution before committing to it.
Beoworld app with direct photo upload and emoticons.
PhilLondon: Unless I am missing somethings, It seems to me that a crossover is lacking in this type of connection. That would send some treble to the subwoofer and some bass to the satellites. Maybe they've got some built in filters, but I am not sure. But I'd recommend listening to this solution before committing to it.
Did some preliminary testings adressing these issues today ...
http://archivedforum2.beoworld.org/forums/t/5965.aspx
Hi PhilLondon,
My understanding is that Beolab 14 subwoofer contains crossovers to limit the high frequency tones handled by the sub and also to limit the low frequency tones sent to the satellite speakers. Hence, it is not a problem to link the three stereo inputs of the Beolab 14 together for 2.1 stereo use with a non-B&O TV, pre-amp or iPad. However, for best performance, full 4.1/5.1 surround sound is what these speakers have been designed for, so use with either a B&O TV or non-B&O AV receiver is always recommended.
To answer Bill's question, Beolab 14 has three RJ45 stereo analogue audio inputs (Sub/Centre, Front L/R, Rear L/R), which I can easily convert to either RCA/cinch, 3.5mm minijack or any other connection to suit the 5.1 outputs on your media PC as required. If you need any help or advice on how to set this up, please let me know.
Steve at Sounds Heavenly: I have the cables to connect Beolab 14 to a PlayMaker in 2.1 mode in stock, you would need 3 x Powerlink to RJ45 cables (http://www.soundsheavenly.co.uk/bando-rj45pl-long.htm - one for each socket on Beolab 14), plus one RJ45 to Powerlink adapter (http://www.soundsheavenly.co.uk/bando-rj45pl.htm) and 1 x RJ45 to Powerlink Splitter adapter (http://www.soundsheavenly.co.uk/bando-ply.htm) to convert these to fit the two RJ45 outputs on your PlayMaker. Using the splitters in this way means that you can easily change up to a 5.1 surround sound TV in the future without needing to change your cables (you would just need to remove the Splitters to upgrade to surround sound via Powerlink). Please note that there are several ways to make these connections, I've listed the one that gives an easy upgrade path to a TV like Beovision 7 for the future. If you would prefer cables to allow for a different upgrade path, please contact me via my sponsor link below and I will be happy to help you. Kind regards, Steve.
But if you stick with a 2.1 or 4.1 stereo setup, I rather have a customized cable, with no splitters. Those splitters don’t fit into a wall. Neither can it be hidden in the subwoofer.
Just 1 PL-cable with a RJ45 / PL-plug / RCA/ whatever, terminated at one end. And in the subwoofer splitted, soldered and heatshrinked to 3 short PL-cables terminated with RJ45.
To connect a PlayMaker in 2.1 setup, with only 2 satellite speakers, you only have to order 2x RJ45 to RJ45 with the right length from your dealer. Both cables in the PlayMaker, the other ends to the subwoofer, Sub/Centre and front L/R. But the customized cable will work also.
Hi DoubleU,
No problem! I fully understand. I am always happy to build custom cables to meet your specific needs if my standard cables are not suitable for any reason. Offering the adapters as a standard product makes the cables "modular", meaning that a small number of standard cables can be combined in different ways with adapters to work in a large number of different situations.
Please feel free to email me with any requests for custom cables and I will be pleased to help!
Steve at Sounds Heavenly: I have the cables to connect Beolab 14 (...) in 2.1 mode in stock
I have the cables to connect Beolab 14 (...) in 2.1 mode in stock
Steve, thank you for your contribution, this seems to open options for new implementations. But I do not understand how you can achieve a 2.1 setup from an audio source with your cable solution.
For 2.1, the BL14 needs 3 inputs: L+R+sub (in contrast to BL2 and BL11 which only need L+R). However the audio source will output L+R channels only, but no sub channel.
Your cable solution seems to suggest that you direct the L signal to the FL input of the BL14, and the R signal to the FR input, and that:
- either you direct both the L and R signals to the sub input as well. But as far as I know, you can NOT just direct two L+R signals into a single sub input: these two signals will not just nicely combine, mix and sum up into one single sub input;
- or you direct the L (or R) signal to the sub input and the R (or L) signal to the center channel input. But in this case the sub will reproduce the bass of only one of the two stereo channels and you will miss a substantial part of the music.
Could you please clarify how your solution addresses this. Many thanks in advance.
js
js: Steve, thank you for your contribution, this seems to open options for new implementations. But I do not understand how you can achieve a 2.1 setup from an audio source with your cable solution.For 2.1, the BL14 needs 3 inputs: L+R+sub (in contrast to BL2 and BL11 which only need L+R). However the audio source will output L+R channels only, but no sub channel. Your cable solution seems to suggest that you direct the L signal to the FL input of the BL14, and the R signal to the FR input, and that: - either you direct both the L and R signals to the sub input as well. But as far as I know, you can NOT just direct two L+R signals into a single sub input: these two signals will not just nicely combine, mix and sum up into one single sub input; - or you direct the L (or R) signal to the sub input and the R (or L) signal to the center channel input. But in this case the sub will reproduce the bass of only one of the two stereo channels and you will miss a substantial part of the music. Could you please clarify how your solution addresses this. Many thanks in advance.
Yesterday I received a call from my dealer concerning our littel BLb 14 test we did the previous day.(see thread "A little beast from behind?" http://archivedforum2.beoworld.org/forums/t/5965.aspx )
He had got prompt reply from B&O tech support to all his questions + some additional informations.
- the BeoLab 14 sub FULLY manages the sub channel - no need of an A/V receiver or TV for 2.1 stereo.- you can use a BeoLab 14 in 2.1 as well as "double 2.1" config (similar to speaker 4 on B&O TVs)- if the dedicated SUB-IN does not receive a signal, the bass management / sound processing of the BeoLab 14 WILL INTERNALLY distribute the bass to the subwoofer from a FULL RANGE (incoming) SIGNAL.
- YOU DON'T NEED ANY Y-SPLITTER OR SPECIAL PL-CABLE to connet the BeoLab 14 in plain stereo 2.1 mode, a SINGLE PL CABLE DIN<>RJ or RJ<>RJ will be sufficient. (sorry Steve ...)
- Consequently, for "double 2.1 stereo = speaker 4" config you'll have to run 2 PL-Cables in paralllel - one to the Front PL-IN, the other to the Rear PL-IN of the BeoLab 14 - easily done if the source is offering 2 PL-OUTs. (to connect to sources just offering a single PL-Out eg BeoLink Active you'll need a B&O or Sounds Heavenly PL-splitter.)
- Keep in mind, if the sub can not be placed ideally, only a surround sound capable B&O TV or an A/V receiver will offer the required delay adjustments to maximise sound performance.
To sum up - at the same price as a pair of the now discontinued BeoLab 6002s, the BeoLab 14 sub + satellites seems also to be a very interesting alternative in stereo setups.
Thanks for sharing this Vienna..!
Thanks Vienna, this is indeed great news!!!
js: Steve, thank you for your contribution, this seems to open options for new implementations. But I do not understand how you can achieve a 2.1 setup from an audio source with your cable solution. For 2.1, the BL14 needs 3 inputs: L+R+sub (in contrast to BL2 and BL11 which only need L+R). However the audio source will output L+R channels only, but no sub channel. Your cable solution seems to suggest that you direct the L signal to the FL input of the BL14, and the R signal to the FR input, and that: - either you direct both the L and R signals to the sub input as well. But as far as I know, you can NOT just direct two L+R signals into a single sub input: these two signals will not just nicely combine, mix and sum up into one single sub input; - or you direct the L (or R) signal to the sub input and the R (or L) signal to the center channel input. But in this case the sub will reproduce the bass of only one of the two stereo channels and you will miss a substantial part of the music. Could you please clarify how your solution addresses this. Many thanks in advance. js
Hi js and Vienna,
Thanks for the updates and questions. My initial aim so far has been to support the UK stores with their demonstration systems ready for the Beolab 14 launch, which by necessity has meant finding working solutions to a wide variety of challenges at short notice, with little information openly available. Now that Beolab 14 has been publicly launched, we can carry out further testing to find the best considered solutions for customers' homes.
To address your questions js, the initial approach to give 2.1 sound from Beolab 14 was to send the basic stereo signal as follows:-
Left signal to subwoofer, front left, rear left (bass information is normally similar in both channels)
Right signal to centre (where fitted), front right, rear right
Whilst this may not be ideal (as it does not give 100% correct bass or centre channel information), this gives a workable temporary approach for use in-store (on the 4.1 system, this works very well as the centre channel is not displaced). The bass channel is mono on Beolab 14 and this approach allows the bass management software of the Beolab 14 to distributte the bass and mid/treble signals accordingly.
Hi Vienna, I am very interested to learn that it may be possible to give 2.1 sound from a stereo source via a single cable, this is not something that I had time to test prior to the launch. However, my understanding is that this is not done via the RJ45 inputs, but using the 15 pin D-Sub socket located near to the Powerlink inputs. A wider choice of cables using this input are my next project
It is still less than 72 hours after the official launch party, so we may not have all the answers for a more few days yet...... I'm happy to investigate additional ways to integrate this superb speaker system into any home or in-store application and I'm always keen to hear your thoughts and views.
Still no userguide online, but some interesting things if you search for BeoLab 14 FAQ there.
Steve at Sounds Heavenly:Hi Vienna, I am very interested to learn that it may be possible to give 2.1 sound from a stereo source via a single cable, this is not something that I had time to test prior to the launch. However, my understanding is that this is not done via the RJ45 inputs, but using the 15 pin D-Sub socket located near to the Powerlink inputs.
NO 15 pin reqired - just a single B&O or Sounds Heavenly DIN<>RJ or RJ<>RJ POWERLINK CABLE is needed for 2.1(as already clearly stated in my previous post)
Thanks Vienna!
I can't see why people would spend £2,500 on a set of 5.1 speakers and then connect them by the headphone jack to their TV, it seems crazy.
The whole idea of surround sound for me is hearing the sound as it was intended to be, which is achieved through Dolby & DTS formats. For this you need a decoder (normally built into BeoVisions) which your sources connect into by HDMI (even Sky now sends Dolby Digital over HDMI) and then you have your BeoLab 14 connected to that.
Options for doing this would be:
http://www.denon.co.uk/uk/Product/Pages/Product-Detail.aspx?Catid=HomeTheatre&SubId=AVReceivers&ProductId=AVRX3000
http://www.rotel.com/UK/products/ProductDetails.htm?Id=501&Tab=2&Pic=1
http://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/audio-visual/av-receivers-amps/rx-v775_g/?mode=model
fishta: I can't see why people would spend £2,500 on a set of 5.1 speakers and then connect them by the headphone jack to their TV, it seems crazy.
Hi fishta,
I never wonder "why", only "how"!
BeoNut since '75
Enjoyed listening to the beolab 14 at B&O flagship store at Bredgade in Copenhagen yesterday.
Unfortunately they only played the demo clips from Les Miserables. A lot of details in the sound, but no punch in the soundtrack. Need to try out with some other material some day. The speakers looked nice in real life though.
Livingroom: BL3, BL11, BV11-46 Kitchen: Beosound 1 GVA, Beocom 2 Bathroom: M3 Homeoffice: M3, Beocom 2 Library: Beosound Emerge, Beocom 6000 Bedroom: M5, Essence remote Travel: Beoplay E8 2.0, Beoplay EQ, Beoplay Earset
Just came across the 'Quick Guide for BL14'!!!
As you can quite clearly see, Bang & Olufsen intended a stereo line-in connection 'out of the box'.
A 'RJ45-PL cable to RCA (stereo) cable' just has to be connected and 'MODE' must be in 'LINE' - that is all
Sorry to say it...
.....if you, Vienna, and your dealer already played around with this stuff, you must have seen the 'Quick Guide' long ago!
If you, Steve, already setup several BL14-systems, you too must have taken notice of this 'Quick Guide' several days ago.
And therefore, no need to consult the B&O-support for asking if and how to connect e.g. a Playmaker with the BL14.
And no need for suggesting different cables for a possible connection.
I find it quite clear - when you see this drawing - that you easily can connect any stereo source to the BL14 - could be a non-B&O-tv (with the appropriate outputs), a BeoLink Active, a Beosystem or a Playmaker.
Might even be a good opportunity for dealers to sell a Playmaker/BL14-combo!
Grrrr! Millemissen
Hiort:Enjoyed listening to the beolab 14 at B&O flagship store at Bredgade in Copenhagen yesterday. Unfortunately they only played the demo clips from Les Miserables. A lot of details in the sound, but no punch in the soundtrack. Need to try out with some other material some day. The speakers looked nice in real life though. Happy owner of: BV10 40", 2 x Beocom 2, Beocom 6000, Beocenter 2, Beolab 3, Beolab 2000, Beo4, Beolab 11, Playmaker 1:st prize winner Beoworld January Price Draw 2011 (BL8000).
The guide is useful, but it doesn't give the whole story. There are a number of extra possibilities, although B&O's guide is a good starting point. I would always recommend using Beolab 14 with a 5.1 surround sound source for best effect, but there are many other ways in which it can be used.
As always, I'm happy to help if anyone needs ideas on how they can integrate Beolab 14 with their existing (or planned) system.
Millemissen: Millemissen:Just came across the 'Quick Guide for BL14'!!! Grrrr! Millemissen
Millemissen:Just came across the 'Quick Guide for BL14'!!!
can you provide a link to "Quick Guide for BL14" ?
I can't find where it is hidden on the B&O site
Hi Elephant,
I don't think B&O have uploaded it to their website yet. I have scans of some of the pages (just the ones that I needed for connection information), but not the whole document. I'm sure that it will appear very soon on the Product Support pages of B&O's website. Also, as a copy is sent with every Beolab 14, your local B&O store will be sure to have a paper copy of the guide.
Hi Elephant.
no link - sorry, but ask your dealer - he will certainly be able to help.
Or buy a BL14 I suppose the Quick Guide is in the box.
Buy the way - It is only 2 pages, and you have now seen the important part of it.
Millemissen: Sorry to say it........if you, Vienna, and your dealer already played around with this stuff, you must have seen the 'Quick Guide' long ago!And therefore, no need to consult the B&O-support for asking if and how to connect e.g. a Playmaker with the BL14.
My dealer is inquisitive - but dislikes wild guessing. Therefore the call to B&O support for clarification ...
Hi Vienna,
I must admit, that my criticism may have been a bit too subtle, but in my understanding B&O wouldn't have made it possible to connect a stereo source with only one cable, if the BL14 was not able to rule the bass management itself!
Therefore there is not much more to worry about/no guessing, if you have the 'Quick Guide'. After all that is what the costumer gets buying the set - so he should be able to rely on it.
What Steve means by saying "There are a number of extra possibilities", I am sure he will explain by time.
Or we will have to learn it from a dealer - or simply wait for someone to try it out
BeoHut:With drawings and explanations. Select the Loudspeaker section and search for BL14. Not a Quick Guide, but useful information.
Select the Loudspeaker section and search for BL14. Not a Quick Guide, but useful information.
worth the visit
to make a hyperlink on your iPad type [ url ] and [ / url ] without spaces either side of your copy & paste
http://bogo.custhelp.com for BL14
Was already posted above a couple of days ago - 05-18-2013 8:30 AM