Beolab 28

Happy BL28 day, everyone!

John, Henrik, Steve, Miki, thanks so much for the great videos for those of us who aren’t near dealers!

Any idea if we can get a non-GVA version?

Curly:

Happy BL28 day, everyone!

John, Henrik, Steve, Miki, thanks so much for the great videos for those of us who aren’t near dealers!

Hear! hear!

I think we're going to be in for a real treat with these! Looking forward to Geoff taking us through the magic and the process. 

FWIW, I think I prefer the fabric only versions..I can't wait to listen! 

 

Indeed great video’s guys!

Today I concluded that you guys and this forum give me so more detailed information than my dealer(s).

And I must admit that I’m impressed by the BL28 after all. The design is growing on me, especially the black version (the alu is to much in my face).

So I guess you all were right to state to be patient and wait for introduction. Will go and see in RL asap.

Hi all, glad you like the videos from us usual suspects. 

I really do love Beolab 28 so I urge you to go and have a listen if you can. It's been hard reading through all this and not being able to comment! Pictures don't do them justice. 

Also something I didn't mention as per a question above they do not come with a GVA built in, the microphones are for calibration only. The right decision in my opinion, I'm not sure GVA as much as I love it belongs in a Beolab speaker. Easy enough to add a Google Nest display or Nest Mini if you want that feature. 

All the best, John (B&O Manchester) 

This setup looks quite perfect.

Thank you all

They're a proper bit of kit and will pose great conundrums for customers in which way to go. It's the perfect problem for B&O to have imho because pricing wise:

90's= harmony 50's & 28's

50's= 1/2 65'' harmony and 4 bl 28's or harmony 28's and 18's.

Depending on that you do you have excellent options in the high end and in my mind this poses really fun questions

Ah, i retract my question. Apparently, the mic is for room calibration only. It doesn’t look like voice assistants are included. Perfect!

I am beginning to reconsider the Beolab 28. They look really slick in the black/oak combo. The inclusion of a mic would’ve been a deal breaker for me, so I’m glad it’s for calibration only.

Thanks for sharing all the videos, everyone--very insightful! I was fortunate to have an early opportunity to spend about 3 hours altogether with the 28s at my dealer, and was also very impressed with them--and in consideration of my advance look at them have held off sharing my thoughts until the public announcement.

The build quality is excellent and they look much better in person than in photos--they are beautiful. The design, while not quite as classic in my opinion as the 18s nevertheless is assuredly B&O and fits in well with an Eclipse or Harmony, which is how I'd personally plan to use them. The lamellas operate smoothly and whisper-quietly, and I liked the ability to quickly know whether they were in narrow or wide mode. 

The soundstage is expansive and impressive, and the bass is truly remarkable for their size. Listening to them along with the 50s and 90s, I'd say they punch above their weight class--and the immersive sound that comes from such slim speakers is really astonishing. While not quite as nuanced at their big brothers, as would be expected, they nevertheless confidently held their own for a fraction of the price.

My only minor quibble with them is that, compared to the 50s and 90s--or even a pair of 18s paired with a 19, which I didn't directly compare when listening to the 28s--I didn't feel the bass was quite as tightly controlled. It was present, to be sure, but it was a bit boomy at higher volumes and with bass-heavy tracks. That could have been a function of the speakers not being properly calibrated or perhaps the flooring in the showroom, or it could just be partly the nature of the downward-firing bass drivers. Some (including me, a decade or two ago) would love that aspect of them, but when comparing it to the spot on capabilities of the 50s and 90s it felt slightly out of balance.

I'd love to hear any thoughts from others who've spent time with them about their impressions--in particular with regard to the bass--as I was certainly impressed enough with them that I'm seriously considering buying a pair (or two) for my home.

Any idea if the 28’s come in brass any time soon?

As Mikipidia stated: BL50 or Harmony + 28’s... got me thinking already

I'd like them in brass, too. I was told perhaps next year, but am considering ordering them through the bespoke program (albeit at a premium).

Is it possible to tune the 28’s with microphone at different listening positions, comparable as 50’s / 90’s?

Was not mentioned in the reviews, so guess not?

No. Just wide and narrow

BeoJosh:

I'd like them in brass, too. I was told perhaps next year, but am considering ordering them through the bespoke program (albeit at a premium).

Nice! Any idea how high a premium?

For bespoke version, subwoofer/foot in black and the speaker in brass? Might be nice to match the brass 18’s with black stand.

In black the stand of the 28 are subtle, in bronze or alu I find them a bit to much, would be very interested to see that in brass

MaxH:

No. Just wide and narrow

Thanks Max, hope there will be a test in due time where the 28’s are compared to 50’s and especially the room adjustment capabilities.

I find it hard to tune my 19 in my room for good bass reproduction due to my room acoustics. It is either too soft or too hard, depending on where I sit in the room.

I assume with 50’s I can compensate this, for 28’s not so sure.

I am thinking all brass, with black cloth and smoked oak lamellas, to match the 50s in brass tone I have on order (and to match my Harmony). I was told they can be made through the bespoke program at a 30% premium. I like the look of the black anthracite version, and if I were going for a standalone solution I'd order those, but don't want to mix and match finishes in my system.

BeoJosh:

I am thinking all brass, with black cloth and smoked oak lamellas, to match the 50s in brass tone I have on order (and to match my Harmony). I was told they can be made through the bespoke program at a 30% premium. I like the look of the black anthracite version, and if I were going for a standalone solution I'd order those, but don't want to mix and match finishes in my system.

Completely agree with you, have Eclipse / 18 in brass / smoked oak and 19 brass. Really lovely combination for my interior. I’m eyeballing the 50’s in brass for a while now but cannot justify the €30K (still).

Your setup is gonna be killer for sure! Please show pictures when all arrived

Fansastic

Try moving the 19 around the room, little by little, until you find the best position.

There is bound to be one and if the room is that difficult this is a better bet than the 28's room compensation

MaxH:

Fansastic

Try moving the 19 around the room, little by little, until you find the best position.

There is bound to be one and if the room is that difficult this is a better bet than the 28's room compensation

Thanx Max, will give it another try!

Fansastic:

Thanks Max, hope there will be a test in due time where the 28’s are compared to 50’s and especially the room adjustment capabilities.

I find it hard to tune my 19 in my room for good bass reproduction due to my room acoustics. It is either too soft or too hard, depending on where I sit in the room.

I assume with 50’s I can compensate this, for 28’s not so sure. BV Eclipse 55 Brass - BL 18 Brass - BL 19 Brass - BL17 Black - BL 3 White - BS Moment - BS 2 Brass - BV Horizon 48 - BS3000 - BS 3200 - BS Essence MK2 - BL 4000 - V1 40 Black - V1 40 White - BLC NL/ML - H6 - H4 - E8 Motion - A8 Earphone - Beolit 12 - Beolit 15 - Beoplay A1 Green - Beoplay A3 White

I hope for the same comparison.

Razlaw:

Fansastic:

 

Thanks Max, hope there will be a test in due time where the 28’s are compared to 50’s and especially the room adjustment capabilities.

 

I find it hard to tune my 19 in my room for good bass reproduction due to my room acoustics. It is either too soft or too hard, depending on where I sit in the room.

 

I assume with 50’s I can compensate this, for 28’s not so sure. BV Eclipse 55 Brass - BL 18 Brass - BL 19 Brass - BL17 Black - BL 3 White - BS Moment - BS 2 Brass - BV Horizon 48 - BS3000 - BS 3200 - BS Essence MK2 - BL 4000 - V1 40 Black - V1 40 White - BLC NL/ML - H6 - H4 - E8 Motion - A8 Earphone - Beolit 12 - Beolit 15 - Beoplay A1 Green - Beoplay A3 White

 

 

I hope for the same comparison.

 

There is no mic calibration like Beolab 50 and 90 but from my information it may become a future update to have that functionality. 

 

At the moment they tune themselves like Beosound Balance, Level and Emerge by sending a tone and measuring the response with their own internal mics. 

 

They are no BeoLab 50 but damn, they are so impressive. Like a lovely half way point between BeoLab 18/19 and BeoLab 50. Stayed late in the shop today listening between 28/50 and 90. BeoLab 90 still have my heart :-). 

 

John. 

 

There are no plans for brass tone at launch, just silver, anthracite and bronze. Not sure if it will be added to the bespoke programme. I think you may see gold before brass but I can't be 100%

John:

There is no mic calibration like Beolab 50 and 90 but from my information it may become a future update to have that functionality.

At the moment they tune themselves like Beosound Balance, Level and Emerge by sending a tone and measuring the response with their own internal mics.

They are no BeoLab 50 but damn, they are so impressive. Like a lovely half way point between BeoLab 18/19 and BeoLab 50. Stayed late in the shop today listening between 28/50 and 90. BeoLab 90 still have my heart :-).

John.

Thanks for the comparison between 28 and 50. I want a wall mounted Eclipse to replace my BV7, but do not like the way a wall mounted Eclipse looks with my 50s. Have been considering trading in the 50s on an Eclipse and 28s.

John:

There is no mic calibration like Beolab 50 and 90 but from my information it may become a future update to have that functionality.

At the moment they tune themselves like Beosound Balance, Level and Emerge by sending a tone and measuring the response with their own internal mics.

They are no BeoLab 50 but damn, they are so impressive. Like a lovely half way point between BeoLab 18/19 and BeoLab 50. Stayed late in the shop today listening between 28/50 and 90. BeoLab 90 still have my heart :-).

John.

Thanks John, your enthusiasm is so nice and makes me even more curious to go and hear them. I find my 18/19 so so, for my feeling the 18 miss on certain mid bass area’s which the 19 does not provide, only deeper bass it will of course. I prefer the full sound of my 17 to be honest. So my guess is that the 28 will suit me very well, as the 50 is a bit too big for my placing.

I REALLY like the silver grey design and the mechanical magic! Well done Bang & Olufsen!

Mikipidia:

Thank you all

They're a proper bit of kit and will pose great conundrums for customers in which way to go. It's the perfect problem for B&O to have imho because pricing wise:

90's= harmony 50's & 28's

50's= 1/2 65'' harmony and 4 bl 28's or harmony 28's and 18's.

Depending on that you do you have excellent options in the high end and in my mind this poses really fun questions

I agree. The price point also creates an interesting question when comparing with a BL18/19 combo. Especially if the customer needs a core and transmitter 1. Then the price difference is not much more than £1,000 (I think).

It’s a nice upgrade path for BL18 owners.

Does anyone know whether the fact that the woofers in the base point downwards would transfer vibrations to the floor? I live in an apartment and I wouldn’t want to inflict too much noise on my neighbour below.

The frequency range of the BL28 is down to 27Hz which is not that much different from the BL18 which goes down to 28Hz. Clearly the extra size of the speakers will allow them to play much louder before the ABL kicks in. But given that the BL19 goes down to 21Hz do the BL28s have that deep bass that you feel rather than hear? I’m not trying to be critical at all. I’m sure they sound absolutely amazing. But I’m no sound engineer and as a layman I was just curious when I heard the frequency range.

I had a first look and listen to the 28’s at the dealer.

To put it in short: wow.

First I must admit I was very critical regarding the design, and I was wrong. It is all the way a B&O speaker and just looks good. Especially the proportion is hard to judge from pictures and in RL it looks very good. The base was my main worry and even in alu it is not in your face.

The sound is amazing, as my dealer was setting the 28 up for first time, I started with 20 and 50. It was a quick impression so don’t get me wrong.

BL20: not so impressive, sounds much like my 18/19 combo but with way smoother bass.

BL50: I’m still in shock how good they are. It is so clear en has so much dept, I’ve never experienced this and it is as if the music is performed in front of you. So very balanced, I wanted to keep listening to them for many hours to come...(damn now I want 50’s)

And then the BL28 popped on: wow what a sound! First impression was that they are way more bass heavy than the 50’s (I know this cannot be the case but maybe they are more bass oriented tuned out of the box).

They are so rich sounding, very balanced and the bass was as full as I never heard before witch dealer setup.

Switching from wide to narrow gave a bit more detail, as if the music comes a meter towards you. Not so close / depth full as the 50’s but still impressive.

Asked him about delivery times but he was not even able to order them. He had put in an order for 18’s two months ago and they will be delivered in september...that is not ok. Hope B&O can get back in their game asap.

To conclude, go see and hear the 28’s, as already stated by our online oracles (thank you John from B&O Manchester, Michael from Mikipedia, Henrik from BOTF and Steve from Soundsheavenly). The BL28 is a true B&O speaker and the sound is simply amazing.

Now I have a new dilemma: go for 28 or 50 for future upgrade..

Duels:

Does anyone know whether the fact that the woofers in the base point downwards would transfer vibrations to the floor? I live in an apartment and I wouldn’t want to inflict too much noise on my neighbour below.

The frequency range of the BL28 is down to 27Hz which is not that much different from the BL18 which goes down to 28Hz. Clearly the extra size of the speakers will allow them to play much louder before the ABL kicks in. But given that the BL19 goes down to 21Hz do the BL28s have that deep bass that you feel rather than hear? I’m not trying to be critical at all. I’m sure they sound absolutely amazing. But I’m no sound engineer and as a layman I was just curious when I heard the frequency range.

I found the28s to be surprisingly bassy when I listened to them

I’m not a bass head, but my 50’s sounded less bass prominent than me 28’s to my ears

Sandyb:

I found the28s to be surprisingly bassy when I listened to them

I’m not a bass head, but my 50’s sounded less bass prominent than me 28’s to my ears

Thank you Sandy.

Duels:

Does anyone know whether the fact that the woofers in the base point downwards would transfer vibrations to the floor?

Hi

It was the same concept for the BL5 (with a woofer THAT big ) and no vibrations issues.

CB:

Hi

It was the same concept for the BL5 (with a woofer THAT big ) and no vibrations issues.

A friend of mine said his neighbors complained much more about his beolab 5 than 50s, probably due to the speaker facing downwards into the ground. The 50 and the 20 that 28 replaces had front facing speakers pushing the airflow in the horizontal direction rather than vertical.

Not sure how the 28s will be though. And probably not nearly as loud as the 5s.

I'd say they 28's are good value for their 10-11k price.

My school of thought is / was a bit different - I never wanted to change speakers again, and my ears like a huge soundstage, so its like I wanted more sound (depth, width, richness, unity etc) than I could ever need. That way, even with my fussy ears, I'll never listen to my 50's and think I need more.

That would be my approach with the 28s - they sound super impressive (although first impression was that it was too bass prominent for me), but if they had' been available at the time, I'd still have gone for 50s, for the above reason. Part of how you perceive the 28s is down to their small form factor, and the soundstage that comes out seems out of proportion, so just seems extra impressive.

But once one gets over that, I;d think about it more objectively - if space and funds permit it, the 50's are just so endlessly expansive and joyous, I'd always go that way and know that absent something extremely odd happening, they'll be last speaker you ever need. To me there is a risk that the 28s may leave you wanting a bit more at some point down the road.

Thats just my take though, and not to detract from the 28s. - they sound very impressive from what I heard, and have a lot to offer flexibility and connection wise, even though the looks are nothing iconic

 

Fansastic:

I had a first look and listen to the 28’s at the dealer.

 

To put it in short: wow.

 

 

First I must admit I was very critical regarding the design, and I was wrong. It is all the way a B&O speaker and just looks good. Especially the proportion is hard to judge from pictures and in RL it looks very good. The base was my main worry and even in alu it is not in your face.

 

 

The sound is amazing, as my dealer was setting the 28 up for first time, I started with 20 and 50. It was a quick impression so don’t get me wrong.

 

BL20: not so impressive, sounds much like my 18/19 combo but with way smoother bass.

 

BL50: I’m still in shock how good they are. It is so clear en has so much dept, I’ve never experienced this and it is as if the music is performed in front of you. So very balanced, I wanted to keep listening to them for many hours to come...(damn now I want 50’s)

 

 

And then the BL28 popped on: wow what a sound! First impression was that they are way more bass heavy than the 50’s (I know this cannot be the case but maybe they are more bass oriented tuned out of the box).

 

They are so rich sounding, very balanced and the bass was as full as I never heard before witch dealer setup.

 

Switching from wide to narrow gave a bit more detail, as if the music comes a meter towards you. Not so close / depth full as the 50’s but still impressive.

 

 

Asked him about delivery times but he was not even able to order them. He had put in an order for 18’s two months ago and they will be delivered in september...that is not ok. Hope B&O can get back in their game asap.

 

 

To conclude, go see and hear the 28’s, as already stated by our online oracles (thank you John from B&O Manchester, Michael from Mikipedia, Henrik from BOTF and Steve from Soundsheavenly). The BL28 is a true B&O speaker and the sound is simply amazing.

 

 

Now I have a new dilemma: go for 28 or 50 for future upgrade..

 

Sandyb:

I'd say they 28's are good value for their 10-11k price.

My school of thought is / was a bit different - I never wanted to change speakers again, and my ears like a huge soundstage, so its like I wanted more sound (depth, width, richness, unity etc) than I could ever need. That way, even with my fussy ears, I'll never listen to my 50's and think I need more.

That would be my approach with the 28s - they sound super impressive (although first impression was that it was too bass prominent for me), but if they had' been available at the time, I'd still have gone for 50s, for the above reason. Part of how you perceive the 28s is down to their small form factor, and the soundstage that comes out seems out of proportion, so just seems extra impressive.

But once one gets over that, I;d think about it more objectively - if space and funds permit it, the 50's are just so endlessly expansive and joyous, I'd always go that way and know that absent something extremely odd happening, they'll be last speaker you ever need. To me there is a risk that the 28s may leave you wanting a bit more at some point down the road.

Thats just my take though, and not to detract from the 28s. - they sound very impressive from what I heard, and have a lot to offer flexibility and connection wise, even though the looks are nothing iconic

I know what you mean and honestly I can have great sound from my beolit 15 and wonder why I bought 50s too. But that is for a quick listen and if I compare them at length then it’s a very different beast.

I’d say 28 is the same kind of experience. Very nicely tuned but not at all capable of the truth and detail or punch. But most people might be happy with that.

Most car companies are making mini SUVs for people to. Kinda the same thing :).

Indeed, though I'd still say the 28's are pretty good value for the price, and compared to the 50s.

All I'm saying is that (and I'm sure people will) those auditioning the 28s should separate the initial impression (wow, thats a big sound from such slim columns) from whether that will be sufficient for their needs.

In many cases it will be, as the 28s move away from the 18s/19 and towards the 50s with the bigger open soundstage.

But for those, like myself, for whom that move is not sufficient, I'd prefer the 50s easily - especially if they can be had for a discount.

All of the above commentary applies more for music than for movies - after all 18s and 19 are impressive enough for movies, its just for music that that combination can fall short. The 28s will be great too for movies, so my comments above are very much about 2.0 music listening.

 

 

Michael:

Sandyb:

 

I'd say they 28's are good value for their 10-11k price.

 

My school of thought is / was a bit different - I never wanted to change speakers again, and my ears like a huge soundstage, so its like I wanted more sound (depth, width, richness, unity etc) than I could ever need. That way, even with my fussy ears, I'll never listen to my 50's and think I need more.

 

That would be my approach with the 28s - they sound super impressive (although first impression was that it was too bass prominent for me), but if they had' been available at the time, I'd still have gone for 50s, for the above reason. Part of how you perceive the 28s is down to their small form factor, and the soundstage that comes out seems out of proportion, so just seems extra impressive.

 

But once one gets over that, I;d think about it more objectively - if space and funds permit it, the 50's are just so endlessly expansive and joyous, I'd always go that way and know that absent something extremely odd happening, they'll be last speaker you ever need. To me there is a risk that the 28s may leave you wanting a bit more at some point down the road.

 

Thats just my take though, and not to detract from the 28s. - they sound very impressive from what I heard, and have a lot to offer flexibility and connection wise, even though the looks are nothing iconic

 

 

I know what you mean and honestly I can have great sound from my beolit 15 and wonder why I bought 50s too. But that is for a quick listen and if I compare them at length then it’s a very different beast.

 

 

I’d say 28 is the same kind of experience. Very nicely tuned but not at all capable of the truth and detail or punch. But most people might be happy with that.

 

 

Most car companies are making mini SUVs for people to. Kinda the same thing :).

 

I am going back to have another listen tomorrow but after some reflection this is my first take on the 28s.

They will sell well and deserve to because they reflect much of what appeals to the market at the moment.

1. Good looks. Not iconic but close. High partner acceptance factor with no messy trailing wires

2. Very good sound (more of that later)

3. Streaming via Airplay etc., is a huge step forward because of modern day listening habits for good quality Hi-Fi and opens up a new era for B&O

Positioned by B&O to be an advance on the sound of the 18s and 20s I would agree that a slightly boomy bass (to my ears) and what would appear to be excellent DSP give a remarkable sound stage and high quality sound for such thin speakers.

For TV, movies and the growing market of Airplay/Roon music, these speakers will excel but suggesting they are anywhere near the 50s though if your listening to music is other than casual is really pushing it too far.

The 50s are a lot more expensive and well deserve their price premium in the quality of the sound they deliver: IMHO.

So back tomorrow for another listen but congratulations to B&O for getting so much about the 28s right.

 

 

Agreed - Sandyb and MaxH - these are certainly not in the same league as the BL50’es and are not intended to be either.

In our relatively small living room (with the BV/5.2 setup) there by no means would be room for the 50’s - neither spacewise nor soundwise.

The BL28 could fit in, however!

I think many may think alike - and many won’t really need the 50’s respectively be able use or value their potential.

The 28’s might be an alternative to a BL18/19 combination, but many are happy with the 18’s alone.

Personally I’d prefer the 28’s to the 20’s - I see these more like a replacement of the 20’s.....with a lot of new stuff added.

So all in all, a worthy addition to the excisting range and a nice take on a modern BL.

 

We should be happy that B&O is a company that dares to try out different, new things, dares to explore alternatives to former glorious and highly praised loudspeakers (yet presenting something that we easily can recognize as a B&O speaker). 
I am sure that people will get used to the design - just as they got used to the A9......which indeed was very different from former B&O speakers.

I’ll be listening to the 28’s again tomorrow - eager to learn more about them and to dig a bit deeper into the sound capacities.

 

MM

The Lab 28s seem to be positioned as part-BeoLab, part-BeoSound, making them ideal for a friend of mine who has just bought a pair. He wants standalone wireless speakers with a small footprint and striking looks, and after years of swapping in and out different BeoPlays and BeoSounds (A9, BS2, Edge, Balance, Level, Emerge) I think he has found his forever speaker.

He also has a BeoVision Contour. As I understand it – since I've never owned one – the Contour cannot support any external speakers, so he will not be able to connect the 28s to them for three-channel TV sound. Is that correct?

Correct, sadly.

Thanks, Curly. It's not really going to bother him. I was just slightly confused as some of the early reviews of the Lab 28s stated they could be connected to a Contour, which contradicted what I thought.