How do I connect my modern B&O system to a non-B&O amplifier and passive loudspeakers?

Steve at Sounds Heavenly — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:36:28 GMT

Current revision posted to <Members Own Technical Pages> by Steve at Sounds Heavenly on 19/03/2012 09:36:28

Modern Bang and Olufsen televisions and audio systems do not have built-in power amplifiers, but they are designed to connect to B&O's "Beolab" range of active (amplified) loudspeakers. So what do you do if you want to connect a modern B&O audio source or TV to a conventional amplifier and loudspeakers?

The solution is an Attenuator box which connects to one of the Powerlink outputs on your B&O system and converts this to RCA (also known as "phono") sockets to allow you to plug in a normal hifi or home cinema amplifier and speakers. As one Powerlink socket contains both left and right stereo signals, only one Attenuator box is needed to give stereo sound.

If you want to continue using the volume control on your B&O system to control the speakers you have connected in this way, you will need to set the extra amplifier volume level near to maximum. You can then use your B&O volume control (and remote control) as normal.

This setup allows you to use in-wall or in-ceiling speakers (indoor or outdoor) with your B&O music system, or to connect it to a multi-channel cinema/home theatre surround sound system.

Steve at Sounds Heavenly (www.soundsheavenly.co.uk)