How do I start connecting B&O equipment to my other equipment?

Steve at Sounds Heavenly — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:32:03 GMT

Current revision posted to <Members Own Technical Pages> by Steve at Sounds Heavenly on 19/03/2012 09:32:03

Despite the unusual connections used on Bang and Olufsen audio systems (typically 2, 5, 7 and 8 pin DIN plugs), it is possible to get your B&O system to interface to equipment from other manufacturers, including such items as non-B&O CD players, turntables, active subwoofers, amplifiers and speakers.

B&O themselves make a limited range of adapters to allow you to interface with other companies' equipment, with further ranges available online through manufacturers such as Sounds Heavenly.

The most common (and useful) ways of integrating B&O into other systems include:-

1) Adding a non-B&O line source into a B&O system: This needs an RCA to DIN Input Cable.

2) Using a Powerlink-equipped B&O system with a conventional amplifier and passive loudspeakers: This needs a Powerlink to Amplifier cable, with two RCA plugs being the current industry standard for the connection to the amplifier. As the B&O system alters the volume coming out through the Powerlink outputs, you will normally need to set the external amplifier to nearly maximum for best results.

3) Connecting an iPod/MP3 Player or PC into a B&O system: This needs a PC/iPod Input Cable with a 3.5mm mini-jack to plug into the source. Always ensure that lead you choose is long enough for the job; it pays to buy one longer than you think you will need, so that you can have to iPod or laptop near your comfy chair to make changing tracks easier! Most iPods and MP3 Players need their volume control to be set near to maximum when played through a home hifi system, due to the low level of signal they normally produce via headphones.

4) Adding several extra audio inputs to a B&O system: Why do B&O only give you one Auxiliary Input on each of their audio systems - I wish I knew! Aux. Input Switching Kits can be used to allow you to connect up to four items into the one input without having to constantly change plugs.

5) Adding a non-B&O active subwoofer to your B&O system: This is a common arrangement, due to the high cost of B&O's own sub, the Beolab 2. As for Option 2 above, the Powerlink outputs are your best option, with a Powerlink to Subwoofer Cable allowing you to connect most subs to your system using either one or both of the RCA plugs fitted and still keep their volume controllable by the B&O remote control.

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