The AV 7000 was my first B&O surround processor. That brings back such nice memories! It really is a beautiful, minimal box that matches the 7000 system.

I'm curious how you're handling the video with a modern setup. Back when it came out, it had the odd complication that it needed a video input to be able to detect if the video source was playing. Since most TVs back then didn't have a video output, it became necessary to be creative with some video splitting to create a feedback loop. I guess that video output is more common on modern TVs now.

Also, the video was WAY overprocessed through the AV 7000. The colors were super-saturated. Thus, you never really wanted to use the video output.

The PUC  control as the time was nice, but very limited. Something nice about the Apple TV is that you can have it learn other IR codes -- therefore, you could probably get the Apple TV to be controlled by the AV7000, but then you have the issue of extracting the audio from the HDMI.

I, too, used Beovox 4500 with my AV 7000 as rear speakers. I used 6000s as fronts. As I recall, I used a 4000 as center channel. I used a third-party sub -- which was easy since the AV 7000 was designed to support a third party sub. You might be tempted to go with a B&O Cona to keep it all B&O -- but don't bother. The Cona is too weak to serve as a proper subwoofer. I think any  variant of the BL7 would serve as a great center channel.

Hi cyana, hi beojeff,

I did once plan for an AV7000, but then went for a BeoSystem 3. However I thought to remember that the center channel of the AV7000 was not using a PowerLink socket, but had regular red/black terminals. The manual confirms this (but is not specific about what speaker):

Login to view image

It would mean you can choose a BeoVox speaker (that has no internal amplification like the BeoLabs have), maybe a CX100 (or two)? BeoLabs that have a[n autosense] line in connection can be connected too (4000/6000/8000) [but would need attenuation]. Beolab 7s do not have such a[n autosense] line in connection and would require attenuation [as well as a trigger signal to power up]. [] Steve (Sounds Heavenly) can help there if you want to go that way. The BeoLab 3500 seems a nice 'soundbar' option but is even more tricky to make behave as a center speaker.

The sub outputs are red/white cinch connections, these do not provide the power-on 5v signal that PowerLink connections provide and BeoLab 2 and 11 need. BeoLab 19 seems to be the easiest [directly] connectable sub. A lot is possible but will need some cable magic [for instance a powered trigger kit].

You state that the BeoVox 4500s are active, are they then not BeoLab 4500s?

Hope this helps. Regards, Johan

Hi beojeff and Tignum,

thanks a lot for your replies and considerations! I've connected a Sony QLED 7 TV via optical/DAC/RCA cinch to the AUX input of the AV 7000 - this works great, though the signal is a bit low and you need to raise the volume for about 40% and emphasize the center speaker a bit more, while when listening to music you want to dampen it a little. Also, you have the hassle with manually switching to AUX with SHIFT/RADIO on the Beolink 1. I've tried to use VTAPE instead, however this produces a deep buzz in the background so I switched to AUX again.

Talking about the Beolink 1 - I'm having problems with storing the SOUND 5 setting. It sticks with SOUND 2 and I always have to switch to SOUND 5 manually, when I turn on the AV 7000. Other SOUND settings like BALANCE, FRONT, CENTER and REAR are stored correct when pressing SOUND STORE STORE. Is there anything I've overlooked?

As for the center speaker - yes it seems neither Beolab 3500 nor 7.1 will do; the first one is not really a center speaker, the second one only has a PL-connection. I looked at the Beolab 4, but you would need a pair of them; also, they are too high for standing in front of the Sony - there is only a height of around 10cm available.

For the subwoofer Beolab 2 would be my favorite.

>>You state that the BeoVox 4500s are active, are they then not BeoLab 4500s?

Yes, you're right. They are BeoLabs now, not BeoVox. The BeoVox could be retrofitted with the amplifiers, I guess this is what happened to mine by some previous owner, as they where offered as BeoVox.

best greetings and thanks!

Cyana

Ah yes, what about the Cona as subwoofer?

Thanks!

Hi Cyana, the Cona is a (passive) BeoVox and needs an amplified speaker signal. The red/white cinch connectors do not provide that. So then there needs to be an amp between the AV and the Cona. The Cona is not very powerful as beojeff said.

I also must revise my original response about the center channel: the center channel red/black clamps do provide an amplified channel, and can only be used with passive (BeoVox speakers) or need attenuation.

Regards, Johan

Hi Johan,

thanks a lot for your advice! So, no Cona in my case - I saw one for 170 EUR on ebay, a very tempting offer.

Seems that there is no suitable center speaker from B&O in my case - I would need a width of around 40cm and a height of around 10cm (width is not that critical, but height is). Something like the Magnat Needle Super Center.

Any idea how to make SOUND 5 permanent?

Thanks a lot!
Cyana

Hello Cyana,

For the center speaker not easy: also the slim BeoVox CXs on their sides are higher than 100mm (they are 120mm). Could look nice & symmetrical. Does your Sony TV by any chance have the possibility for using the in-built speakers for the center channel? There are some higher end models that can do that!

The manual (you can find it on Beoworld when becoming a silver or gold member ;-)) does not say anything about storing the 5 channel mode as default. It does say that by choosing an audio source 'sound 2' (stereo) and by choosing a video source 'sound 3' (stereo + center) is selected. I fear you cannot store 'sound 5' as a default.

Keep us posted!

Regards, Johan

 

Hi Johan,

Does your Sony TV by any chance have the possibility for using the in-built speakers for the center channel?

Very nice idea, unfortunately the TV has only an optical audio output, and I could not find a way to loop in the center signal (or any signal, for that matter). In the TV settings, you switch to optical output, this shuts down the internal speakers. However, I wonder if placing a center speaker behind the TV would be a viable solution. I've looked at a electronic market this weekend, and only found soundbars, that would fit, but not real speakers; very ugly appearance, btw. Behind the TV there would be a depth up to 15cm (the TV is curved) to the wall - not sure if this is enough to have a widely unobstructed sound. Something cool I found, however, was a bluetooth hub with a L/R cinch connection - I've connected it to the VTAPE input and now can stream music from my iPhone onto a B&O from 1987 - an unreal but overwhelming experience ;) best greetings Cyana

Hello Cyana,

Nice to hear you are expanding the usage of the system, and bring it into the 21st century! I think it is great that B&O also provides support to keep on using older systems, even in today's NetworkLink systems: my BeoMaster 6500/BeoGram CD 7000 set is eventually linked to a BeoSound Core!

Check this thread if you want: https://forum.beoworld.org/forums/topic/difference-between-source-sugnals/page/5/

With placing a speaker behind the TV you might block the tweeters indeed. There is no way to bring the TV up a few centimeters?

Regards,

Johan