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.
Kind regards, Steve.
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