I think, if you like the sound of the BL5 you will like the sound of your records via BL5. 

I have a BS7000 with Beogram 7000 (MMC2) from a linkroom connected to AUX input of my BS9000 with BL5. For me the sound is just great. The sound will be send analog via Masterlink or Powerlink - depends on your setup - to BL5. Only CD sound is sent via spdif. So the digital conversion will be in the BL5. But you already have a digital ice power amp in your BL2. I love the BL2, but I think BL5 sounds smoother and more "musical" basswise.

But be aware you can hear everything (!) from your analog records on your BL5s, also sounds from analog sources we are not used to hear anymore in digital age....

BTW Congratulations to your BL5s🙂

Stefan

I know what you mean but the answer is no. Beolab 5s can be regarded as active speakers and as such bear comparison with many other high end speakers. I have never seen any poor reviews when attached to a good source, your Thorens clearly being such a source. The weak link in your set up would probably be the Beosound 9000 as the pre-amp in this is of good but not outstanding quality. B&O no longer make what I would regard as a really high end Hi-Fi audio product - except the Beolab 5!

Thank you both for the replys! 

Looks like I will pull the trigger and get the BL5s!  Interesting about the Beosound 9000 being the weak link.... makes sense, but are there any  better alternative out there that in the B&O line?  Id rather not but a preamp and have to run the thick speaker wires etc.....but if its going to really hold back the BL5s I feel like i should go that route.

Again....thanks!

DCI wrote:

Thank you both for the replys! 

Looks like I will pull the trigger and get the BL5s!  Interesting about the Beosound 9000 being the weak link.... makes sense, but are there any  better alternative out there that in the B&O line?  Id rather not but a preamp and have to run the thick speaker wires etc.....but if its going to really hold back the BL5s I feel like i should go that route.

Again....thanks!

I mostly agree with Peter except to note that your phono amp is highly rated and hopefully should somewhat overcome the preamp in the BS9000. Having a record cleaner is important.  This is something you can get later but clean vinyl records do make a difference in the sound.

I have tested a turntable with a Beolab 5 setup and the sound was spectacular.  However pops and clicks did seemed more pronounced.

Beolab 5s are in my future later in the year.  I think those speakers are amazing.

Well the BL5s have arrived and I can say they sound great with vinyl!  These are some powerful speakers but the have great finesse as well, jazz sounds fantastic on them.  One thing I am eager to try is tube based phono stage with them.....but that is down the road.

I just bought a TT 2 days ago with a tubed phono preamp. Running that into my BS9000 and then to the lab 5s.  I got the pro-ject genie 3 which is a really slick looking TT with a Bellari tubed phono preamp that has a USB out as well. 

I haven't had time to listen yet but after hearing DCI's praise I'm really looking foward to it.

Peter: " B&O no longer make what I would regard as a really high end Hi-Fi audio product - except the Beolab 5! "

Beolab 3  & 9 are not to be regarded as high-end Hi-Fi?

Beoinbuff, make sure you get a good cartridge, it can really make a difference. 

A denon 103 or a Dynavector 10X5 would be a good entry level start depending on your phono stages gain.  Enjoy!

jc wrote:

Peter: " B&O no longer make what I would regard as a really high end Hi-Fi audio product - except the Beolab 5! "

Beolab 3  & 9 are not to be regarded as high-end Hi-Fi?

I would probably say no - I am not sure ABL would be used in an audiophile product and the simple three position switch is a bit crude. Hi-Fi, yes. True top end, debatable.