I have asked this question  directly to b&o  through an e-mail  4-5 years ago and their official reply was not possible then???!!!

Same for me, I've been waiting for this ICE Power update on BL8000 and 6000 for ages, and still nothing out..

To me it would bring lots of improvements to these column speakers:

- the amps would take much less space, which would allow more space for another woofer for bass (making it a 3-way rather than 2-way speaker)

- even without going that far, the space saved for the bass port would allow more cabinet volume, and give better bass anyway, see the Lab 7-1 which has roughly the same shape & dimensions as BL8000, the 7-1 goes down to 37 Hz with a 4 liter bass cabinet volume, while BL8000 has 5.3 liters already, all that B&O has to do it make the 8000 a 3-way system, with the lower woofer dedicated to bass.

- since BeoLab 1 was replaced by BeoLab 9, there is a huge gap between the Lab 8000/3 (going down to 50 Hz), and the Lab 9 (going down to 30 Hz), with this upgrade the 8000 could easily go down to 40 Hz with proper correction/ABL setting (the current one goes down to 40 Hz at -8dB)

- the production costs could be reduced, by using the same ICE amps as for the Lab 7 & 3 range (125 W per channel).

- the power consumption would finally go back to today's standards

- so why does it take so long to boost those aging speakers?🙁

Didn't B&O upgrade the bass in the BL8000 in a MKII gen or something? When was that?

They upgraded the woofer & ABL settings, but the change was so minor, that there was neither "mark II" change, nor "type nr" modification..you have to check the serial number to see if the 8000 is the 1st or 2nd version; besides, the tech specs have not moved at all..😎

Chrisreunion wrote:

They upgraded the woofer & ABL settings, but the change was so minor, that there was neither "mark II" change, nor "type nr" modification..you have to check the serial number to see if the 8000 is the 1st or 2nd version; besides, the tech specs have not moved at all..😎

Well then, I agree! Onward to ICE power!

Have to confess that I simply do not agree. Class D amplifiers do have certain advantages - efficiency is definitely one and the resulting reduction in need for heat sinks, but a good class AB amplifier with years of development is not to be sniffed at. I would far rather B&O spent some more money on the drivers than replace the amplifiers. It would certainly be an easy job - the Beolab 4000 is proof that it can be done but I have not heard of many people who have been stunned by the change in sound quality.

I would far rather that B&O devise an equally stunning new speaker than played around with the 8000.

Well actually, a good designed class A/B amp sounds more warm, a class D amp sounds perfect neutral but more like a clinical sound, and i'll get more tired to listening to a Class D amp than a A/B even if it's sound more perfect. Well you have the other side, Class A also, and other brand's are make them, and you can have it with tubes also, each has his individual sound character, it sounds different,so it's more a personal taste i think.

Some ppl are kicking at a pinpoint sharp soundstage,and others prefer a warm bass and smooth pure high's.

I've been told that the 'new' beolab 8000 with ice power will be available in the summer of 2010.

I agree that lack of bass and power (dynamics) is a real drag on the BL8000. Right now IMO the B&O speaker range lacks the perfect combination between sound quality and looks: the BL5/9 might sound great but I will probably never get used to their (ugly?) design. The BL8000/6000 on the other hand are simply beautiful but as earlier mentioned lack the dynamics required to really enjoy listening to (depending on the type of music of course).

I have to say I am looking forward for an updated version of the BL8000. However I am a bit sceptic that switching from a class AB amplifier to a digital one would really make much of a difference soundwise. I think if there will be an update to class D amplifiers it will be made to cut down the production cost and to add a few new buzzwords to boost their sales.