Beolink Passive v Third party amp

11 replies

Hi folks.

1. I am thinking of connecting some non B&O passive speakers to my Ouverture. I have heard people say that buying a third party amp and getting hold of some powerlink/RCA cables from ebay is the way to go and cheaper and just as effective as connecting the speakers via the Beolink Passive.

Any views on this would be much appreciated. I am really not fussed about being able to control the passive speakers separately; I am happy to control all speakers via the Ouverture.

2. Noddy question this but I will get over my shame and ask: my Ouverture is connected via masterlink to my Beovision. Connected to the Beovision, I have two Beolab 6000s. Given that I seem to have used the masterlink slots on both the Ouverture and the Beovision, where would a Beolink Passive connect to?

As I said, Noddy would be in hysterics but any guidance much welcome.

Thanks!

Compostela

 

Not a Noddy question actually. My initial reaction was fully wired powerlink from the Overture to the Beolink passive but this would have control implications. Your Ouverture is in Option 0 and the keyboard is dead and the remote is controlling volume via the Beovision. It would work but you would not have independent control on the passives and the whole system would play at the same volume setting.

I think you would need an IR eye for your passive to give independent control of the passive speakers and use a Masterlink junction box to join all three items together.

That's my threepen'orth anyway. If all else fails (that means before you do anything) download the system configurator and check your system on that.

Thanks Graham.

Ant thoughts on sound quality when comparing a third party amp and a Beolink Passive? What is the advvantage of the Beo Passive?

Thanks.

There is not a lot wrong with the Beolink Passive. I use one all the time in my work room driving a pair of S80.2. It also has the advantage of auto switch on when required on command from the Ouverture.

 You can undoubtedly buy better stand alone amps but given the switching and control implications I would stick with the passive.

Graham

Do you know where I could get hold of a masterlink junction box?

Cheers

Most dealers will have stock of them. I think they cost around £10 and come with a tool for inserting the wires. Enables you to join 4 cables together. I think Lifestyle-AV stock a slightly cheaper version?

There are other more expensive and sophisticated options which you should also discuss with your dealer.

If I did go for the powerlink option (rather than junction box/masterlink), would the powerlink connect to the Ouverture or to the Beovision? The Ouverture is connected to the tv and connected to the tv are the Beolabs.

 Thanks again!

I think you should try connecting to the Ouverture but this is very much a suck it and see solution!

Final question (honest!), what are the cables that connect to the B&O passive speakers? Are they conventional speaker cables (the clip type) or are they a special B&O type?

Thanks

 

They are ordinary cables but terminated at the passive end with 2 pin DIN speaker plugs which are available from Maplins among others.
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