You can use powerlink from the core, together witht he optical out. so out dont need the sync cable. 

Powerlink from the core to the first speaker, and powerlink betwhin them. Remember to use the full powerlink conntected. because its the data on the powerlink that is need to use. to volume controll the speaker true the core. 

Any Toslink/Spdif converter accepting 88.2 or higher signals will work fine. It doesn't have to be high-end...

So, just to confirm, if you want to use the Beolab 5 Without using powerlink cables you connect the digital cables to them, and a sync cable, and use the beo4 remote direct to the speakers to control volume??

Hi Rudi, I now have Beolab 50, but previous owner of bl5. I am using MAudio Co2, coax/optical converter for years. Very good sound quality. And build quality. 

Peter

Be aware though, if you don’t have an Audio Master, ie beosound, beosystem 3, the Bl5 will not be controlled by Powerlink, you have to change option on the speaker then, to open the sp/dif.

peter

I have 3 questions:

1. Can I connect the Beolab 5 with both the powerlink as well as the digital out through a converter?

2. Will the Core use powerlink to power on and change the volume of the speaker, while providing a digital signal to the speaker while streaming?

3. What happens if I put my turntable output into the Core’s analog input? Will the signal be converted to digital out to the Beolab 5, or passed through as an analog signal along the Powerlink?

Thank you knowledgeable gurus!

Did you ever get this figured out (#1 & #2)

I have the BL5 and the Core as well, controlled by by a Remote One.

In the beginning I used Powerlink and Digital in parallel with the little converter box. I did not change any setting at the BL5 from my previous setup with a BS9000. So worked, only downside, with the digital input the sound was quite low and I had to turn the volume up dramatically. With analoge behaved as expected. Beoremote One and App work as advertised, no need for an extra audio master or sync cable and extra Beo4 to control volume.

In my setup I heard this clicking sound as well without the digital connection, but is was so low that it did not bother me, currently I am running the setup without the digital connection.