Both BeoLab 3s and BeoLab 5s have built-in amplifiers.

So they both should work from the same connection, unless your BeoLab 5s are being used through a SPDIF connection.

So I am a little confused as to why one set works but the other set does not.

Hello Lars,

Welcome to the forum!

Beolab 3's have power amps built in, whereas Beolab 5's have both pre AND power amps built in.  Hence, you can use Beolab 5 on Line Out (fixed volume) outputs from your receiver and control them via their own pre-amp using a Beo4 remote, whereas the Beolab 3's need to be connected to a variable (volume controlled) pre-out output on the receiver.

Normally, the best option is to use both sets of speakers on the pre-out sockets and pre-set the Beolab 5 volume to a suitable level (normally 50-75%) so that they are all controlled from the receiver remote and the volume levels match between the speakers.

Beolab 5's use standard RCA cables when in Line mode (although they do need a special Sync cable between the two speakers to keep the volume levels balanced).  However, Beolab 3's need a special RCA to DIN cable with custom wiring inside the DIN plug so that they work correctly.  If you got your cable from a generic (ie. non-B&O specialist) cabling store, then you can be fairly sure that your Beolab 3 cables will be incorrect.

If you need the correct cables, please click on my link at the foot of this page and I will be happy to provide these (with a 60 day money-back promise, so you won't be left with any more unwanted cables if you change your mind!)

Kind regards,

Steve.

Steve at Sounds Heavenly wrote:

you won't be left with any more unwanted cables if you change your mind!)

Kind regards,

Steve.

🤒 🤒 🤒

I should have though of recommending Steve to solve your problem - he's a good guy and gets 🤒 from solving many Forum folk's problems

Hello Steve, 

Thank you for your message. How can I pre-set the Beolab 5 volume level? I would also prefer to have them all connected to the pre-out. I have connected them via line mode which works ok for them. The DIN RCA cables I got from a B&O store. I used them to befin with for the Beolab 3s and had the RCA then connected to anoter RCA - Phone cable. 

I tried to sync the Beolab 5s with a standard cable I bought but did not work too good. I also visited your homepage and if you think I need some of your cables I would happily buy them. Do you think I need a sync cable to make it work?

Rgds, Lars

thanks for your messages elephant :) 

Hello Lars,

The Sync cable is not a standard minijack cable, it is a specially wired version.  I have these available if you need one.  It is worth noting that use of this cable requires the Sync function to be enabled on your speakers. The Sync function was active on Beolab 5 speakers from serial no. 17772145 and software level 2.5 and above (around April 2004 onwards).

Please note that the only option available to those with older Beolab 5's linked to non-B&O equipment is to set both speakers near to maximum volume and then use the external (ie. source) volume control.

Kind regards,

Steve.

Hello Steve, 

The ones I have a fairly new from 2008. I just used some minijack cables from an Apple shop. I just connected the Beolab 3s to the pre-out and it works but the Beolab 5s do not utter a sound. I have tried to turn it up full power both on the Beo4 remote and the Yamaha remote but still not sound. I really dont think the Beolab 5s work via pre-out. I will order a sync cable from you now which will allow the volume to be equal. 

Rgds, Lars

Steve, 

I am just on your homepage ordering and thought I would just to be safe also order the other cables for the Beolab 5s that you recommend for the AV receiver. Would I need the "RCA to B&O cable"or the "Powerling to Amp"? I currently have a cable for each speaker going from the beolink to the pre-out. On the picture it looks like there is one beolink plug and 2 going into the pre-amp. Is the because you ling the two speakers together via beolink in the first place and then only from one speaker to the av-receiver? Cant you fly to sydney and take a look here ;) 

Rgds, Lars

Hi Lars,

Sorry for the slow reply.  You need the Line in cables for Beolab speakers to connect the Beolab 3's and 5's to your AV receiver.

The Beolab 5's need to be switched on with a Beo4, as they won't automatically switch on when used with an AV receiver like the Beolab 3's will.  Once they have been switched on with the Beo4, they should work as normal with your AV receiver via the Line In sockets (please check that you haven't used the S/PDIF sockets by mistake as these are also RCA sockets).

The Powerlink to Amp cables are for using a Beosound audio system or Beovision TV with a non-B&O amplifier and passive speakers.  The RCA to B&O cable is for adding a non-B&O source to the Aux socket of a Beosound audio system.

Its cold and foggy here in UK, so Sydney sounds great - I'm on my way ! 😂

Kind regards, Steve.