Isn't it time for a "new" Beolab 5?

62 replies
A(
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Alex (archived)
Bronze
Posted September 4, 2011 at 14:28 GMT
#1937872

I'm pretty happy with my BeoLab 5's.  They dont really leave me wanting much more.

 

But that being said I'm considering purchasing a set of BeoLab 9's for the system in my living room.  Since I keep reading about all these "between BeoLab 5 and BeoLab 9" rumors I'm holding out to see what (if anything) gets announced.

B(
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bsantini (archived)
Bronze
Posted September 4, 2011 at 14:29 GMT
#1937873
Perfect!

2-3 years is about the time I need, especially if I start saving now!
B(
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bayerische (archived)
Bronze
Posted September 4, 2011 at 14:52 GMT
#1937874

Drivers are not B&O made.

But that doesn't matter, as long as they do their job. 

LO
Offline
Loudspeaker
Bronze
Posted September 4, 2011 at 15:17 GMT
#1937875

Bayerische is right - The drivers are not made by Bang & Olufsen - But they are produced after Bang & Olufsen specs. by other companies such as Foster, Tympany and Denon/Marantz. The 15" Beolab 5 driver is produced by Foster.

 

- Dennis

Evan
Offline
Evan
Gold
Posted September 4, 2011 at 16:54 GMT
#1937876

Loudspeaker wrote:

The 15" Beolab 5 driver is produced by Foster.

 

I knew I recognized that woofer from somewhere!!

Location: San Francisco

I'm an automotive audio and acoustic engineer. I design loudspeakers and full sound systems for new automobiles. I also dabble with studio, consumer and pro audio projects from time to time.
M(
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Maab (archived)
Bronze
Posted September 4, 2011 at 17:13 GMT
#1937877
Ok, auditioned the BL5 again with not so good source material. We listened to palladia tv channel and I must say I was impressed. I could not hear distortion whatsoever. It was loud and clear.

The quality of the bass was superb for such a small speaker but I thought that the punch was a little too much ...or maybe because I am not used to it. However, I do live in an apartment building with sound proof installed in the walls. Until today I never had complain even with two subwoofers (JL) in my system.

Those BL5 worry me somewhat. The floor was vibrating a lot in the store. I am afraid that those 15" woofers facing down the floor could cause the same in my apt.

M(
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Maab (archived)
Bronze
Posted September 4, 2011 at 17:42 GMT
#1937878
I don't recall where I read it, but some people were bashing B&O for using "cheap "Vifa" drivers. But I didn't think they were reliable sources.
B(
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BillC (archived)
Bronze
Posted September 4, 2011 at 21:05 GMT
#1937879

Hi Maab

Welcome!!!!

Your question is very reasonable, I too wouldn't be happy buying such an expensive speaker and find out B&O launching a replacement soon after. That being said B&O takes quite a while updating their range and speaker technology (unlike video) doesn't move significantly

BTW I was very very very close to buying a pair of BL 5 years ago. The only thing that stopped me was the lack of space..... Its been one of my biggest purchasing regret - years on, marriage and a child later, the BL 5 are going to have wait for quite a few more years (the kid's education fund comes first) and thats assuming I manage to get my wife to like it (she hates its look)

B(
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bayerische (archived)
Bronze
Posted September 5, 2011 at 04:16 GMT
#1937880

I live in an apartment building, and I know of another BL5 owner who does too.

I guess it depends on your neighbors... If they are over sensitive, sure they might complain. Me, I have never had a complaint, and I play them pretty loud.

 

V(
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Vienna (archived)
Bronze
Posted September 5, 2011 at 06:00 GMT
#1937881

Maab wrote:

Tose BL5 worry me somewhat. The floor was vibrating a lot in the store.
I am afraid that those 15" woofers facing down the floor could cause the same in my apt.

@The floor was vibrating a lot in the store.
This largely depends on the construction of the floor - material, constructional details (suspension), ...

One of the biggest advantages of a real "FULL RAGE" speaker like the BLb5s is:

In a quiet environement you can listen to them at low volume levels and still having a "rich" sound,
small speakers deliver a "rich" listening experience on much at higher volume levels ...

 

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