Making BeoLab 5 work with PowerLink MK3

6 replies
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deeonline (archived2)
Bronze
Posted May 27, 2017 at 18:56 GMT
#2085795

Hi guys,

I am up to another challenge. I've just realized yesterday that my installer ran MK3 powerlink cables to BeoLab 5 speakers instead of the fully wired MK2 one. Postponing breaking the wall and giving my wife a heart attack running correct MK2 cables, I am trying to see if I can still make the MK3 work.

My question: does BeoLab 5 really use every single wire in MK2 cable and if I had to sacrifice one, which wire should that be? By connecting pin 2 to pin 7 in MK3, I've got two additional wires that I've used for "Power on/off (pin 1)" and "Data link (pin 6)". However, I do not have any wires left for the "Overload (pin 8)". The BeoLab 5 appears to be working properly, but I am not clear if this is the best choice given my situation, or whether I should've sacrificed some other wire.

Thank you! 

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Hungedu (archived2)
Bronze
Posted May 28, 2017 at 16:33 GMT
#2085796

I ran into a similar situation last month when I added a new pair of BL5 speakers to an older B&O setup with MK3 cables. I had to purchase the MK2 cables and tear out my old wiring. Unfortunately, there was no other way around it that I could find.

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deeonline (archived2)
Bronze
Posted May 28, 2017 at 18:27 GMT
#2085797

@

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Hungedu (archived2)
Bronze
Posted May 28, 2017 at 23:33 GMT
#2085798

Mine were daisy-chained.

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deeonline (archived2)
Bronze
Posted May 29, 2017 at 16:33 GMT
#2085799

Then you are right. They probably will not function as expected. Mine at least had a different MK3 wire going to each speaker, so I was able to get them to work by sacrificing unused "overload (pink) pin 8" wire. Saved me from breaking the wall for now. 🤒. 

H(
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Hungedu (archived2)
Bronze
Posted May 30, 2017 at 02:44 GMT
#2085800

I'm glad to learn you found a solution. Mine was s bit more complicated, but the end result was still fantastic and worth the effort. Enjoy your BL5s.

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