I would endorse fully the recommendation for S45.2s as excellent speakers, particularly if used with their pedestal stands. ( I love mine). 

If you are in the UK, an alternative to consider, although slightly less easy to find, are the Beovox 3800.  These were a UK only model designed to maximise the benefits of arcane tax regulations over bass driver size.  They were often recommended by dealers to go with the BM 3000 and its Beocenter derivative, the 3500, and if you like pop and rock music may be more suitable, particulary if you are going to use them in  a reasonable size room - say more 25 sq mtrs.  The S45.2s are accurate but are seen by some as 'bass light'.

Cleve

Medogsfat wrote:

There are two S45 speaker versions - the S45 & S45-2.

You really want to be looking for the 45-2's as these have rubber surrounds on the bass drivers. The S45's have foam surrounds which will have disintegrated & will need refoaming (unless they have already been done).

I don't know how good your DIY skills are but if you aren't off put by attempting to refoam the drivers yourself (there are some threads on this in the workbench section) then you'll be able to pick up some S45's very cheaply.

 

Chris.

There were actually two S45's, one a predecessor to the S45-2 and very similar to it, the other the later S45's with the foam drivers (And split frets) . the later S45's are a different speaker and are not as good as either the original S45.2 or S45 which both had rubber surrounds. I would recommend waiting for one of the earlier versions rather than refoaming the later ones.Confusingly the S45-2s were still labelled as S45 on the front,so most of the S45s you see on eBay etc are actually S45.2's!

I have two pairs of S45.2s and I am very happy with them. I find they have plenty of bass for my needs. They definitely benefitied from Martin (Dillens) capactitor kits.

Simon

wirralsimon wrote:

 Confusingly the S45-2s were still labelled as S45 on the front,so most of the S45s you see on eBay etc are actually S45.2's!

Simon 

Oddly, my S45-2s have S35 frets!

Interested in parting with one set?  Or know of anyone else that may be?

Thanks.

Oops... I see you're from the UK... Shipping may be way too expensive  :-(

Best bang for the buck B&o speaker ever!

wirralsimon wrote:

There were actually two S45's, one a predecessor to the S45-2 and very similar to it, the other the later S45's with the foam drivers (And split frets)

This is a very good point to make as I am always concerned that readers here may buy the later S45's and think that we are all crazy!

Simply: The early S45 and/or S45-2 (SINGLE FRET) are the ones to buy... NOT the later (DOUBLE FRET).

I have later one (double fret) s45, and in my opinion they sound great.

Very soft and in some cases not that accurate, most of the time lack of bass, but that's the charm about them ... somehow they are lovely, very very pleasant to listen, relaxing and non intrusive. I really like them. They are powerful as well.

Highly recommend them 🙂

nmartin771 wrote:

I have later one (double fret) s45, and in my opinion they sound great.

Certainly -ears are ears and there are few B&o speakers that get snubbed short of the X series.

But, if you have an opportunity to listen to the early models -you will see hear what we are all raving about!

There really is a dramatic difference. The single frets are magical -especially when considering availability and price!