Beovox S45: 2-way or 3-way version best?

16 replies

I'm considering buying some Beovox S45 online, but I'm a little confused which version of S45 they are. These have two metal rims on the front panel,s upper and lower part, and the speaker is 2-way. Is this version as good as  the more widely described 3-way version?

 

No, sadly, they are inferior to the originals. I've had both and the difference is dramatic.

Ok, Thx :)

Note that the three driver S45 is not a true 3 way speaker, it uses the mid driver as a phase link speaker, used to fill in in a dip in response that occurs where the woofer and tweeter overlap. I think this design approach was way ahead of its time, B&O has always been good at addressing loudspeaker design issues others seem to ignore.

So, personally, I'd go with the older phase link models if it were me. But if you can listen to them your ears should guide you. Also, if memory serves the later two driver models used foam surrounds on the woofers which have likely deteriorated whereas the older models used rubber surrounds.

Thx for your insight 😊 Is it any way I can identify the non-foam version version without splitting them open? Serial # maybe...?

All of the old version S45 speakers have rubber surrounds and a one piece fret (grill). The newer S45 has a two piece fret and foam surrounds.

You do however need to remember that the S45.2 (the desirable 3 drive unit model) is now getting quite old - the capacitors in the cross over may be aging and the magnet on the woofer can slip, causing the drive unit to seize. This is fixable but will either require some work or some money!!

Having said that, the S45.2 is possibly one of the best small speakers available at what is still a reasonable price. The later S55, which is a two grille model, and the MC120.2 are also super small speakers and likely to be even cheaper.

My B&O Icons:

BeoCenter-9500.png BeoCenter-9500.png
Beoremote-Beo4.png Beoremote-Beo4.png
Beovox.png Beovox.png
Beovision-11.png Beovision-11.png
Beotime.png Beotime.png
Beosound-Stage.png Beosound-Stage.png
Beosound-Moment.png Beosound-Moment.png
Beosound-5.png Beosound-5.png
Beosound-2.png Beosound-2.png
Beoremote-One.png Beoremote-One.png
Beoplay-Portal.png Beoplay-Portal.png
Beoplay-Earset.png Beoplay-Earset.png
Beomaster.png Beomaster.png
Beolit.png Beolit.png
Beogram-400x.png Beogram-400x.png
Beocenter-2.png Beocenter-2.png

Ok, thx. I'm a newbie to B&O equipment - are these components, should I need them, available through eBay? Maybe slightly off topic, but maybe someone can recommend a LP player setup for these speakers? I've been considering the Beocenter 7007.

The Beocenter 7007 and 7700 are the two best B&O LP based music centres. They will need maintenance so either buy a restored one or be prepared to get work done - They will need new belts for the cassette player and the electronics will often need some of the components replaced. A good match for S45.2s.

My B&O Icons:

BeoCenter-9500.png BeoCenter-9500.png
Beoremote-Beo4.png Beoremote-Beo4.png
Beovox.png Beovox.png
Beovision-11.png Beovision-11.png
Beotime.png Beotime.png
Beosound-Stage.png Beosound-Stage.png
Beosound-Moment.png Beosound-Moment.png
Beosound-5.png Beosound-5.png
Beosound-2.png Beosound-2.png
Beoremote-One.png Beoremote-One.png
Beoplay-Portal.png Beoplay-Portal.png
Beoplay-Earset.png Beoplay-Earset.png
Beomaster.png Beomaster.png
Beolit.png Beolit.png
Beogram-400x.png Beogram-400x.png
Beocenter-2.png Beocenter-2.png

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