Beovox S45, S50, S80 - Sound? Value?

17 replies

Hi guys!

I'm new to this forum. I joined because I'm looking at buying some vintage speakers, and I was looking at three pairs of vintage B&Os: Beovox S45s (83-86), S50s and S80s. I saw that everyone is pretty knowledgeable and friendly around here.

I'm not looking for something really powerful: I'd be happy with the 45 watts the S45s put out, as long as the sound was balanced and full. I'm a fan of speakers with a softer, more subtle sound. What I really want to know is:

1. What are these speakers worth these days?

2. What do they sound like?

3. Which should I get?

Here are pictures of the three (S45, S50, S80 respectively):


Beovox S45

Beovox S50

Beovox S80

Welcome to beoworld! 

To be honest I think you would be happy with any of these.  You might want to consider the size as some of the speakers from this era are quite big. You should check out

What's involved in replacing the capacitors in the crossover? Would it be a difficult procedure?

This thread will give you an idea. You will need to do some soldering.

to decide if it is worth it or not.

 

Chris.

Thanks for the replies, guys.

Now I just have to work out which ones I want to get. The S45s have recently been refurbished, as have the S50s. I'm leaning towards the S45s, as I don't need anything very big, and they've just been fully refurbished, so there might not be that much work to do myself.

However, after reading the thread wirralsimon linked, I'm thinking that it might be a pleasure to get in there and do some work to refurb the speakers. 

Just be wary of the fact that buying old B&O speakers  and tinkering with them is the the 'gateway drug' to buying lots more B&O!😎

 Simon

 

 

The last photo is not of Beovox S80 but Beovox MC120.2  (Beovox S80 does not have the reflex port "grill" at the bottom).

The S50's looks to have had the surrounds replaced but the dustcap looks undisturbed. This means that the foam rot has been taken care of but the cone was probably not re-shim'ed. This is not necessarily a bad thing but it could be that the coil is no longer centered. If you press the cone inwards gently and symetrically, you shouldn't hear or feel any rubbing.

I think I would grab the MC120.2. They are by far the best of the ones shown in my opinion. They also seem to be refurbished regarding foam rot and the dustcap looks new. Size is not that much bigger than the S50 and soundvise they will probably take you exactly where you won't to go, be that classic or party.

Capacitor kits are readily available for the whole range and I would recommend you replace the lot if they are still the originals.

Martin

I agree with Martin having actually looked at the photo's this time!

I've owned all of the models you mention and the 120.2's are easily the best of the bunch IMO. Not that much bigger than the others but absolutely knockout performance compared to the other - which are still very very good.

Chris.

The guy has them listed as S80s, so I assumed he knew what he was talking about. The MC120.2s appear to be a step above the other two pairs. I guess I'll grab them then.

I can really see myself getting obsessed with B&O products in the future. I just have one more question... any recommendations as to which amp I should be using with these speakers? I've got a fairly high end, mid 80s Sony one, but I don't think it's going to cut it. The output is only 80W per channel.

or
BeoWorld Gold Membership card
Join BeoWorld

Register to access the forums, reference material, and exclusive member benefits — including our monthly prize draw.

Become a Member

December 2026 Prize Draw

Gold Members Only

As a Gold member you're automatically entered into our exclusive prize draw — your chance to win iconic Bang & Olufsen products. A unique benefit of BeoWorld Gold membership, every draw brings a new opportunity to win something special.