Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Off Topic OT: B&O Digital Loudspeakers

Meridian claim that they are virtually unique in producing digital loudspeakers, but I for one have not come across anyone else offering similar products - until now, that is.

A visit to Bang & Olufsen (UK) - http://www.bang-olufsen.com/web2/systems/product.asp?page=ts&section=systems?=ls&ProdID=544 - reveals summary details on their BeoLab5 digital loudspeakers. They offer 2500 watts output and have 'adaptive bass control calibration' built in. You have to register on the B&O site in order to download specifications and user guide.

It would be interesting to hear these hooked-up to Meridian processors (and there is provision on the Meridian MSR+ for B&O kit). They accept digital inputs from non-B&O equipment, and can be daisy-chained in a similar fashion to Meridian loudspeakers. They are priced at �10,000 (pair).

The remaining B&O loudspeaker range is active-analogue only.

Edirol do a pair of digital monitor speakers for a couple of hundred quid or so - probably sound as good (if not better) than the B&O stuff!

The Beolab 5s had a good review in the the HiFi Choice "Collection", October 2004. Paul Messenger gave them a very decent thumbs up, the only caveat being that they were a touch polite. But where on earth could you site them, looking like that?!

Cheers

George

Beleive it or not but Linn have it pegged as an avenue to follow.

No more than that but - it looks like it will be the way forward for them if you get me.

I imagine some of Meridian's early patents have run out...

It's a pity that Meridian couldn't follow in B&O's footsteps and design as asthetically pleasing DSP loudspeakers in the same manner as the B&O active BeoLab 1, 8000 and 6000.

What is more, unlike Meridian, B&O equipment is designed to integrate both computer home networks and internet radio (for Macs and Windows).

Just to be OT for an OT thread: I hear Linn are also doing a media receiver; the sort of product we discussed here a little while ago. I still think that would be a good route for M to explore too.

Regards

Mark

The Beolab 5 must not be confused with any other B&O speaker such as Beolab 8000 or 6000 which sound - erm - unique. The Lab 5's are the only ones which accept digital inputs and can therefore be used in an "all digital system".

B&O is not known for sonic excellence, but 98% of the buying public think that B&O is the pinnacle of audio. It's really strange how many people are impressed by the below average sound of the B&O's and how easily they spend a considerable sum of money on B&O equipment.

However, B&O mustn't be underrated: they were among the first to come up with digital amplifiers (ICE), now used by renowned high end audio manufacturers like Jeff Rowland.

Coming back to the Lab 5, which come with their own very user-friendly digital room correction (a microphone pops out and measures the sound the speakers automatically produce), I can say that they sound far better than the average B&O speaker. I haven't heard them A/B'd against DSP's (which would be difficult given B&O's approach to selling their products in dedicated stores or shop-in-shops only), but if memory serves right I think comparable DSP's do sound better. The Lab 5's are impressive speakers (though I doubt that someone really likes their Dalek-like appearance), but they lack the sort of emotional involvement you achieve with the best of passive speakers.

Cheers,

-m

Chris,

Just to make things clear: I was talking about B&O speakers. I have used the Beocom 6000 telephone for many years and can only agree with you. And I have a Beocom 2000 telephone which sounds far better than any other telephone I know of - and looks better too.

Though they're expensive the B&O TVs are a far better value than the speakers/audio systems. They're among the most reliable and longest-living TVs.

-m

I for one hope M products never follow B&O's footsteps!

I still love the Bauhaus simplicity of my black ash DSP5000s - I'd never be so anal as to actually consider calculating the dimensions, but there's something about the Golden Rectangle in their proportions. The 500 series components could have been perfect (aesthetically) had the thin buttons been sweeter-acting 'normal' ones concealed under a flap.

IMHO the aesthetic design of the latest M equipment is lacking stature befitting the technology of the brand. The curved speakers simply look odd and some of the colours that they can be had in are crass. As for the volume control knob on some of the G series, it has the look and feel of an antiperspirant cap.

Meridian's previous 'Muji' approach to design was much preferable. They new design direction appears to be catering for a perceived consumer desire for aesthetic cues that suggest the equipment's cost.

There's no accounting for taste I guess!

What will you expect from a class D amplifier?
Thats only one point


robert