Beolab 8 from Bang & Olufsen - Long Term Review + 3 ESSENTIAL things to know before you hear them!
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
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Steve from SoundsHeavenly.com reviews the new Beolab 8 smart speakers from Bang & Olufsen. This video explains what they are, how to hear them at their best and also we will discuss the price!
Steve has not been paid to make this video, so you will always hear Steve's own opinions on this channel. The speakers featured in this video were loaned free of charge by Bang & Olufsen on a temporary basis as part of their beta test program, without any financial reward or inducement. To find out more about the B&O beta program, please join their Facebook group here: / bangolufsen.insights
Every cable you will ever need to connect Beolab 8 to your audio or video system can be seen on Steve's website here: soundsheavenly... To find out more about these speakers, please visit the B&O official website here: www.bang-olufs...
If these videos have helped you to enjoy your Bang and Olufsen products, please consider buying Steve a coffee at www.buymeacoff... - many thanks!
#SoundsHeavenly #BangandOlufsen #Beolab8
Steve from SoundsHeavenly.com reviews the new Beolab 8 smart speakers from Bang & Olufsen. The speakers featured in this video were loaned free of charge by Bang & Olufsen on a temporary basis as part of their beta test program, without any financial reward or inducement. To find out more about the B&O beta program, please join their Facebook group here: facebook.com/groups/bangolufsen.insights Every cable you will ever need to connect Beolab 8 to your audio or video system can be seen on Steve's website here: soundsheavenly.com To find out more about these speakers, or to make a purchase, please visit the B&O official website here: www.bang-olufsen.com/en/dk/speakers/beolab-8 If these videos have helped you to enjoy your Bang and Olufsen products, please consider buying Steve a coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/soundsheavenly - many thanks!
I'll keep watching this channel until the day comes you recommend listening to the Spice Girls 🤣
I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want...
Hi Steve I’ve got the 3500 system which I bought in 1989 but I had the turntable stolen some yrs ago! I’ve now got a regs planar3 50th anniversary edition! The sound is amazing through my beolab penta 3s! Great review of those speakers Steve!
That sounds like a great setup, sorry to hear about the theft. Glad you have got your music playing again!
@@soundsheavenly Thanks Steve keep up the great work you do!
Another great review Steve! It would be awesome if we would have some sort of matrix with all the B&O speakers to understand which is for whom and how close they are to eachother, as it is getting increasingly complicated. 😊 e.g. is it better to buy 2 balance or a pair of beolab 8… or beloabs 18+19 instead of the 28. Or as you said, with 60% vol. beolab 8 are almost on par with the 28… maybe that‘s content for one of your future videos 😉
Thanks, that is a great idea! I have something similar to your suggestion in this recent video, but it doesn't include Beolab 8: ua-cam.com/video/712JfPtPdlU/v-deo.htmlsi=2eHRjnAg43OGFLvP
Thanks for sharing. Yes indeed this covers excactly this aspect. Also interesting is when we cross the border to the beolab line. When does the „real/proper“ high-end start. For me the stage is not quite there, the A9 sounds already high-end to me, however beolab 50 is from another planet. So I guess the balance marks the entry from consumer to high-end consumer products.
Will keep on testing and watching your videos🙏🏻
@@marcblond Thanks! Lots more B&O speaker videos to follow very soon!
I love these speakers just by look, they look stunning!
Yes they look amazing and they sound great!
Great video, Steve.
I want to add these to my Theatre.. looking forward to checking them out.
Thanks, glad the video was helpful. Please let me know what you think once you have heard the speakers!
Impressive to have you compare them to a pair of BL28s. I wonder how they compare to the mentioned BL3. It would be a great upgrade in theory, but I’m curious if that is actually the case in practice🤔
They are certainly a big upgrade over Beolab 3, even at low volumes as the bass is so much better. They almost match Beolab 28 at low volumes, but the 28s can play louder without losing bass
Really interested in how they compare to the Balance which I currently have. Love the look.
Yes they look great. I hope to be able to compare them to the Balance in a future video
Was waiting for this. Im in the market for 28's but interested as to how the 8's performed against them, with the possibility of adding a subwoofer later if required. Or alternatively getting 2 pairs of 8's as a surround sound set up for a similar price to a pair of 28's. Need to go and listen to them I suppose.
At lower volume levels, I rate the 8s highly against Beolab 28, but then the 28s have more power for use at higher volumes. Please let me know what you think once you have heard them!
The 8 do have the same bass driver and amplifier as the 28, but apparently a somewhat smaller bass enclosure. However, the bass output should be very similar. The maximal linear excursion which determines maximal sound pressure is the same. The 28's may go somewhat lower, but at the cost of lower maximal output. In both cases you need a subwoofer for serious bass output.
@danieldusentriebjunior6611 thanks, that is interesting
Thanks Steve for your excellent reviews of Bang and Olufsen> As you still use at home, I am also using the 8000 I bought in 1990's as a stereo pair plus two 6000's as streaming speakers for my computers. However, I did think to update recently to B&O Balance that I found very impressive but it seems the Mozart platform is a stereo one and it was not possible to use these later speakers in an integrated four channel set up which I wanted to do. So, how do you use these Beolab 8 as rear surround sound speakers (perhaps using the analogue input) but I would be interested to know how the 8 is connected. Thanks in advance
You can use Beolab 8 as rear surround speakers with a B&O TV via their Powerlink inputs, please get in touch at soundsheavenly.com if you need help with the connections and I can assist further
Comprehensive review
Nice little speakers
Can you add a subwoofer to it either wired or wireless ( a wisa sub)?
Thanks
Glad you liked the video! You won't need a sub ;-) If you MUST add one, the key here is which device will be the source for your music, you can't add a sub if you are streaming directly to the speakers.
I miss the videos where we get to hear the speakers and compare to the different music types you play from your favorite local band
Don’t worry, that is coming very soon 😉👌
Did you miss mentioning the specification? Nice video
Thanks, I tried to cover all the technical details that were available at the time of filming, but please check the B&O website for full specifications
Thank you for the video
I wonder how they sound in low frequency versus Devialet Phantom I
The Phantom certainly plays deep bass, but I think the Beolab gives a much better tone for music so it would be my choice overall even if it doesn’t go quite as low
First off all, they look stunning and would love to add them to my setup. BUT…the price.. it’s just to much for a speaker this size.
Because of your price comparison with the older beolab 3 and 11, you know that’s also the issue with these otherwise you would not have done this.
The Beolab 3 and 11 you can still buy on the 2nd hand market for much much less.
I have 4 x beolab 12-1. Bought these for 400 euro per set. And a used core in the Netherlands for 500 euro. (also added beoplay M5 for 200 euro)
So for normal listening this setup is perfect and doubt anyone will hear the difference with BL8.
If you really want to have the “party” mode as you suggested, I would not buy the beolab 8 for that.
So I think these speakers will be bought for the more wealthy buyer, and use them as rear speakers with the theatre.
Great review nevertheless steve.
Thanks, glad the review was helpful. Older speakers will (almost) always be cheaper, that is how the World works.... However, once you can see what these other B&O speakers cost new in today's money, I think it helps to understand the pricing of Beolab 8.
I believe I also made that point on a forum
I’ve got
Beolab 3
Beolab 11
Beosound core
Beosound Overture
Beolab 8 can do what the above can do although can it go lower than Beolab 11 ?
You add up the new price in todays terms of the 4 items of BnO I have it’s comparable with Beolab 8
Beolab 8 is a complete music system
Of course wealthy people can use them simply as rear speakers
The rest of us could buy a very compact high end system that would last decades
The build quality looks superb
They are expensive but BnO always has been for usually understandable reasons.
Imho
@@Smog104Yes, Beolab 8 plays much deeper bass than Beolab 11, the technology has moved on a long way in recent years!
I’ll having pair of BL17 today. Mostly for music. Would you say the 8’s are better on every task you feed them with?
They can certainly match the 17s in every respect and they beat them in some areas. I hope to follow up with a full review of both speakers very soon
Can I pair it with my B&O A9 4th gen? And is that a wise pairing? I’m looking to to add a bit more oomph to my speaker set up without splashing out on the eye watering top range B&O speakers. Thanks
You can share music between these speakers via the B&O multi room feature in the app, but they aren’t really intended to play together in the same room a they won’t have a matched sound balance.
The speakers look amazing. I want to hear then. Just a thing, I seen that rhe Bluetooth connection only supports SBC and AAC codecs. Those codecs are not HIFI. Are the lowest ones. I don't know why Aptx HD or LDAC are not supported. Looking forward to see if B&O fix this imperfection.
Yes they look great. Bluetooth is best kept as a last resort, their performance on Airplay is amazing
Sure. But if B&O offers Bluetooth, at least can implement the best codecs. I have seen active speakers in the range of 150€ that include the best ones.
@fernandosantamaria5852 Good point 👍🏻
Interesting video, well done keep it up *thumbsup* Seems like you are heavily enchanted with B&O products /chuckle
Aesthetically yes theyre always great, at these price ranges theres no way the $ goes all to sound capability and quality. I suppose I get it if someone is willing to pay a premium end price for quality sound mixed with high aesthetics.
If one is willing to sacrifice a bit of premium visual aesthetic with the different wild looks, since B&O speakers rarely look like what most would see as "speakers" the quality of sound performance, indeed great sound performance, can come from less expensive setups. So one can get better performance sound at a less price if willing to sacrifice the style of the look.
Thanks, glad you liked the video! Yes, I agree that you can great great sound at a lower price, the key with B&O is the style and build quality - my 1990 B&O music system is still in use every day and if I were to sell it (which I won't!) then it is worth as much in 2023 is it was when it was new!
@@soundsheavenly it is great to make a purchase and know it should work for the next 20+ years if kept in good kit…or even if it just happens to happen. Slick to hear as well sure you are happy the 90s set is still going strong, nice. *waves* be well mate
Any comparison to Balance?
Hi, I haven't heard them side by side yet, but I will post a video about this when I do!
and if you compare them with beosound balance, which ones sound more powerful and better?
That will be a question for a future video!
@@soundsheavenly ok
beolab 8>>>>>>>> balance.
@user-gp3si5nl7s we will find out for sure in my future video 😉
How does this compare to stereo beosound A5s
Hoping to explain this in a future video!
What's the cost for the floor stand?
Sorry I don't sell the speakers or stands, I just make cables! You need to check B&O's website for prices please
@@soundsheavenly Thanks. No price for any stands at B&O. Just heard something around £3000 for the floor stand. Thats crazy if it's true.
@@GeirWaterloo i believe around 550 usd each
Yes, that price of $550 USD sounds about right from what I have heard but it is best to confirm with B&O
Can they be used as both surrounds and atmos speakers?
They are two way speakers, so when added to Beosound Theatre, they can be either used as surrounds or as height speakers, but not both (unless you buy two pairs of speakers)
It's balanced, informative reviews like this, Steve, that help to understand the pricing. Basically, anyone in the market for a pair of speakers in this price range, would do well to take a listen. This is especially true for those thinking about the 28s. That starts to make these look a bit like a bargain, if one's use circumstances fit. Looking forward to the follow-on about connectivity. Thanks, Steve👍
Thanks, glad you liked the video! The connectivity video will follow next week, please subscribe to be the first to see when it launches!
I’ve ordered a set to use as middle side speakers in my surround setup In gold. Thanks Steve ❤
How did you manage that as a side middle speaker. I mean is there’s a device you’re use for managing as a side or left, rear left etc. Or it’s already have managing settings on your tv?
@@Sam_andrsn_tn my dealer said it works via the app through the 8k 88 inch harmony. Hope he is right !
Well in a 7.1 setup you there are side speakers. If this dude has these as his side speakers, I wonder what the rest of his rig is like. My mouth is literally watering just imagining a home theatre setup w these as sides.
Only thing I do NOT understand is how you can pay attention to the movie. I’d be looking at the speakers!!
@@IBAndreasYes, the speakers do look great! My older B&O TV only has stereo sound (not full surround sound) so the Beolab 8s add extra width and bass depth to the sound, not additional effects channels. The TV menu allows the balance between the internal TV speakers and the external speakers to be easily controlled. Newer B&O TVs allow for full surround sound so you can really enjoy these great speakers!
I’m so impressed by how far speakers have come. Never thought of the technology that can be put in a sound device that can sense where they are placed to where the listener is located! I think if the latest Bose Quietconfort Ultra headphones I bought having an immersion mode that changes the way everything sounds which makes me think what I’m listening to is surrounding me instead of being in my ears.
I sure would LOVE to eventually pick up a pair of these. Bang and Olufsen is my favorite sound brand and yet about all I have is one Beolit 17 which never gets old to me and still as far as my tastes, no other brand of speaker it’s size matches the quality.
Looking forward to at least hearing these for myself!
Yes the sound technology is very impressive. Well worth having a listen to B&O’s new products if you get a chance as they can do amazing things with sound!
Hi Steve - they are very interesting indeed - do you know if you can use them with the B+O subwoofer and if so do you need other tech? I was told recently by one of the sound engineers through my question at B+O Cheltenham that the 28's should in no circumstances be used with a sub!!!!
These speakers always work best without a subwoofer unless you are using them with Beosound Theatre to manage the overall bass levels. This is because the room compensation in the speakers can't account for the bass produced by a sub, so the setup can become bass-heavy and end up sounding worse than it did without the sub.
@@soundsheavenly Thanks Steve - superb answer - however I have always found the B+O 28's to be a little lacklustre in that department despite loving them - guess my years as a DJ would account for that!!!!! Good stuff as ever keep on rocking.
There is little point adding a sub to Beolab 8 or Beolab 28 for stereo audio. You add a sub for surround,. Not because you need it over the sub drives of the likes of Beolab 28 but because there is a separate sub-woofer channel.
Some surround sound sets up might offer to divert the sub channel to front left and right speakers and also the same with the centre to give a 4.0 systems. Aiixm Link does not offer that with B&O speakers.
Hi Steve, could I set these up as rear speakers with a Samsung premiere projector?
@bradhall636 hi, yes anything is possible! Projectors only give stereo sound but you can get full surround sound by adding an AV receiver. Please get in touch at soundsheavenly.com and I can help with the connections!
I would like to connect a pair with Sony OLED tv. What type of cable should I use?
Hi, this is too detailed to cover in UA-cam comments, but please get in touch at soundsheavenly.com and I can help further!
How does a single one sound and how does it compare to the BS2 and balance
A single Beolab 8 sounds great, I will follow up with comparative tests in future videos as I haven’t had a chance to play them alongside other speakers yet
have i got this right 5k for some book shelve speakers ?
i would love to compare these to say kef ls50 wireless ,
That would be an interesting comparison, let me see what I can do…
Looking for this comparrison as well. Stuck at the moment between Beolab 8 or LS50 Wireless II
@@millioboy i had ls50 meta which i liked but sold , bought monitor audio gold 100
which i am using roksan attessa amp
and Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition ,
they sound amazing there is no comparison to the ls50s and the gold 100
are half price at the moment and that gloss
wood looks amazing .........
only b&o i have now is the level in my kitchen ...
sold h95 headphones as not that comfy and not very loud ,
@user-zb6el4ks2b would you like me to video the LS50 compared with Beolab 8 as a future review?
@millioboy I am just arranging the video review, should be ready in the coming weeks…
Wow - they look brilliant, but do I hear right that the wooden grills cost another £1,000 ?
Hi, yes that is correct. I didn't set the prices, so I suggest taking that up with B&O!
@@soundsheavenly haha, will do lol
The cost of everything goes up with inflation, granted, so they might seem comparable …
However wages haven’t, so B&O are squeezing their average earning loyal customer base out of the market
The recent price hike on the theatre is just nuts, and that’s on top of already lifting it since it’s launch 😞
Sad times
I agree, it is always sad when pay doesn't increase in line with retail prices. I still use my 1990s B&O system every day and I aim to keep this for many years to come.
Hi Steve, which do you prefer ? Beolab 8 vs Besound Balance stereo pair. Any insight is appreciated. Thanks
Hi, that will be the topic for a future video, please subscribe to be the first to hear when it is released!
Great video steve. I was wondering how does a stereo pair of these compare to the Balances? The Balance can technically go lower more effectively (2 bass drivers). But these have the Beolab magic ( Scan Speak drivers, ICEpower amps). Just wondering if i should upgrade to these for living room and keep the balance in the bedroom.
Hi, a sound test again the Balance will follow in a future video - please let me know what you think once you have heard both speakers together!
@@soundsheavenly It is more the connectivity than what I suspect is any difference in sound quality. Having Mozart and WiSA/powerlink increases the flexibility of the Beolab 8 to work correctly with television and video sources.
@geraldmcmullon2465 yes the connection options for Beolab 8 are the best I have seen on a B&O speaker of this size since Beolab 17. It is a really useful and flexible speaker
Hi Steve, does it make sense to add a subwoofer to these?
Hi, no it doesn’t work to add a subwoofer unless you are using them with Beosound Theatre, as this would disrupt the room compensation process in the speakers
@@soundsheavenly alright, thank you!
Will Watch after work, I'm after theses with wall bracket which I know r pricey but Also considering the upside down Brackets? They look like Mini 50s to me .. can't wait for feedback on theses stunning Speakers 🔊 I'm thinking 3 behind me, your basically future proofing your self for say 5 too10 years,
Excellent review no doubt 🇬🇧👌
Thanks, I will be covering the mounting options in a future video, please let me know what you think once you have seen and heard the speakers!
Steve looks a lot like that actor Christoph Waltz.
I’m nearly 20 years younger than him! 🤣😳
I think these speakers are really beautiful and they look very classical bang & olufsen. To me they are like industrial art. They are bigger than I imagined from the pictures on internet. I listen to the speakers in the store, they sounds heavenly😊. I think I might have to go back and so that I can hear the difference between wide and narrow/stereo mode. I have Beolab 3 as left and right, 18 as rear and 5 as front. I such a system were would you put them/which would you replace?
Thant’s you for the review, the explanations and the hints Steve.
Kjetil
Hi Kjetil, yes these are great speakers, the sound is much bigger than their size! I think they would make a good upgrade for either the Beolab 3 or 18 speakers that you have at the moment, please let me know what you decide!
Hi Steve!
Based on sound impressions. Do you recommend beolab balance or beolab 8 for the stereo just as a stand alone? Beolab balance has some insane power behind it moving the air. Haven’t listened to the beolab 8 yet. I wonder if you can get the cloth and third party wood grill instead, since B&O charges ridiculous prices for some wood solutions. I got wood grill for my beosound 9000 mk3 from a third party and looks like an art piece now haha
That will be the topic for a future video, please subscribe to be the first to hear the full answer when the video is released!
Very well done .
Thank you!
Hi Steve-what cable would I need to get to connect these to my non-B&O TV?
Do they switch easily between TV speakers and traditional HiFi?
Thanks a lot
Yes these speakers can easily switch between the connections. Please get in touch at soundsheavenly.com with the details of your TV and Hifi system and I can help with the connections!
Hello Steve. Wow, they are beautiful 😻 They remind me of a samurai’s mask facing you. Just like the warrior, they are small but powerful. 👍👍
Yes, they look great, I like the Samurai mask comparison, I think that sums them up well!
how is it compared to beloab 18, I have the 18+19 setup and wondering if its worth having the beloab 8 as rear speakers.
I rate Beolab 8 above Beolab 18, however with the sub added then Beolab 19 will have more bass power. Well worth considering to add to your existing setup
Nice review. Which one would you recommend getting a single Beolab 8 or a single Beosound 2?
Thanks. Always hear the speakers for yourself before making your choice, Beolab 8 has more power but it depends on your preference and budget.
At least bno are doing something different from the mainstream , thank god
Long May it continue
Yes, a real breath of fresh air for the speaker industry!
Looks like they going to out do the 28 can you connect to Harmony, harmony not got the Mozart plat form looks stunning
Yes you can use them with the Harmony, please ask at soundsheavenly.com if you want help with cables!
Steve, great reviews, thanks! How do these compare to a pair of Beosound Balances?
Now that is an interesting question! Let me see if I can get both speakers side by side to compare, that could make a good future video...
Thanks for the review. I have an old Beoplay S3 speaker in my kitchen and it's due for replacement. This is an interesting consideration and quite an upgrade. Would a single mono speaker work well in a kitchen and provide enough volume to avoid the "party mode" for general listening at a around a couple metre distance with a wide listening angle?
What's the tonality of the speakers like? Is there much of an ability to adjust EQ?
I wonder with B&O if the price mostly goes to the design and less the sound so I'm not sure if there are better alternatives that give good sound at a lower price.
Shame there is no B&O store near me to audition them.
Hi, yes Beolab 8 is a good option, I would also consider Beosound 2 or Beosound A5 as they are better suited to mono use in a kitchen and both have great sound with easy EQ adjustment via the B&O app.
@@soundsheavenly Many thanks for your response! Is there a particular reason why the Beoplay 8 might not be as good in mono? The Beosound 2 might be too big for a kitchen counter. I can take a look at the A5 as a cheaper option, though portability is no requirement for me.
I also see the Beosound Balance which is curious as it's supposedly omnidirectional and might be good when moving around. It's fairly big but a bit shorter than the Beosound 2.
@@mattlm64 Any of these speakers should work well. Best to hear them for yourself before purchasing, even if that means a long journey to a B&O store.
@@mattlm64Beoplay 8 are more directional than Balance.
@OmmerSyssel yes, although the Balance can be set to a directional mode to only play to the front
Sorry forgot to ask how would you compare the to a pair of Beolab 18 ?
I prefer them to the Beolab 18 for sound, but I will try to follow up with a comparison video in the near future...
The 3 way design reminds me of those braun l300 speakers.
Yes, that is an interesting comparison, I think the Beolabs have better materials and styling though
@@soundsheavenly I'm sure the speaker driver design have improved since the 70s. I just hope bang & olufsen doesn't screw up the dsp like some of their bluetooth speakers
@@speakerblowupmanlee5921Yes, both the speakers design and the DSP processing have improved beyond recognition in recent years, the sound of these new speakers is superb and well worth a listen if you get the chance.
How do they sound vs BL3?
The simple answer is that Beolab 8 is a big upgrade over Beolab 3, but I will aim to follow up with a comparison video in the coming weeks
Great. Please also include placement possibilities for music. I suspect sweet spot differences where BL3 are great.
@mrmdf sure, I will try to include this if possible
Hi Steve - thak you for this…..you lucky guy 😊
A question - how do these behave if set up as e.g. frontspeaker with a BV/BST and you want to use them on their own…just as a set of 2 channel aka stereo speakers?
Is it easy to manage, can you simply use one of the MyButtons for a direct access e.g. to a radio station without engaging the BV/BST?
@@beomille509 Thanks, yes I was very fortunate to be able to get early access to these speakers! When the speakers have their Powerlink input activated by a B&O TV or the Theatre soundbar, this over-rides the internal streaming within the speakers. As soon as the Powerlink input stops playing, the speakers revert to their internal streaming controls again as normal, so you can use the Favourites buttons without a TV connected.
I just have a BST and would like to add another pair of speaker combine with BST for music and movie，so which do you suggest，8s or 18s？I know the weak bass of 18s maybe made it beaten by the 8s but when it comes to combine with the BST which has much powerful subwoofer，will they be better than the 8s？
Hi, you really need to hear both speakers for yourself - don't trust anyone else's opinion (even mine!) as it is how they sound to YOU that matters the most. Please let me know which ones you choose and I can help with cables when you are ready!
@@soundsheavenly finally get a pair of bl18s，it looks way better than bl8s imo，and i can get a good discount from my dealer ，they both sound pretty good，so i go for the design
@@stevenfong9419Good choice, these are great speakers and they look amazing!
hi, how much does one column weigh? Thank you
One speaker weighs about 4Kg on the table stand, I haven't weighed the floor column yet
Steve - if using the USB-C Line-in, do you need a separate mono L&R line-in for each speaker for stereo use - or just one stereo line-in and the signal is split/distributed via BT / WiFi?
If you stereo pair the speakers via app, then you only need to connect to one speaker for the line input and the speakers will share the stereo sound over the internet connection
@@soundsheavenly Thanks Steve. For reasons best known to me (!) I’m interested in connecting a pair to a vintage pre-amp, so will need to see what outputs the pre ahead and search for a USB-C adapter
@hostler no problem, please get in touch at soundsheavenly.com and I can help with the correct adapter and cables!
Can these be connected to a Beolab 19 (without using their expensive TVs) to improve the bass performance? Thanks for all your reviews!!
Hi, it all depends which TV or music system the speakers will be used with. Please drop me a message at soundsheavenly.com with the full details of your setup and I can advise further.
You are very kind, Steve. Thank you for being like that 🙏🏻
@@10162131Thanks! Wishing you a Happy Christmas!
If I did underatand you well, this speakers would be as good as Beolab 28, that means that Beolab 28 are not performing nothing better or that the price of Beolab 28 is all much compared to Beolab 8 and beyond what its is worth
Hi, no that isn't really correct. At low volume levels, the smaller Beolab 8 and Beolab 28 sound similar, but as you turn up the volume the larger Beolab 28 has far more power and bass depth. Beolab 28 is a much more capable speaker and still worth the money, but Beolab 8 is a good option for those who want the classic B&O sound without needing quite as much power (eg. for smaller rooms).
The USB as digital audio input from a computer is not detailed in the brochure. With usb audio the volume is controlled by the computer and latency would be low for watching video sources. This would be an added bonus for me but already WiSA is providing low latency needing a WiSA transmitter (which I have).
The connection to the stand looks interesting. If moving room to room the small stands make it easy to unplug and carry (4.1kg each). The floor stands would have the cables inside the tube support and so un-clipping from the stands doable but perhaps too much effort. I am thinking of using in one room for internet radio but bringing to the lounge for home theatre as rears/side on stands or wall brackets.
Beosound Balance at £5198 a pair (with more than just black at that price). Beolab 17 discontinued in 2022 (?). At £3100 (brass) and £730 for a Core to offer Mozart type features to £4400 for Beolab 8 but at £5398 for the oak (both with table stands). Beolab 8 are offering Mozart and powerlink in one package.
How long will Beolab 18 and Beosound Balance remain current? Of course having Mozart added to Beolab 18 and WiSA added to all other Mozart speakers would future proof them.
USB-C digital input latency is 330mS, so too high for watching videos from the PC unfortunately. However, my next video will explain a solution for this issue.
@@soundsheavenly Alas, as I expected. It all goes through the DSP and room correction. 36ms to the first speaker but 300 ms to the second (regardless of them using wi-fi or Ethernet connected). The only benefit of USB C connection is if wi-fi has too many connected devices. Casting from the computer to any Mozart speaker works (now since the software update) as long as you are not watching video sources. I can use the tiny puck WiSA transmitter (Axiim Link) with computer needing no external power in powerlink/WiSA mode the internet radio and controls are disabled.
Airplay 2 with Apple devices avoids the latency issue. Running TuneBlade on a PC does not solve the problem.
@geraldmcmullon2465 agreed. airplay is a good way around the issue
Recheck on pricing: Beolab 17 were listed as £2590 (all black) in Oct 2014 and by inflation rate from the Bank of England calculator now £3420.99 (September 2023). the last price I saw listed for new Beolab 17 was £3500 (in brass). Beosound Core is an expensive streamer. The difference between Beolab 17 + Core and the cheapest Beolab 8 is then about £900.
@@geraldmcmullon2465Thanks. I got my prices from Beocentral.com as a reference point, but actual store prices may vary
thank you steve, looking for this review
Thanks, glad it was helpful!
Very expensive
Yes, but very good quality. I am still using the 33 year old B&O system shown in this video, the cost becomes much more reasonable over that time span!
How do they compare to 9’s Steve? Thanks for another great video I was hoping you would get a pair of 8’s to review!
Thanks, glad you liked the video! I will be following up with lots more Beolab 8 content in the coming weeks, plus as many comparative speaker reviews as I can manage!
@@soundsheavenly I’m very excited for some more Steve content!
@mdi800 please subscribe to be the first to see when the next video is available!
Oh I’ve been subscribed for many years! I even bought those awesome mono gold plated colored powerlink cables that got stolen from me and I miss their clean sound so so much! I do hope you are able to ship to the US in the future! I have had a terrible time buying many powerlink splitters from eBay and I found out I need a special modified cable. I think this would be a great video to go over the more rare and niche cables for specific applications that someone down the line might come across and need valuable information to solve their problem! Sorry for the long rant, cheers!
@mdi800 thanks for subscribing, sorry to hear about your B&O getting stolen.
Wow!!! Excited to watch this as soon as I am out of meetings :).
Update: watched now :). Very intrigued by this product, thank you for your review, Steve. My big question is: do I sell one of my Balances that I love? Would you be able to assess how they compare in terms of sound image and performance in stereo? Edit: Just seen your answer elsewhere, will wait for that video.
@@csaba5415what was his answer if you don't mind me asking?
No Sound Test?!
Coming soon, I just couldn't fit everything into one video! What speaker would you like me to compare them against?
Steve I know it is not so simple but could you try to compare it to beolab 28s? I am looking mainly for 2.0 stereo system for my record player, is double the money worth it? Is it double the difference in sound experience?@@soundsheavenly
@walkinonkeep it all depends how loud you want the music, at lower volumes there is almost no difference between them, but Beolab 28 can play a lot louder
Can’t wait to go listen to them this weekend. I am thinking of getting either 1 Beolab 8 or a Beosound Emerge for a small room. I want to have multiple physical connections into the speaker, is that even possible with the Emerge? Great review as always.
This is a much more powerful speaker than Emerge and it has two wired inputs, whereas Emerge only has one wired input. The Powerlink input of the Beolab 8 can also be used for a TV (as it is a low latency input) which isn't possible with the Emerge. Please let me know if you need any help with cables!
The Beosound Emerge is an excellent speaker and stands well on streaming, internet radio and casting DLNA against much larger speakers like the Beosound Level and Beolab 28. However it is more than twice as good as a stereo pair. It punches well above its weight and size. Of course there is a difference but not perhaps going from £600 to £6350 per speaker worth of difference.
If space is of greater concern, not that the Emerge takes up much room then a single Beosound Level might be the better choice. It has stereo from a single speaker. It is also much better as a stereo pair giving a full audiophile sound stage. The Level has the big advantage that you can pick it up disconnect the mains and continue to play (on the battery) as you move to another room (wi-fi network allowing). With mains only speakers they take time to boot and reconnect to the wi-fi network.
Emerge and Level have wi-fi, Ethernet and a single dual mode fibre optic and 3.5mm analogue input.
Beolab 8 have in addition the Powerlink wired and wireless option to work with other B&O equipment and WiSA transmitter. Judging by the results from the Beolab 28 WiSA connectivity takes the speaker into a different league in performance compared to using them on wi-fi.
In place of the dual fibre optic and 3.5mm analogue input of Emerge and Level (USB C is for power, not signal) the Beolab 8 have a line in via USB C.
@@soundsheavenly thanks for the input. I want to hookup a 4K television via most likely optical and an old CRT television via RCA, for gaming and music listening. My big issue is space as I have less than a foot of room between the TVs and no floor/wall space for mounting.
@@geraldmcmullon2465 I would be tempted with a level if there was a way to have it vertically on a table. I had a level but exchanged it for a Beosound 2 because it was having a lot of issues with the microphone turning itself on and off all day/night and announcing to the house it was doing so every time. But that was right after it launched so hopefully those issues have been ironed out
@what227 please feel free to get in touch at soundsheavenly.com with any connection questions and I can help in more detail via email 👍🏻
Amazing review, as always!
Thank you!
Hi Steve, nice review ( again ). I have one Beosound Balance, wanting to buy a second one to pair. How would you compare the Balance to the Beolab 8 ?
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video! That is a good question, I will plan to make a video to cover this as soon as I can hear the two speakers side by side
Dear Steve!
Is it possible the wood grills effect the sound output different than the cloth cover?
Also why such a price difference?
I can't hear any loss of sound quality with or without the wood grille (but I haven't tried the cloth covers). Sorry I don't know why the prices are set this way, I don't work for B&O!
Thank you very much by your review. You help me to take the desition to change / update my old BL17.
Glad it was helpful!
£5,398 ... hmm ...
... 29Hz @ what? -3, -6, - 10?
That was at-6dB but just tested using a handheld SPL meter in a typical room, so not an official measurement
@@soundsheavenly Thanks for the reply.
Now, can you lend me £5,398 @ 0% APR, over a 5,398 month payment plan?
@juststuff5216 ha ha, I wish I could 🤣
Hi Steve
Thank you very much for yet an other informative introduktion film 😀👍🏻🙏🏻
Thanks, glad the video was helpful!
I own the BT and a pair of Beolab 5's (front) and Beolab 3's (rear). Is it possible using the BT (like a preamplifier) for listening to stereo music using only the Beolab 5's connected to the BT (i.e. only the Beolab 5's providing stereo output but not the rest) ?
Hi, yes this should be possible, you can either plug a digital music source directly into the S/PDIF input of the Beolab 5 for stereo music, or set the Theatre to play music sources only to those speakers. Please ask if you need any help with cables to get the speakers connected!
@@soundsheavenly Thanks. But how do you set the BT to play music only to the BL5's?
@danieldusentriebjunior6611 The B&O store where you bought the Theatre should be able to get this setup for you to play each input to the correct settings, this is too detailed for UA-cam comments!
Super !!!
Thanks!