Facts about B&O speakers together with Neo products
Introduction
Bang & Olufsen speakers are known for their iconic design and high sound quality, and many want to keep them even when the rest of the home's technology is upgraded.
With Neo products from Neomesteren Both active and passive B&O speakers can be integrated with modern TVs, streaming solutions and new sound systems.
This guide gives you clear knowledge about B&O compatibility, installation, connection and the best ways to upgrade your B&O system so you get maximum enjoyment from your speakers for many years to come.
What is the difference between active and passive B&O speakers?
Active B&O speakers has a built-in amplifier and is connected via PowerlinkThey are often used with Beovision TV or B&O music systems.
Passive B&O speakers requires an external amplifier and is typically used with older B&O systems or modern amplifiers via adapters.
Understanding the difference is crucial for correct connection og compatibility with Neo products such as Neo TV, Neo 7 og Neo Radio.
Why use Neo products with B&O speakers?
NeoMesteren's solutions make it possible to combine timeless B&O design with modern functionality. You get, among other things:
- Compatibility between old B&O speakers and new TV
- Gender installation of both passive and active speakers
- Possibility to use B&O speakers with LG, Samsung, Sony and other TVs
- A way to upgrade Bang & Olufsen system without replacing the equipment
- A stable and professional solution that preserves the familiar B&O user experience
This is ideal for those looking for:
“How do you use B&O speakers with modern equipment?”
“Can old B&O speakers be used with new systems?”
Neo products and their role in the B&O setup
Neo TV
Neo TV makes it possible to connect modern flat screens to active B&O speakers. You can use your favorite TV brand and still retain the distinctive Bang & Olufsen sound. It is the ideal solution for those who want connect old B&O speakers to a new TV and at the same time get a stable and elegant integration.
Neo 7
Neo 7 is developed to integrate BeoVision 7 systems with newer TVs, without having to replace speakers, subwoofers or motor stands. It gives new life to classic installations and retains full functionality, as you know from the original B&O setup.
Neo Hub
Neo Hub acts as a modern control center that brings together sound sources, speakers and control in one placeIt's perfect for those who want flexibility while maintaining the intuitive and familiar B&O experience, even in a setup with new or mixed devices.
Neo Radio
Neo Radio gives internet radio streaming for older B&O systems — both Masterlink og Powerlink-based products. It is an obvious choice when you want to replace FM radio or expand the capabilities of an existing B&O setup, without compromising on operation.
Neo Blue AUX
Neo Blue AUX makes it easy to add modern sound sources to older B&O systems via Bluetooth or AUX inputThe product works as a wireless audio receiver, allowing you to stream music from your smartphone, tablet or computer directly into your B&O system. It is the perfect solution if you want Bluetooth in old B&O systems, or if you want to integrate external players without changing the original design or operation.
Connecting B&O speakers – how to do it correctly
When you combine B&O speakers With Neo products, correct setup is essential.
Here are the most common solutions:
- Active B&O speakers connected via Powerlink (requires correct wiring and input signal).
- Passive B&O speakers Connect via external amplifier or Neo adapters.
- Masterlinksystems can be expanded with Neo Radio for modern streaming.
- Modern TV can be integrated via Neo TV or the Neo Avant box.
This setup ensures optimal sound quality and full compatibility across both new and old products.
Typical questions
Can old B&O speakers be used with new TVs?
Yes. With Neo TV, Neo 7 or Neo Avant solutions you can easily connect your speakers to LG, Samsung, Sony and other modern TVs.
How do I upgrade my B&O system?
You can use Neo products like Neo Hub or Neo Radio to add streaming, internet radio, TV audio and modern control to your old system.
How do I connect active B&O speakers to a non-B&O TV?
This is done via Neo TV or Neo 7, which converts the output from the TV into the correct Powerlink-signal.
Are Neo products compatible with all B&O speakers?
Yes, almost all. Both passive and active speakers from Bang & Olufsen can be used.
Bang & Olufsen speakers – BeoLab and BeoVox
For decades, Bang & Olufsen has designed and manufactured some of the world's most iconic speakers – both passive and active – always with a focus on sound quality, design and integration. At B&O, speakers are traditionally divided into two main categories.
BeoVox – The passive speakers
The BeoVox series consists of passive speakers that require an external amplifier – typically a Beomaster or Beocenter. These speakers became particularly popular in the 1970s and 1980s and are characterized by classic design, high build quality and good sound.
BeoVox models connect with regular speaker cables and are still sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who want a classic B&O experience with an analog setup.
BeoLab – The active speakers
The BeoLab series consists of active speakers with built-in amplifiers. They receive both sound and on/off control via Powerlink and therefore does not require an external amplifier.
Beolab speakers are designed to play directly with B&O TV, Neo 7, Neo TV, Neo Hub and music systems and are known for their elegant appearance and high performance.
Classic BeoLab series (1–90)
Bang & Olufsen has named many of their most famous speakers with numbers from BeoLab 1 to BeoLab 90Here are some highlights:
- BeoLab 1 – Slim floor model with powerful sound, active two-way speaker.
- BeoLab 2 – Active subwoofer designed to complement other Beolab speakers.
- BeoLab 3 – Compact spherical speaker with ICEpower and acoustic lens.
- BeoLab 4 – Smaller pyramid-shaped speaker, often used as a rear channel.
- BeoLab 5 – High-end speaker with acoustic lens and full digital signal processing.
- BeoLab 7 – Soundbar (several versions: 7-1, 7-2, 7-4, 7-6) often with BeoVision 7 or Neo 7
- BeoLab 9 – Active three-way speaker with acoustic lens, medium size.
- BeoLab 10 – Center speaker with acoustic lens, used for surround.
- BeoLab 11 – Wall-mountable subwoofer with sculptural design.
- BeoLab 12 – Slim wall speaker in several variants (12-2, 12-3, 12-4).
- BeoLab 14 – 5.1 surround system with satellites and subwoofer.
- BeoLab 15/16 – Ceiling/recessed system with separate amplifier.
- BeoLab 17 – Compact wireless speaker with great performance.
- BeoLab 18 – Wireless design classic with slatted front (wood or aluminum).
- BeoLab 19 – Wireless subwoofer with geometric design.
- BeoLab 20 – Large wireless speaker with powerful sound and acoustic lens.
- BeoLab 28 – Slim floor-standing speaker with streaming, active room adaptation.
- BeoLab 50 – High-end DSP speaker with motorized acoustic lens.
- BeoLab 90 – Top model with extreme technology and 360° sound control.
BeoLab series with higher numbers (2000–8000)
Alongside the lower numbered models, there is a range of BeoLab speakers named from BeoLab 2000 to BeoLab 8000, each with its own role in B&O's multi-room systems and main room solutions or together with Neo 7, Neo TV, Neo Radio via a B&O audio product.
- BeoLab 2000 / 3500: Designed for use in Masterlink multi-room systems – typically in the kitchen or bedroom.
- BeoLab 6000 / 8000: Slim floor-standing speakers in aluminum – modern design classics.
- BeoLab 4500: Wall speaker in glass and aluminum.
Connectivity and flexibility
Newer Beolab speakers offer great flexibility and connectivity to both B&O and non-B&O equipment such as Neo products (Neo 7, Neo TV, Neo Hub, Neo Radio). Depending on the model, the following inputs are available:
- Powerlink (DIN or RJ45) – Analog audio + control signal. Neo 7, Neo TV and Neo Hub uses this connection for Beolab speakers
- wireless Powerlink (WiSA) – Wireless, digital audio without delay.
- Digital (optical/coaxial) – Directly to modern TVs and media players.
- Line-in (RCA / mini jack) – For universal use with other systems.
Design, sound and integration
Bang & Olufsen speakers are created with a focus on the overall experience: sound quality, functionality and aesthetics all in one. With the ability to combine classic and modern models, both wireless and wired, the BeoLab series offers something for everyone – whether for multi-room, home cinema or stereo systems.
List of speakers from Bang & Olufsen
| B&O speaker | Active/Passive | Location | Market | Speaker link | Masterlink | Powerlink In | Powerlink Oct | Line in | Wireless (WISA) Powerlink | Digital Powerlink | Amplify | Power | MK | Type | Price per piece (DKK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beolab 1 | Active | Floor | 1999-2006 | DIN x 2 | DIN x 1 | RCA | ICEPower | 700 W | 6841, 6842, 6843, 6844, 6845, 6846, 6849 | 35.000 | |||||
| Beolab 2 | Active | Subwoofer | 2001-2012 | DIN x 1 | DIN x 2 | Analog | 850 W | 6861 | 19.000 | ||||||
| Beolab 3 | Active | Floor/Wall/Table | 2004-xxxx | DIN x 1 | ICEPower | 250 W | 6891, 6892, 6893, 6894, 6895, 6896 | 24.000 | |||||||
| Beolab 4 | Active | Floor/Wall/Table/Ceiling | 2005-2015 | DIN x 1 | RCA | ICEPower | 70 W | 6650, 6652 | 10.000 | ||||||
| Beolab 4PC | Active | Floor/Wall/Table/Ceiling | 2006-2014 | No | RCA | ICEPower | 70 W | 6651 | 5.800 | ||||||
| Beolab 5 | Active | Floor | 2003-2017 | DIN x 2 | DIN x 1 | RCA | ICEPower | 2500 W | 6881, 6882, 6883, 6884, 6885, 6886, 6887, 6888 | 130.000 | |||||
| Beolab 7-1 | Active | Floor/Wall/Table | 2004-2011 | DIN x 1 | ICEPower | 750 W | 6210 (EU), 6212 (US) | 22.000 | |||||||
| Beolab 7-2 | Active | Floor/Wall/Table | 2005-2012 | DIN x 1 | ICEPower | 750 W | 6213, 6214 | 24.000 | |||||||
| Beolab 7-4 | Active | Floor/Wall | 2005-2012 | DIN x 1 | ICEPower | 750 W | 6215, 6216 | 24.000 | |||||||
| Beolab 7-6 | Active | Floor/Wall/Table | 2009-2012 | DIN x 1 | ICEPower | 750 W | 29.000 | ||||||||
| Beolab 8 | Active | Floor/Wall/Table | 2024- | RJ45 x 1 | Ja | Ja | ICEPower | 300 W | 23.000 | ||||||
| Beolab 9 | Active | Floor | 2007-2013 | DIN x 2 | DIN x 1 | ICEPower | 600 W | 6217 | 50.000 | ||||||
| Beolab 10 | Active | Tv center | 2008-2012 | DIN x 1 | ICEPower | 500 W | 6218 | 22.000 | |||||||
| Beolab 11 | Active | Subwoofer | 2010-2014 | DIN x 1 | DIN x 2 | ICEPower | 400 W | 6817 | 13.000 | ||||||
| Beolab 12-1 | Active | Floor/Wall | 2012-2014 | RJ45 x 2 | RJ45 x 1 | RJ45 | ICEPower | 320 W | 6230 | 8.300 | |||||
| Beolab 12-2 | Active | Floor/Wall | 2012-2016 | RJ45 x 2 | RJ45 x 1 | RJ45 | ICEPower | 320 W | 6231 | 11.000 | |||||
| Beolab 12-3 | Active | Floor/Wall | 2012-2016 | RJ45 x 2 | RJ45 x 1 | RJ45 | ICEPower | 480 W | 6232 | 17.000 | |||||
| Beolab 14-2.1 | Stereo system | Floor/Wall | RJ45 x 3 | 18.000 | |||||||||||
| Beolab 14-4.1 | Surround system | Floor/Wall | RJ45 x 3 | ||||||||||||
| Beolab 14-5.1 | Surround system | Floor/Wall | RJ45 x 3 | 26.000 | |||||||||||
| Beolab 15 | Active | Wall/Ceiling | 2013-2014 | 6306 | |||||||||||
| Beolab 16 | Active | Subwoofer | 2013-2014 | 6305 | |||||||||||
| Beolab 17 | Active | Floor/Wall | 2013-xxxx | RJ45 x 2 | RJ45 x 1 | RCA | Ja | ICEPower | 320 W | 10.000 | |||||
| Beolab 18 | Active | Floor/Wall | 2014- | RJ45 x 2 | RJ45 x 1 | RCA | Ja | ICEPower | 320 W | 33.000 | |||||
| Beolab 19 | Active | Subwoofer | 2013- | RJ45 x 1 | RCA | Ja | ICEPower | 320 W | 6702 | 30.000 | |||||
| Beolab 20 | Active | Floor | 2014- | RJ45 x 2 | RJ45 x 1 | RCA | Ja | ICEPower | 640 W | 35.000 | |||||
| Beolab 28 | Active | Floor/Wall | 2024-xxxx | RJ45 x 1 | Ja | Class D | 625 W | 62.000 | |||||||
| Beolab 50 | Active | Floor | 2017- | RJ45 x 1 | RCA | Ja | Ja | ICEPower | 2100 W | 230.000 | |||||
| Beolab 90 | Active | Floor | 2015- | RJ45 x 1 | RCA | Ja | Ja | ICEPower | 4600 W | 620.000 | |||||
| Beolab 2000 | Active | Wall/Table | 1995-2005 | Ja | Class AB | 40 W | 1641, 1642, 1643, 1644, 1645 | 3.800 | |||||||
| Beolab 2500 | Active | Wall/Table | 1991-2004 | DIN x 1 | Class AB | 65 W | 6201, 6205, 6202, 6204, 6203 | 3.200 | |||||||
| Beolab 3000 | Active | Wall | 1988-1992 | Ja | DIN x 2 | DIN x 1 | RCA | 60 W | 6711, 6712, 6713, 6714, 6715 | 3.800 | |||||
| Beolab 3500 | Active | Wall/Table | 1996-2012 | Ja | Class AB | 50 W | 6711, 6715, 6712, 6714, 6713 | 10.000 | |||||||
| Beolab 4000 | Active | Floor/Wall/Table | 1997-2012 | DIN x 2 | DIN x 1 | DIN x 1 | Class AB (MK1), ICEPower (MK2) | 60 W | MK1, MK2 | 6636, 6637, 6638, 6639, 6640, 6641, 6649 | 7.500 | ||||
| Beolab 5000 | Active | Wall | 1988-1992 | Ja | DIN x 2 | DIN x 1 | RCA | Class AB | 90 W | 6701, 6702, 6703, 6704, 6705 | 5.000 | ||||
| Beolab 6000 | Active | Floor | 1992-2010 | DIN x 2 | DIN x 1 | RCA | Class AB | 60 W | 6825, 6821, 6822, 6824, 6823 | 8.500 | |||||
| Beolab 8000 | Active | Floor/Wall | 1992-2010 | DIN x 1 | RCA | Class AB | 140 W | MK1, MK2, MK3 | 6801, 6802, 6803, 6804, 6805, 6806, 6809 | 12.000 | |||||
| Beolab 8002 | Active | Floor/Wall | 2010-2012 | DIN x 1 | RCA | ICEPower | 125 W | 6818 | |||||||
| Beolab Penta | Active | Floor | 1986-2000 | Ja | DIN x 2 | RCA | Class AB | 150 W | MK1 (6601, 6605, 6602, 6604, 6603), MK2 (6621, 6625, 6622, 6624, 6623), MK3 ( 6631, 6635, 6632, 6634, 6633) | 6601, 6605, 6602, 6604, 6603, 6621, 6625, 6622, 6624, 6623, 6631, 6635, 6632, 6634, 6633 | 11.000 | ||||
| Beovox Penta | passive | Floor | 1986-1992 | Ja | 150 W | 6611 | 6.000 | ||||||||
| Beoplay S3 | |||||||||||||||
| Beoplay S8 | |||||||||||||||
| Beovox 2 | Wall | 2011- | Ja | 2011 | 3.000 | ||||||||||
| Beovox Redline | |||||||||||||||
| Heavenly | |||||||||||||||
| Palatial | |||||||||||||||
| Beovox 2500 Cube | Passive | 1968-1972 | 6206 | ||||||||||||
| Beovox 5000 | Passive | 1967-1974 | 1 | MK1 (1967-1969), MK2 (1970-1971), MK3 (1972-1974) |
B&O Speakers Timeline – Selected
1960s–1970s: BeoVox & BeoLab 5000
1967 – BeoLab 5000 (with amplifier)
One of B&O's earliest hi-fi amplifiers, designed by Jacob Jensen with inspiration from laboratory equipment.
1970s – BeoVox series
Passive speakers like the BeoVox S45 and M70 became popular for their sound quality and aesthetics.
1980s: Transition to active speakers
1986 – BeoLab Penta
B&O's first semi-active speaker with a built-in amplifier. The pentagonal shape reduced standing waves and improved sound quality.
1990s: Design icons and multi-rooms
1992 – BeoLab 8000
Known as the “sound pencil” – a slim aluminum floorstanding speaker that became a design icon.
1994 – BeoLab 6000
A smaller version of the 8000 with the same aesthetics, ideal for smaller spaces.
1999 – BeoLab 3500
Designed for B&O's Masterlink multi-room system, often used in kitchens and bedrooms
2000s: Advanced technology and new forms
2003 – BeoLab 5
High-end speaker with acoustic lens and automatic room calibration.
2004 – BeoLab 7 series
Soundbar series for BeoVision TVs, with models such as 7-1 and 7-2.
2006 – BeoLab 9
Three-way speaker with acoustic lens and powerful bass.
2010s: Wireless sound and modern design
2013 – BeoLab 17, 18 and 19
Introduction of WiSA wireless technology. BeoLab 18 with wooden slats became a modern classic.
2015 – BeoLab 90
B&O's most advanced speaker with 18 drivers and 8.200 watts. Offers 360° sound and adaptive room adjustment.
2020s: Flexibility and sustainability
2021 – BeoLab 28
Slim floorstanding speaker with streaming, adaptive sound and wall mounting option.
2023 – BeoLab 8
Compact and powerful speaker with adaptive features and flexible mounting options.