Facts about B&O speakers together with Neo products

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 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.