Bang & Olufsen Beolab 2700 (1984)

Name: Bang & Olufsen Beolab 2700
Brand: Bang & Olufsen

The Bang & Olufsen Beolab 2700 is a landmark in high-end audio design, representing the pinnacle of Danish audio engineering and minimalist aesthetics during the mid-1980s. Introduced in 1984, the Beolab 2700 was part of Bang & Olufsen’s bold push into the premium active loudspeaker market, combining advanced acoustics with elegant, functional design. Unlike conventional passive speakers, the Beolab 2700 was engineered as a fully active system, meaning each speaker contained its own built-in amplification, crossover networks, and power supply. This integration allowed for precise control over driver performance and delivered an exceptional level of sonic accuracy and dynamic range.

Design and Build Quality

The Beolab 2700 exemplifies Bang & Olufsen’s philosophy of form following function. Designed by David Lewis, a long-time collaborator with the company, the speaker features a sleek, minimalist aluminum enclosure with a distinctive cylindrical shape. The outer shell is machined from solid aluminum or finished in anodized aluminum, giving it a luxurious, industrial look that has aged remarkably well. The front baffle is slightly angled to optimize time alignment between drivers, and the entire structure is rigidly braced to minimize resonance and coloration.

Available in finishes such as silver, black, and later gold-anodized variants, the Beolab 2700 was as much a piece of modern sculpture as it was a high-fidelity audio component. Standing at approximately 105 cm (41 inches) tall, the speaker has a commanding presence while maintaining a slim, elegant profile. The base includes adjustable feet for leveling on uneven surfaces, and the internal construction isolates sensitive electronic components from vibrations.

Technical Specifications and Audio Performance

Each Beolab 2700 is a three-way active speaker system, housing three dedicated amplifiers—one for each driver. The internal amplification system delivers 75 watts to the bass driver, 75 watts to the midrange, and a separate 75-watt amplifier for the tweeter, resulting in a total of 225 watts per speaker (though commonly cited as 2 x 75W RMS for stereo pair configuration in system specs). This bi-amped (or more accurately, tri-amped) design ensures that each frequency band is powered independently, reducing intermodulation distortion and improving transient response.

The drivers themselves were custom-designed for this system:

Bass: 22 cm (8.7 inch) long-throw aluminum cone woofer with a sealed enclosure design for tight, controlled low-end response.
Midrange: 8 cm (3.1 inch) aluminum cone driver with a phase plug for improved dispersion and reduced distortion.
Tweeter: 2.5 cm (1 inch) textile dome tweeter mounted in a waveguide for smooth high-frequency extension and wide dispersion.

Crossover functions are handled by active electronic filters located before the amplification stage, allowing for sharper slopes and better driver integration than passive crossovers. The crossover frequencies are set at approximately 350 Hz (bass to midrange) and 3.5 kHz (midrange to tweeter), optimized for seamless blending across the audible spectrum.

Frequency response ranges from 35 Hz to 22 kHz (+/- 3 dB), which was exceptional for a compact floor-standing speaker in the 1980s. The sensitivity is rated at 91 dB (2.83V/1m), and the nominal impedance is 8 ohms, making it compatible with a wide range of preamplifiers and control units.

Connectivity and System Integration

The Beolab 2700 was designed to be used with a dedicated preamplifier or control unit, such as the Beomaster 8000, Beomaster 9000, or Beovision monitors with audio output. It does not accept speaker-level inputs; instead, it requires a line-level signal sent via B&O’s proprietary 5-pin DIN connector (often referred to as the "B&O speaker terminal"). This connector carries both audio signals and power for the internal amplifiers, allowing for a clean, single-cable connection from the source.

Because the speakers are active, they must be connected to mains power individually. Each speaker has its own power supply and amplifier section, eliminating the need for an external power amplifier. This system approach reduces signal degradation and allows B&O engineers to fine-tune every aspect of the audio chain.

Sound Characteristics

The Beolab 2700 is known for its neutral, transparent sound signature. It delivers a remarkably accurate and detailed reproduction of music, with excellent imaging and soundstage depth. The bass is tight and articulate rather than boomy, thanks to the sealed cabinet design. The midrange is clear and natural, making it ideal for vocal and acoustic recordings. High frequencies are smooth and extended without harshness, avoiding the sibilance that plagued many speakers of the era.

Due to its active design and precise engineering, the Beolab 2700 performs exceptionally well in controlled listening environments. It benefits from careful room placement—ideally positioned away from walls and corners to maintain bass linearity—and works best when paired with other high-quality B&O source components.

Legacy and Collectibility

The Beolab 2700 was in production from 1984 to the early 1990s and is now considered a classic of high-end audio design. Its combination of advanced technology, minimalist aesthetics, and superior sound quality has made it a sought-after item among vintage audio collectors and design enthusiasts. Units in good condition, especially those with original finishes and unmodified electronics, can command high prices in the secondary market.

While later models like the Beolab 5000 and Beolab 8000 introduced further refinements, the Beolab 2700 remains a benchmark for integrated active speaker design. It influenced not only B&O’s future products but also the broader trend toward active loudspeakers in both consumer and professional audio.

Maintenance and Restoration

Due to their age, surviving Beolab 2700 units may require servicing. Common issues include aging capacitors in the power supply, degraded speaker cones (especially in humid environments), and worn cables. Replacement parts are scarce, but a dedicated community of B&O enthusiasts and specialized technicians can often restore these speakers to full working order. Cleaning the aluminum casing requires care—non-abrasive cleaners and soft cloths are recommended to preserve the anodized finish.

In summary, the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 2700 is more than just a speaker—it is a symbol of technological innovation and design excellence. It represents a time when high-fidelity audio and industrial artistry converged, creating a product that remains relevant and admired decades after its introduction. For audiophiles and design lovers alike, the Beolab 2700 stands as a timeless icon of Scandinavian engineering.