Bang & Olufsen Beolab 2700 (1984)

The Bang & Olufsen Beolab 2700 came out in 1984, part of B&O's push into premium active loudspeakers. It is a fully active system. Each speaker has its own built-in amplification, crossover networks, and power supply. That gives precise control over driver performance and a high level of sonic accuracy and dynamic range.

Design and Build Quality

David Lewis, a long-time collaborator with the company, designed the Beolab 2700. It has a minimalist aluminum enclosure with a cylindrical shape. The outer shell is machined from solid aluminum or finished in anodized aluminum, and the industrial look has aged well. The front baffle is slightly angled to optimize time alignment between drivers, and the whole 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 with three dedicated amplifiers - one for each driver. The bass driver gets 75 watts, the midrange gets 75 watts, and the tweeter gets a separate 75-watt amplifier. That totals 225 watts per speaker, though system specs commonly cite 2 x 75W RMS for a stereo pair. The design is bi-amped, or more accurately tri-amped, so each frequency band is powered independently. This reduces intermodulation distortion and improves 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.

Active electronic filters handle the crossover, located before the amplification stage. They allow 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).

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

Connectivity and System Integration

The Beolab 2700 is meant 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. It needs a line-level signal sent through B&O's proprietary 5-pin DIN connector, often called the "B&O speaker terminal." This connector carries both audio signals and power for the internal amplifiers, so the source connects with a single cable.

Because the speakers are active, each one must be connected to mains power. Each has its own power supply and amplifier section, so no external power amplifier is needed. This reduces signal degradation and let B&O engineers fine-tune every part of the audio chain.

Sound Characteristics

The Beolab 2700 is known for a neutral, transparent sound. Reproduction is accurate and detailed, with excellent imaging and soundstage depth. The bass is tight and articulate rather than boomy, thanks to the sealed cabinet. The midrange is clear and natural, which suits vocal and acoustic recordings. High frequencies are smooth and extended without harshness, avoiding the sibilance that plagued many speakers of the era.

The active design and precise engineering make the Beolab 2700 perform well in controlled listening environments. It benefits from careful room placement - ideally away from walls and corners to maintain bass linearity - and works best 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. Collectors and design enthusiasts seek it out. Units in good condition, especially those with original finishes and unmodified electronics, can command high prices in the secondary market.

Later models like the Beolab 5000 and Beolab 8000 introduced further refinements. The Beolab 2700 influenced B&O's future products and the broader trend toward active loudspeakers in both consumer and professional audio.

Maintenance and Restoration

Surviving Beolab 2700 units may need 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 community of B&O enthusiasts and specialized technicians can often restore these speakers to full working order. Clean the aluminum casing with non-abrasive cleaners and soft cloths 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.

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