Bang & Olufsen Beolab 4703 (1987)

Name: Bang & Olufsen Beolab 4703
Brand: Bang & Olufsen

The Bang & Olufsen Beolab 4703 is a striking example of Danish audio engineering and design excellence from the late 1980s. Released in 1987, this floor-standing active loudspeaker represents a bold fusion of advanced acoustic technology, premium materials, and the minimalist aesthetic for which Bang & Olufsen has long been celebrated. As part of the Beolab series, the 4703 was designed not only to deliver exceptional sound quality but also to serve as a sculptural centerpiece in modern living environments.

Design and Aesthetic Philosophy

The Beolab 4703 is instantly recognizable for its tall, slender profile and elegant use of materials. Standing at approximately 120 cm (47 inches) in height, the speaker features a cylindrical aluminum body with a brushed finish, giving it a sleek, futuristic appearance that remains timeless. The design is minimalist yet sophisticated, reflecting Bang & Olufsen’s commitment to integrating high-fidelity audio equipment into the home as functional art.

The speaker’s enclosure is constructed from extruded aluminum, which not only contributes to its visual appeal but also provides excellent rigidity and damping properties—critical for minimizing unwanted resonances that can color the sound. The base is made of heavy cast metal, ensuring stability and reducing vibrations. At the top, a fabric-covered dome houses the tweeter and midrange drivers, while the bass drivers are positioned lower down, partially concealed within the aluminum column.

One of the most distinctive features of the Beolab 4703 is its lack of visible grilles or screws, maintaining a clean, uninterrupted surface. The fabric used for the upper section is available in a range of colors, allowing owners to customize the speaker to match their interior decor—a hallmark of B&O’s user-centric design approach.

Acoustic Engineering and Driver Configuration

The Beolab 4703 is an active speaker, meaning it contains built-in amplification. This allows for precise tuning of the drivers and amplifiers as a unified system, resulting in optimized performance. The speaker employs a three-way design with dedicated amplifiers for each driver:

Tweeter: 25 mm (1 inch) soft-dome tweeter, responsible for frequencies above 6 kHz.
Midrange: 76 mm (3 inch) cone driver, handling frequencies between 600 Hz and 6 kHz.
Bass: Two 165 mm (6.5 inch) woofers mounted in a push-pull configuration, covering frequencies below 600 Hz.

The push-pull bass driver arrangement is particularly noteworthy. By placing one woofer at the front and another at the rear, operating in opposition, mechanical vibrations are largely canceled out. This reduces cabinet resonance and allows for tighter, more accurate bass reproduction—especially important in a tall, narrow enclosure where structural rigidity is paramount.

Each driver is powered by its own dedicated amplifier section within the speaker’s internal electronics. The total output is rated at 150 watts RMS, with amplification distributed to ensure balanced performance across the frequency spectrum. The crossover network is active and electronically controlled, allowing for sharper filtering and better driver integration than passive crossovers.

Sound Characteristics

The Beolab 4703 delivers a clear, detailed, and well-balanced sound signature. Its active design and precision engineering result in low distortion, wide dynamic range, and excellent stereo imaging. The speaker is capable of filling large rooms with sound while maintaining clarity at both low and high volumes.

The high frequencies are smooth and extended, avoiding the harshness sometimes associated with metal dome tweeters. The midrange is natural and articulate, making the 4703 particularly well-suited for vocal and acoustic music reproduction. The bass, while not overwhelming in sheer output, is tight, controlled, and well-integrated—thanks in part to the push-pull driver design and the rigid aluminum enclosure.

Due to its active nature, the Beolab 4703 requires an external preamplifier or line-level source. It does not have built-in volume control or input selection, which was typical of high-end active speakers of the era. Instead, it was designed to be used in conjunction with other Bang & Olufsen components, such as the Beomaster or Beovox control units, creating a seamless, high-performance audio system.

Connectivity and Integration

The Beolab 4703 uses proprietary B&O connectors for both power and signal input. This ensures high-quality signal transmission and secure connections but also means that interfacing with non-B&O equipment can be challenging without adapters. The speaker was originally intended to be used in pairs and often integrated into larger Bang & Olufsen home entertainment systems, including televisions and tape decks from the same period.

Despite its age, the 4703 remains a sought-after collector’s item and is still used by audiophiles who appreciate its unique combination of design and sound quality. However, due to the age of the internal electronics, original units may require servicing or capacitor replacement to restore optimal performance.

Legacy and Collectibility

The Beolab 4703 is a product of a golden era for Bang & Olufsen, when the company was pushing the boundaries of both industrial design and audio engineering. It represents a time when high-end audio equipment was not just about performance but also about making a statement in the home.

Today, the Beolab 4703 is considered a classic of 1980s audio design. Its rarity, combined with its distinctive look and solid sonic performance, makes it highly collectible. Units in good condition—especially those with original finishes and functioning electronics—can command high prices in the vintage audio market.

While not as widely known as some of B&O’s later models, such as the Beolab 5, the 4703 holds a special place among enthusiasts for its bold engineering and timeless aesthetics. It exemplifies the philosophy that audio equipment should be both heard and seen—crafted not just to perform, but to inspire.

Conclusion

The Bang & Olufsen Beolab 4703 is more than just a speaker; it is a testament to the marriage of form and function. With its elegant aluminum construction, advanced active electronics, and refined sound, it remains a standout piece in the history of high-fidelity audio. For collectors, designers, and audiophiles alike, the Beolab 4703 continues to represent the pinnacle of 1980s Scandinavian audio innovation—a true icon of its time.