Bang & Olufsen Beolab 5702 (1986)

The Bang & Olufsen Beolab 5702 is an active loudspeaker from B&O's Beolab series, introduced in 1986. The series put amplification, filtering and speaker drivers into a single tuned unit. That gave B&O tighter control over the sound, and it was the company's approach through the 1980s.

Design and Aesthetic Philosophy

The 5702 is classic Scandinavian B&O design: clean lines, geometric shapes, premium materials. It stands approximately 110 cm (43 inches) tall, with a vertical profile and an aluminum and acrylic glass enclosure. The front baffle is typically polished anodized aluminum. The sides are thick, transparent acrylic, so you can see the internal components.

The transparent housing was not just decoration. It reduced cabinet resonance and internal standing waves, which helped acoustic clarity. The base is heavy die-cast aluminum for stability and to keep vibration down. The 5702 remains sought after by audiophiles and design collectors.

Technical Specifications and Acoustic Engineering

The Beolab 5702 has built-in amplification matched to its driver layout. Each speaker has two internal amplifiers: one for the low-frequency driver and one for the midrange and tweeter. This bi-amped design delivers power where it is needed and keeps intermodulation distortion down.

The speaker features a three-way driver configuration:

• Tweeter: 22 mm soft-dome tweeter with neodymium magnet, positioned at the top for optimal high-frequency dispersion.
• Midrange: 75 mm aluminum cone driver, designed for clarity and minimal coloration in vocal and instrumental reproduction.
• Woofer: 220 mm (8.7 inch) aluminum cone bass driver, capable of deep, controlled low-end response.

The crossover is an active electronic type and sits before the amplifiers. That allows precise frequency separation and phase alignment. Conventional speakers use passive crossovers, which can degrade signal quality. The crossover frequencies are set at approximately 350 Hz (between woofer and midrange) and 3.5 kHz (between midrange and tweeter).

Power handling is rated at 150W dynamic power per speaker. The frequency response runs from 35 Hz to 22 kHz, with a sensitivity of around 89 dB. That makes the 5702 suitable for medium to large listening rooms when paired with appropriate source equipment.

Impedance is a nominal 8 ohms, which suited most preamplifiers and control units of the era. Since the Beolab 5702 is an active system, it does not need a traditional power amplifier. It connects directly to a line-level source through B&O's proprietary 5-pin DIN connectors or standard RCA inputs, depending on the configuration.

Integration with Bang & Olufsen Systems

The Beolab 5702 was designed to work inside a complete B&O system. It was commonly paired with control units such as the Beovision 6000 television, Beocenter 9500, or Beolab 5000 preamplifier. These units talked to the speakers over B&O's own speaker cable system, which carried both audio signals and power in a single shielded cable.

One of the standout features of the 5702 is its adjustable acoustic settings. Located on the rear panel are controls for bass and treble adjustment, allowing users to tailor the sound to room acoustics or personal preference. Additionally, a “Room Compensation” switch helps optimize bass response in corner or wall placements.

Legacy and Collectibility

The Beolab 5702 was made during a high point for Bang & Olufsen. Production numbers were limited because of the high cost and specialized nature of the system, and surviving units are highly prized today.

In the vintage audio market, the Beolab 5702 draws strong interest. Fully functional pairs in good condition can fetch between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on finish, provenance, and included accessories. Collectors value the sound quality and also the speaker as a design artifact. The 5702 has been featured in design museums and retrospectives on 20th-century industrial design.

Maintenance and Restoration

Because of their age, many Beolab 5702 units need servicing. Common problems are degraded internal cabling, failing capacitors in the amplifier modules, and wear on the acrylic enclosures. A dedicated community of B&O enthusiasts and specialized technicians supports restoration. Original parts are scarce, but some components can be refurbished or replaced with modern equivalents without compromising performance.

Owners are advised to store the speakers away from direct sunlight to prevent yellowing of the acrylic, and to maintain the polished aluminum finishes with non-abrasive cleaners.

Conclusion

The Bang & Olufsen Beolab 5702 stands as a testament to the fusion of audio engineering and design artistry. More than just speakers, they are functional sculptures that deliver a rich, balanced soundstage with precision and authority. Their active design, advanced materials, and integration within the B&O ecosystem made them revolutionary in the 1980s — and they remain impressive today.

For audiophiles who appreciate both sonic fidelity and aesthetic mastery, the Beolab 5702 offers a rare combination of timeless design and enduring performance. Whether as a centerpiece in a vintage audio setup or as a design statement in a modern living space, the 5702 continues to captivate with its elegance and engineering excellence.

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