Bang & Olufsen Beolufsen RL35 (1971)

Name: Bang & Olufsen Beolab rl35
Brand: Bang & Olufsen

The Bang & Olufsen Beolufsen RL35, introduced in 1971, stands as a hallmark of Scandinavian audio design from the early 1970s. Designed by the legendary Jacob Jensen, the RL35 embodies the fusion of minimalist aesthetics and high-fidelity engineering that defined Bang & Olufsen’s philosophy during this era. These passive two-way speakers were crafted not only to deliver clear, balanced sound but also to serve as elegant furniture pieces within modern living spaces.

With their distinctive teak or rosewood veneer cabinets and integrated wall-mounting capability, the RL35s were engineered for both acoustic performance and visual harmony. They were often paired with other iconic B&O components such as the Beomaster 1900 receiver and Beogram 4000 turntable, forming a cohesive and stylish hi-fi system.

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Model	RL35
Brand	Bang & Olufsen
Year of Release	1971
Production Period	1971–1973
Type	Passive two-way bookshelf/wall-mount speakers
Driver Configuration	8-inch woofer, dome tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms
Power Handling	Not officially specified (typical for era)
Sensitivity	Unknown
Crossover	Internal passive crossover (first-order likely)
Enclosure Material	MDF with real wood veneer (teak or rosewood)
Finish Options	Teak, rosewood
Mounting Options	Integrated wall-mounting brackets
Dimensions (H×W×D)	Approx. 40 × 23 × 20 cm (15.7 × 9 × 7.9 in)
Weight	Approx. 8 kg (17.6 lbs) per speaker

Design and Key Features

The RL35 reflects the minimalist Scandinavian design language championed by Jacob Jensen, who served as Bang & Olufsen’s chief designer for decades. The cabinet features clean lines, a flush-mounted grille, and a low-profile footprint that allows for discreet placement on shelves or direct wall mounting.

Two-way acoustic system: The 8-inch woofer handles mid-bass frequencies with a smooth dome tweeter providing clear high-frequency reproduction.
Natural wood veneer: Available in warm teak or rich rosewood finishes, the cabinets age gracefully and complement mid-century modern interiors.
Integrated wall mounts: Hidden mounting brackets allow the speakers to be securely attached to walls without visible hardware, preserving the clean aesthetic.
Passive crossover: While exact topology is not documented, B&O typically used high-quality components with gentle slopes to preserve phase coherence.

Sound Signature

The RL35 delivers a balanced and articulate sound characteristic of Bang & Olufsen’s house tuning of the era. The emphasis is on midrange clarity and tonal neutrality, making them ideal for vocal-centric music, jazz, and acoustic genres.

Bass: Not deep or boomy, but well-controlled and tight for an 8-inch driver in a compact cabinet.
Mids: Warm, detailed, and present—ideal for dialogue and vocals.
Treble: Smooth and non-fatiguing, with good extension from the dome tweeter.
Soundstage: Moderately wide with good imaging when properly positioned.

While not designed for high SPLs or modern bass-heavy genres, the RL35 excels in intimate listening environments where musicality and integration with room decor are priorities.

Historical Significance

The RL35 was part of a broader movement at Bang & Olufsen to elevate audio equipment to the level of industrial art. During the 1970s, B&O focused on creating systems where every component—from speakers to turntables—shared a unified design language and premium build quality.

As part of this ecosystem, the RL35 was often sold alongside:

Beomaster receivers (e.g., Beomaster 1900)
Beogram turntables (e.g., Beogram 4000)
Beovox amplifiers

This integration of form and function helped establish B&O as a luxury audio brand long before the term “designer audio” became commonplace.

Maintenance and Restoration Tips

Due to their age, RL35 speakers often require some restoration to perform optimally:

Common Issues

Foam surround degradation: The original foam on the 8-inch woofers typically deteriorates after 40+ years, leading to flaking and loss of bass response. Replacement with modern rubber or foam surrounds is recommended.
Crossover capacitor aging: Electrolytic capacitors in the crossover network may dry out, causing dull sound or tweeter distortion. Replacing these with modern film capacitors improves clarity and reliability.
Veneer wear: Scratches or fading in the wood veneer can be gently refinished using Danish oil or professional restoration techniques. Avoid harsh polishes that may damage the original finish.
Grille fabric: Original grille cloth may be torn or discolored. Reproduction fabrics matching the original texture and color are available from specialty audio restoration suppliers.

Restoration Tips

Always document wiring before disassembling crossovers.
Use original or period-correct replacement parts to preserve collectibility.
Consider professional servicing for full restoration, especially for rare rosewood variants.

Collectibility and Market Value

The RL35 holds steady appeal among vintage audio enthusiasts and design collectors:

Collectibility Rating: 7/10

Strong due to Jacob Jensen design, B&O heritage, and integration into iconic 1970s systems.

Market Value: $200–$400 per pair

Depends heavily on condition, originality, finish type (rosewood often commands a premium), and completeness (including mounting hardware and grilles).

Rarity: Moderate — more common than flagship models like the RX series, but original pairs in good condition are increasingly scarce.

Conclusion

The Bang & Olufsen RL35 is more than just a vintage speaker—it’s a piece of audio history wrapped in timeless design. For collectors, audiophiles, or mid-century modern enthusiasts, the RL35 offers a rare combination of sonic refinement, architectural elegance, and brand prestige. With proper care and restoration, these speakers continue to deliver a listening experience that honors their 1970s origins while remaining relevant in today’s high-fidelity landscape.