Bang & Olufsen Beolufsen RL35 (1971)

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.

The cabinets come in teak or rosewood veneer, with integrated wall-mounting capability. The RL35s were built for acoustic performance and for looks. They were often paired with other B&O components such as the Beomaster 1900 receiver and Beogram 4000 turntable to make a matching hi-fi system.

Specifications

Design and Key Features

The RL35 follows the minimalist Scandinavian design language of Jacob Jensen, who served as Bang & Olufsen's chief designer for decades. The cabinet has clean lines, a flush-mounted grille and a low-profile footprint. That lets it sit on a shelf or hang directly on the wall.

• 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 has a balanced and articulate sound, typical of Bang & Olufsen's house tuning of the era. The emphasis is on midrange clarity and tonal neutrality, which suits 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.

They were not designed for high SPLs or modern bass-heavy genres. They do best in intimate listening rooms where musicality and fitting in with the room decor are the priorities.

Historical Significance

The RL35 was part of a broader push at Bang & Olufsen to raise audio equipment to the level of industrial art. During the 1970s, B&O built systems where every component - from speakers to turntables - shared one design language and premium build quality.

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

• Beomaster receivers (e.g., reportedly Beomaster 1900)
• Beogram turntables (e.g., reportedly Beogram 4000)
• Beovox amplifiers (reportedly part of the ecosystem)

This tie between form and function helped establish B&O as a luxury audio brand long before the term "designer audio" became common.

Maintenance and Restoration Tips

Because of their age, RL35 speakers often need some restoration to perform their best:

Common Issues

• Foam surround degradation: The original foam on the woofers may degrade over decades, leading to flaking and loss of bass response. Replacement with modern rubber or foam surrounds is commonly 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 has steady appeal among vintage audio enthusiasts and design collectors:

• Collectibility Rating: 7/10

Strong, thanks to the Jacob Jensen design, the B&O heritage and the place these speakers had in 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 a vintage speaker that appeals to collectors, audiophiles and mid-century modern enthusiasts for its sonic refinement, architectural elegance, and brand prestige. With proper care and restoration, these speakers still play as they did in the 1970s.

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