Bang & Olufsen BeoLab RL60/2 (1987)

Name: Bang & Olufsen BeoLab RL60/2
Brand: Bang & Olufsen

The Bang & Olufsen BeoLab RL60/2 is a striking example of Danish audio engineering and minimalist design excellence from the late 1980s. Introduced in 1987, this floor-standing active loudspeaker system was part of B&O’s premium BeoLab series, which represented the pinnacle of integrated audio technology and aesthetic refinement during its era. The RL60/2 was designed not only to deliver high-fidelity sound but also to function as a sculptural element within modern interiors, reflecting the brand’s philosophy of blending form and function.

Design and Aesthetic Philosophy

The RL60/2 features a tall, slender cabinet crafted from high-quality materials, consistent with Bang & Olufsen’s commitment to luxury craftsmanship. The speaker’s enclosure is constructed from extruded aluminum, finished in a brushed silver or anodized surface, giving it a sleek, industrial look that remains timeless. The minimalist profile is accentuated by the absence of visible grilles—instead, acoustically transparent fabric is stretched tightly across the front baffle, allowing unobstructed access to the drivers while maintaining a clean visual line.

Standing at approximately 110 cm (43 inches) in height, the RL60/2 is designed to be both acoustically efficient and visually unobtrusive. Its narrow footprint allows it to fit seamlessly into contemporary living spaces without dominating the room. The base includes integrated leveling feet and optional floor glides, ensuring stability and proper alignment on various surfaces.

One of the most distinctive design elements is the vertical arrangement of the drivers. The speaker employs a coaxial configuration, with the tweeter mounted at the center of the midrange cone, creating a point-source radiation pattern that enhances stereo imaging and sound coherence. This layout contributes to a more natural soundstage, where instruments and vocals appear precisely located in space.

Acoustic Engineering and Technical Specifications

The BeoLab RL60/2 is an active speaker, meaning it contains built-in amplification tailored specifically to its driver characteristics. Each speaker houses a dedicated 150W RMS amplifier, split between the midrange and tweeter sections. This bi-amplified design ensures optimal control over the drivers, reducing intermodulation distortion and improving dynamic response.

The speaker uses a two-way coaxial driver system:

Tweeter: 22 mm soft-dome tweeter with neodymium magnet, capable of reproducing frequencies up to 22 kHz with exceptional clarity.
Midrange: 165 mm aluminum cone driver, chosen for its rigidity and low resonance, providing a clean midband response from approximately 300 Hz to 5 kHz.
Bass: Unlike traditional floor-standing speakers, the RL60/2 does not include a dedicated woofer. Instead, it relies on a passive radiator system located at the base to extend low-frequency response down to around 45 Hz. This design choice allows for compact cabinet dimensions while maintaining respectable bass output.

Crossover duties are handled by an active electronic network operating at line level before amplification, ensuring precise frequency separation. The crossover point is set at 500 Hz between the midrange and bass radiator, and at 5 kHz for the tweeter. This configuration helps maintain phase coherence and time alignment across the frequency spectrum.

Input connectivity is straightforward, featuring a single balanced XLR input and an unbalanced RCA input on the rear panel. This dual-input setup allows integration with a wide range of preamplifiers and source components. Sensitivity is rated at 89 dB (2.83V/1m), and the nominal impedance is 6 ohms, making the RL60/2 compatible with most high-end preamp systems, though it demands a clean, stable power supply due to its active electronics.

Performance and Sound Characteristics

In listening tests and user reports, the RL60/2 is praised for its transparent midrange, detailed highs, and tight, controlled bass. The coaxial driver design contributes to a remarkably focused soundstage, with precise imaging and excellent depth perception. Vocals are rendered with lifelike presence, and acoustic instruments are reproduced with natural timbre and texture.

The speaker performs best in medium to large rooms when positioned away from rear and side walls to minimize boundary reinforcement. Due to the limited low-frequency extension, some users pair the RL60/2 with an external subwoofer for full-range playback, especially when listening to orchestral or electronic music with deep bass content.

Despite being over three decades old, the RL60/2 holds up well against modern active speakers, particularly in terms of build quality and design longevity. However, like all vintage electronics, the internal amplifiers may require servicing or capacitor replacement after prolonged use.

Integration with Bang & Olufsen Systems

The RL60/2 was designed to work within Bang & Olufsen’s ecosystem of audio components from the late 1980s and early 1990s. It pairs well with control units such as the BeoCenter 9000 or BeoCom 9000, which provide source selection, volume control, and system integration. When used with B&O’s proprietary digital control bus (Bang & Olufsen Link), the speakers can be part of a multi-room audio setup, though this requires compatible equipment.

Legacy and Collectibility

Today, the BeoLab RL60/2 is considered a collector’s item among vintage audio enthusiasts and design aficionados. Its combination of advanced engineering, premium materials, and timeless aesthetics makes it a sought-after piece for those who appreciate both sound quality and industrial design. Units in good condition, especially those with original finishes and functioning electronics, can command high prices in the second-hand market.

While not as widely known as later B&O models like the BeoLab 5 or BeoLab 8000, the RL60/2 represents an important step in the company’s transition toward fully active, integrated speaker systems. It showcases Bang & Olufsen’s early commitment to active loudspeaker technology—a direction the brand would continue to develop in the decades that followed.

Conclusion

The Bang & Olufsen BeoLab RL60/2 is more than just a speaker—it is a statement of design integrity and acoustic innovation. From its elegant aluminum enclosure to its precisely tuned coaxial drivers and integrated amplification, every aspect of the RL60/2 reflects a pursuit of perfection. Though production ended in the early 1990s, its influence can still be seen in B&O’s current product lineup.

For audiophiles and design lovers alike, the RL60/2 remains a compelling choice for those seeking a vintage speaker system that delivers both sonic excellence and visual elegance. With proper care and maintenance, it continues to offer a listening experience that is as immersive today as it was over 35 years ago.