Bang & Olufsen BeoLab RL60/2 (1987)
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 has a tall, slender cabinet. The enclosure is extruded aluminum, finished in brushed silver or an anodized surface, so it looks sleek and industrial. There are no visible grilles. Acoustically transparent fabric is stretched tightly across the front baffle instead, which leaves the drivers unobstructed and keeps the front clean.
The RL60/2 stands approximately 110 cm (43 inches) tall. Its footprint is narrow, so it fits into a living space without taking over the room. The base has integrated leveling feet and optional floor glides for stability and alignment on various surfaces.
The drivers are arranged vertically. The speaker uses a coaxial configuration, with the tweeter mounted at the center of the midrange cone. That gives a point-source radiation pattern, which improves stereo imaging and coherence. Instruments and vocals appear precisely located in space.
Acoustic Engineering and Technical Specifications
The BeoLab RL60/2 is an active speaker, so the amplification is built in and tailored to its drivers. Each speaker houses a dedicated 150W RMS amplifier, split between the midrange and tweeter sections. The bi-amplified design gives better control over the drivers, reduces intermodulation distortion and improves 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 that operates at line level, before amplification. The crossover point is set at 500 Hz between the midrange and bass radiator, and at 5 kHz for the tweeter. This helps maintain phase coherence and time alignment across the frequency spectrum.
Input connectivity is simple: a single balanced XLR input and an unbalanced RCA input on the rear panel. Together they allow use with a wide range of preamplifiers and source components. Sensitivity is rated at 89 dB (2.83V/1m) and nominal impedance is 6 ohms, so the RL60/2 works with most high-end preamp systems. It does demand a clean, stable power supply because of 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 gives a focused soundstage with precise imaging and excellent depth perception. Vocals have lifelike presence, and acoustic instruments are reproduced with natural timbre and texture.
The speaker works best in medium to large rooms, positioned away from rear and side walls to minimize boundary reinforcement. Low-frequency extension is limited, so some users pair the RL60/2 with an external subwoofer for full-range playback, especially for orchestral or electronic music with deep bass.
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 with Bang & Olufsen's audio components from the late 1980s and early 1990s. It pairs well with control units such as the BeoCenter 9000 or BeoCom 9000, which handle source selection, volume control, and system integration. With B&O's proprietary digital control bus (Bang & Olufsen Link), the speakers can be part of a multi-room audio setup, though that requires compatible equipment.
Legacy and Collectibility
Today the BeoLab RL60/2 is a collector's item among vintage audio enthusiasts and design fans. Units in good condition, especially those with original finishes and functioning electronics, can command high prices on 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.
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