Bang & Olufsen Beolab RL7000 (1985)
The Bang & Olufsen Beolab RL7000 came out in 1985 as part of B&O's Beolab series of active loudspeakers. Amplification, signal processing and speaker design all sit in one cabinet. It is a fully active unit, so each driver has its own amplifier channel and crossover network.
Design Philosophy and Aesthetic
Designed by David Lewis, one of B&O's best-known industrial designers, the speaker has clean lines, a compact footprint and a futuristic silhouette. The cabinet is high-density fiberboard with a matte black finish, often with brushed aluminum trim and a fabric grille. The front baffle is slightly angled to optimize time alignment between drivers, which matters for accurate stereo imaging.
The RL7000 stands approximately 90 cm tall and has a slim, vertical profile. Its design follows the Scandinavian principle of "form follows function" - every element has a purpose, acoustic or ergonomic. The rear panel holds the connection terminals, amplifier controls and ventilation slots, all labeled in B&O's signature typography.
Technical Specifications and Engineering
The Beolab RL7000 is a three-way active system. It uses three separate drivers - a tweeter, midrange and woofer - and each has its own amplifier. That removes the need for passive crossovers, which can degrade signal quality. Active electronic crossovers split the audio signal before amplification, so each driver gets only the frequencies it is designed to reproduce.
- Tweeter: 25 mm dome tweeter with neodymium magnet, optimized for extended high-frequency response up to 22 kHz.
- Midrange: 76 mm cone driver with aluminum voice coil, responsible for vocal and instrumental clarity in the 300 Hz to 5 kHz range.
- Woofer: 190 mm long-excursion bass driver with a doped paper cone and rubber surround, delivering deep, controlled low-end down to 45 Hz.
Each driver is powered by a dedicated amplifier channel inside the speaker enclosure. Total output is 150 watts continuous per speaker (50W for the tweeter, 50W for the midrange, and 50W for the woofer), with peak power handling of 200W. The amplifiers use discrete transistor circuitry, known for low distortion and high reliability.
Impedance is rated at 6 ohms, so the RL7000 works with a wide range of preamplifiers and source components. Sensitivity is approximately 88 dB (2.83V/1m), which is moderate for an active speaker but sufficient given the built-in amplification. Frequency response runs from 45 Hz to 22 kHz with a tolerance of ±3 dB.
Active Crossover and Signal Processing
The active crossover network is one of the most innovative parts of the RL7000. It operates at line level and uses precision filters to divide the incoming signal into three frequency bands. This gives tighter control over phase alignment and driver behavior, and reduces intermodulation distortion. The crossover points are 300 Hz (between woofer and midrange) and 5 kHz (between midrange and tweeter), chosen to match the natural roll-off of each driver.
The rear panel also carries adjustable bass and treble controls for tailoring the sound to the room or to personal preference. These are not simple tone controls but parametric equalizers that affect only the amplifier's input stage, preserving signal integrity.
Connectivity and Integration
The RL7000 was designed to work with other Bang & Olufsen components, particularly preamplifiers and control units such as the Beomaster 9000 or Beovox CX 3000. Input is via balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connectors, so it takes both professional and consumer-grade equipment. A proprietary B&O connector is also present for their remote control and multi-room audio systems.
Because the RL7000 is active, it needs no external amplification. It connects directly to a line-level source. That simplifies system setup and cuts the number of components needed.
Sound Performance
The sound of the RL7000 is described as transparent, detailed and dynamically expressive. The active design gives exceptional transient response and tight bass control, and suits both classical and contemporary music. Vocals have lifelike presence, and the soundstage is wide and precisely layered.
The RL7000 shows low coloration, minimal distortion and excellent imaging. It is not as bass-heavy as larger floor-standing speakers, but its 190 mm woofer delivers deep, articulate low frequencies, especially when placed near a wall or corner for boundary reinforcement.
Legacy and Collectibility
Production of the RL7000 ceased in the early 1990s. It remains sought after among vintage audio enthusiasts and design collectors. Original units in good condition can command high prices on the secondary market, particularly those with matching serial numbers and original packaging.
The RL7000 also paved the way for later B&O designs, including the Beolab 5, which introduced digital signal processing and adaptive room compensation. Active amplification, driver-specific power and integrated design carried forward into B&O's later speaker development.
Conclusion
The Bang & Olufsen Beolab RL7000 is more than just a speaker; it is a statement of design integrity and audio excellence. At a time when high-end audio was dominated by large, boxy cabinets and external amplifiers, the RL7000 offered a refined alternative — compact, self-contained, and acoustically sophisticated. It represents a rare fusion of art and engineering, where every component, from the amplifier transistors to the fabric grille, was meticulously considered.
For collectors and audiophiles alike, the RL7000 is a testament to Bang & Olufsen’s enduring commitment to quality and innovation. Whether admired for its sculptural presence or cherished for its musicality, the Beolab RL7000 remains a timeless icon of 1980s high-fidelity audio.
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