Bang & Olufsen Beolab S45 (1987)

Name: Bang & Olufsen Beolab S45
Brand: Bang & Olufsen

The Bang & Olufsen Beolab S45 is a premium active loudspeaker system introduced in 1987, representing the Danish company’s unwavering commitment to high-fidelity audio reproduction, innovative engineering, and timeless design. As part of B&O’s Beolab series, the S45 exemplifies the brand’s philosophy of merging advanced acoustics with architectural elegance, making it a standout piece in both performance and aesthetics.

Design and Build Quality

The Beolab S45 features a distinctive cylindrical enclosure crafted from high-quality aluminum, a material choice that reflects Bang & Olufsen’s signature use of premium materials. The speaker’s body is seamlessly machined, with a brushed aluminum finish that resists fingerprints and wear. This minimalist, sculptural form is not only visually striking but also acoustically functional—its shape minimizes internal standing waves and diffraction effects that can color the sound.

Standing approximately 90 cm (35 inches) tall, the S45 has a compact footprint relative to its height, allowing it to blend into living spaces without dominating them. It is typically mounted on a matching aluminum floor stand, which elevates the speaker and ensures optimal sound dispersion. The front of the speaker houses a circular grille, behind which lie the driver components. The overall design is quintessentially Scandinavian—clean lines, functional elegance, and a focus on craftsmanship.

Technical Specifications and Audio Performance

The Beolab S45 is an active (powered) speaker, meaning it contains built-in amplification tailored specifically to its drivers. This integration allows for precise control over frequency response, dynamics, and phase alignment—key factors in achieving high-fidelity sound.

Each S45 unit is equipped with a 150-watt internal amplifier, powering a two-way driver configuration. The system includes a 13 cm (5.1 inch) midrange/bass driver and a 2.5 cm (1 inch) textile dome tweeter. The mid-bass driver is designed for low distortion and high excursion, ensuring accurate reproduction of lower frequencies despite the speaker’s relatively compact cabinet. The tweeter delivers clear, detailed highs with minimal harshness, contributing to a balanced and natural tonal character.

The crossover network is electronically controlled and optimized for the speaker’s active design, allowing for a seamless transition between drivers. Frequency response ranges from 52 Hz to 20 kHz (±3 dB), making the S45 suitable for a wide range of musical genres, from classical to jazz and rock. While it does not produce extreme sub-bass, its bass response is tight and well-controlled, especially when paired with B&O’s optional subwoofers such as the Beolab 5000 or Beolab 7000 for extended low-end performance.

Impedance is rated at 8 ohms, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Bang & Olufsen’s amplifiers and control units. Sensitivity is approximately 88 dB, which is moderate but sufficient given the integrated amplification.

Integration with Bang & Olufsen Systems

The S45 was designed to work within Bang & Olufsen’s ecosystem of audio components, particularly those from the late 1980s and early 1990s. It pairs seamlessly with B&O’s control centers such as the Beomaster 9000, Beomaster 8000, or Beovox C5000, which provide source selection, volume control, and system integration. The speaker connects via a proprietary 5-pin DIN cable, which carries both audio signals and power, simplifying setup and reducing cable clutter.

This integration allows for centralized control using B&O’s iconic remote controls, such as the Beoremote or Beolink systems. The S45 was often sold as part of a stereo pair, and in some configurations, it could be combined with a center channel speaker (like the Beolab S45 C) and subwoofers to create a high-end home theater or multi-room audio system.

Innovation and Legacy

At the time of its release, the Beolab S45 was considered a technological marvel. Its active design was relatively uncommon in consumer speakers, especially in the high-end market. By integrating amplification directly into the speaker, B&O ensured that each unit was perfectly matched to its drivers, eliminating the variability associated with separate amplifiers and passive crossovers.

The S45 also showcased Bang & Olufsen’s early adoption of digital signal processing concepts, though not in the modern sense—its electronic crossover and filtering were analog but highly refined. The result was a speaker that delivered consistent, repeatable performance across units, a hallmark of B&O’s engineering standards.

Collector’s Appeal and Market Today

Today, the Beolab S45 is a sought-after piece among vintage audio enthusiasts and design collectors. Its combination of striking aesthetics, solid build quality, and high-performance audio makes it a centerpiece in many retro hi-fi setups. While not as widely known as some of B&O’s later models like the Beolab 5 or Beolab 90, the S45 holds a special place in the brand’s history as a bridge between analog excellence and the digital future.

Restored units in good condition can command prices ranging from $800 to $1,500 per speaker, depending on originality, functionality, and included accessories. Original stands, cables, and matching control units significantly increase value. Due to the age of these systems, common issues include failing capacitors in the internal amplifiers, worn driver surrounds, and degraded wiring. However, specialist repair services familiar with vintage B&O equipment can often restore them to full working order.

Conclusion

The Bang & Olufsen Beolab S45 is more than just a speaker—it is a statement of design integrity and acoustic precision. Released during a golden era for high-end audio, it embodies the Danish brand’s unique ability to merge art and engineering. Its cylindrical form remains iconic, and its sound quality continues to impress even by modern standards.

For collectors, audiophiles, and design aficionados, the S45 offers a rare combination of visual elegance and sonic refinement. While it may not have the raw power or deep bass extension of contemporary systems, its musicality, coherence, and craftsmanship ensure its enduring appeal. As a product of Bang & Olufsen’s innovative spirit in the late 1980s, the Beolab S45 stands as a testament to the belief that great sound should be housed in equally great design.