Bang & Olufsen today announces the launch of a cutting-edge, surround sound speaker system that presents an entirely new category of speakers to the Bang & Olufsen product portfolio.The BeoLab 14 surround speaker system is a conveniently packaged, all-inclusive solution that delivers compact aesthetics, exceptional sound quality and a high-end surround sound performance.
BeoLab 14 is available in a 4.1 or a 5.1 digital surround sound set up, with up to six individual active speakers, each with its own amplifier, resulting in an unprecedented level of sound quality despite the speakers’ compact shape. BeoLab 14 can also be used with all other television brands, so it is non-exclusive to just Bang & Olufsen televisions.
"With its competitive price point, convenient set up, multiple placement options, hallmark design, and robust sound performance, we believe BeoLab 14 will resonate with many music lovers and style seekers who may not yet own a pair of world renowned Bang & Olufsen speakers," states Zean Nielsen, President of Bang & Olufsen America, Inc. "With the introduction of BeoLab 14, it’s never been easier for customers to enjoy home cinema without compromising one’s interior décor."
BeoLab 14 builds on Bang & Olufsen acoustic engineers’ on-going achievements in packing stunning performance into surprisingly small volumes. The satellite speakers are diminutive circles of anodized aluminum with exchangeable fabric covers in a selection of colors, (white, black, silver, dark grey, red and petroleum blue) and integrate easily into even the most stringent interior design schemes. The sculptural subwoofer contains separate amplifiers for all speakers in the system, and delivers bone-bouncing bass from a beguilingly slender footprint. BeoLab 14 comes in a full array of placement options that includes wall and ceiling mounts as well as floor and shelf stands, BeoLab 14 is ready to fit in visually as it stands out acoustically. Sound matters BeoLab 14 was designed for consumers who want to add quality surround sound to their home viewing experiences, but still have demanding expectations about their interior design.
"The launch of an all-in-one surround speaker system is an important new step for Bang & Olufsen," states Bang & Olufsen CEO, Tue Mantoni. "It builds on our core approach that sound matters in everything that we do. Now we bring genuine Bang & Olufsen sound to anyone who wants the advantages of surround without having to hide away the subwoofer." BeoLab 14 connects seamlessly to all Bang & Olufsen televisions, but is also just one plug away from lifting any other TV or AV receiver into a new level of sound performance.
"Providing easy integration for people who do not own a Bang & Olufsen TV, but still want to achieve a high-quality Bang & Olufsen sound experience, has been a particular focus for the team," adds Mantoni. Tuned with expert listening panel The compact new speakers have been put through the same demanding development process as all other Bang & Olufsen products. "BeoLab 14 is the result of a lot of work with our Listening Panel," says Jens Rahbek, Senior Sound Engineer in the R&D department. "Even with the very best components, sound is a subjective experience. We tune our speakers in a process that includes hours of listening – by different people, in different room environments, at different stages of development – in order to achieve sound that is as close as possible to what the original artist intended."
Up to six active speakers – each with separate amplifiers BeoLab 14’s strong sonic performance is due to its sculptural subwoofer, with 280 watts of dedicated power for its 8" downward-facing driver, the active sub delivers ample bass tones at the lowest frequencies – (down to 26 hz). The stylish sub also contains connections for five active satellite speakers (along with five individual 140 watt amplifiers with separate equalizers for each of them), a very capable Digital Signal Processor, Adaptive Bass Linearization (for cultivated bass, no matter what the peaks), room adaptation switch, line sense, Power Link connections for Bang & Olufsen components, and an A/V multi-connector for other components. Bang & Olufsen separates the satellite speakers’ active 2.5" treble and midrange drivers from their dedicated amplifiers, which results a rich, large sound experience that can fill an entire room, while occupying minimum physical space. Just under 16 cm in diameter, the satellite speakers are just as impressive to decorate with as they are to listen to. The closed cabinet construction is built around a milled aluminum frame – just like the systems Bang & Olufsen creates for Audi, BMW and Aston Martin – to eliminate resonance with style and precision.
BeoLab 14 is available in two versions: one with subwoofer and four satellite speakers (for Bang & Olufsen TVs, whose on-board speakers function as the center speaker in a surround setup), the other with subwoofer and five satellite speakers for all other brands. The new BeoLab 14 surround sound speaker system is available at Bang & Olufsen stores worldwide in June 2013. MSRP is $3995 USD (for 4.1 solution) and $4395 USD for the (5.1 solution).
