Bang & Olufsen, the renowned Danish audio brand known for its premium sound systems, has unveiled its latest addition to the Beolab Series, the Beolab 8 wireless speaker. This compact and stylish speaker is designed to cater to a range of audio preferences, from solo listening to immersive home cinema experiences. Drawing inspiration from Scandinavian design principles, the Beolab 8 combines aesthetics with innovative technology to offer a versatile audio solution.
The Beolab 8 boasts a three-driver setup, including a 16mm tweeter, a 76mm midrange, and a 133mm woofer, all meticulously tuned by Bang & Olufsen's tonmeisters. This careful calibration is enhanced by several smart features that promise improved audio performance. One such feature is the beam width control, allowing users to switch between listening profiles for a focused sound experience or more expansive, room-filling audio.
Intriguingly, the Beolab 8 introduces a "room compensation" feature, which analyzes the unique acoustic characteristics of the room it is placed in and optimizes the audio output accordingly. This technology ensures that users can enjoy premium sound quality without needing to reconfigure their living spaces.
Furthermore, the incorporation of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology takes the experience a step further, enabling the speaker to adapt its acoustic sweet spot based on the user's smartphone location via the Bang & Olufsen app.
Behind the scenes, the Beolab 8 runs on Bang & Olufsen's Mozart digital platform, offering seamless connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. Additionally, the speaker supports both wired and wireless PowerLink connections, making it compatible with Bang & Olufsen TVs and sound systems dating back over three decades.
The Beolab 8's design is a testament to Bang & Olufsen's commitment to aesthetics and craftsmanship. Its sleek aluminum body, crafted at Bang & Olufsen's Factory No. 5, combines seamlessly with Danish-manufactured wooden lamellas or a fabric grille, depending on user preference. The glass interface on the speaker's top provides not only an elegant touch but also a tactile experience for users.
In terms of environmental responsibility, Bang & Olufsen has taken a conscientious approach. The Beolab 8 is designed with quality, degradable materials that can be continuously customized, serviced, or upgraded to meet evolving technological standards, reducing electronic waste.
The Beolab 8 offers an array of customizability, from its color options, including Silver/Natural Aluminium, Gold Tone, or Black Anthracite, to speaker cover choices in oak, light oak, dark oak, or fabric.
Moreover, Bang & Olufsen has incorporated an innovative tracking system into the Beolab 8 using ultra-wideband technology, similar to Apple's AirTags. This tracking system, however, focuses on keeping the listener in the acoustic sweet spot, ensuring an optimal audio experience. The technology only works in conjunction with the user's smartphone and can be enabled or disabled through the B&O app, addressing privacy concerns.
While the Beolab 8 is undeniably a high-end audio solution that combines style with substance, it comes with a luxury price tag. Prices start at £2,199 / $2,749 / €2,499, making it an investment for those seeking top-tier audio performance and design aesthetics. It is available for purchase starting September 7, 2023, through the official Bang & Olufsen website and authorized retailers.
