BeoLab 9
| Product : | BeoLab 9 |
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| Produced from : | 2007 - Present | |
| Designed by : | David Lewis | |
| Finish : | Black, Dark Grey, Red, Blue, White | |
| Desirability : | 4 |
Along with its bigger brother BeoLab 5, the BeoLab 9 made up the higher end of the Bang & Olufsen active loudspeaker range. The new 3-way speaker replaced the BeoLab 1 (although it was originally designed to take over from the BeoLab 8000). Again fitted with Acoustic Lens Technology licensed from Sausalito Audio, the height of the BeoLab 9 - at 80cm - was aligned for a seated listening position. Within its 18 litre cabinet the big 25cm bass driver in each speaker was powered by a 500 watt ‘D’ Class ICEpower amplifier which worked with ABL (Adaptive Bass Linearisation) for controlled, deep bass. In the middle of the speaker sat a 125mm unit in a sealed pressure chamber, handling the mid-range frequencies. A 19mm domed tweeter was positioned within the acounstic lens situated at the top of the unit. The mid-range and treble units each had their own 100W analogue hybrid amplifier (Class AB).
The shape of BeoLab 9 was designed to ensure an minimum of distortion and a maximum of depth and detail. The acoustic lens was manufactured from machined aluminium with solid cast zinc in a durable matt chromium finish and the replaceable front cloth, available in a choice of colours (see below) covered its protective metal grills placed at the front of the speaker drivers to soften the speaker’s outline.
A curved, slightly ‘hunched’ loudspeaker, the power LED was concealed within the acoustic lens itself; its cooling fins/vents at the rear matching the curve of the cabinet.
The usual settings of ‘ fre standing’, ‘wall’ or ‘corner’ could be made to the BeoLab 9 to enable the listener to obtain the best bass sound possible.
A beautiful loudspeaker which both sounded and looked good, BeoLab 9 will be in the Bang & Olufsen’s range for a good few more years.
Colour finish of the BeoLab 9:
- Black (2007 ->)
- Dark Grey (2007 ->)
- Blue (2007 ->)
- Red (2007 ->)
- White (2008->)
A strong manifestation of Bang & Olufsen’s sound competences, the BeoLab 9 is the fourth loudspeaker from B&O that applies Acoustic Lens Technology licensed from Sausalito Audio Works in the treble area. Partly integrated into the conically-shaped cabinet that holds the mid-range and bass units, the lens sits atop the speaker - almost like a lighthouse – dispersing the treble in an arc of 180 degrees. Normally, a loudspeaker’s performance is strongly influenced by its physical position in the room. Yet, Beolab 9 adapts to its placement through a manual position switch that makes it possible to place the speaker in a corner or close to the wall without compromising the sound.
With its 180-degree horizontal dispersion, the Acoustic Lens Technology guarantees uniform sound characteristics in front of the loudspeaker, letting the listener hear constant timbre even when moving around or sitting in different places. In addition, reflections from floor and ceiling that distort the sound are reduced significantly by the lens.
BeoLab 9 also offers serious bass performance as well as the latest in ICEpower amplification and active technology. BeoLab 9 is a three-way active loudspeaker with the bass and mid-range units placed in their own dedicated pressure chambers. The bass is supplied by a generously dimensioned 10-inch unit, residing in an 18-litre enclosure. The mid-range frequencies are handled by a 5-inch unit in a 4-litre enclosure, and a 3/4-inch treble unit. Each unit is powered by its own amplifier; a 500-watt ICEpower for the bass and 2 x 100 watts, analogue hybrid amplifiers for the mid-range and treble units.
Innovative technologies provide BeoLab 9 with adequate power at all times and also protects it circuits, permitting them to run smoothly and safely even at peak sound pressure levels. To protect the electronics from damage, a dedicated thermal protection circuit is also applied to all units. The Bang & Olufsen-patented Adaptive Bass Linearisation technology ensures excellent bass performance without the risk of distorting sound quality or damaging the units.
Compared to market references, the compactness, organic visual identity and multiple colours of BeoLab 9 give it a distinct appearance which also reflects the technologies applied. The acoustic lens at the top is cast in zinc with a matt chromium-plated surface, giving it a robust metallic look that makes it stand out. The bass and midrange units are covered by a fabric frame available in red, blue, dark grey and black, and so BeoLab 9 can both blend in and stand out in any home decor.
Designed to be a perfect acoustical match to the other Acoustic Lens sound performers in the Bang & Olufsen loudspeaker range, BeoLab 9 can be used in a surround sound setup (front or rear), or as a fully capable stereo speaker in a music system. It works perfectly as a link room loudspeaker and connects easily to non-Bang & Olufsen equipment. It is as universal as you could possibly want, and its impressive performance most definitely contradicts its modest size. (Source)
BeoLab 9 type 6217:
Power consumption: 65W (IEC60065); 25W typical < 0,5W in standby
Power amplifier, bass 400W, 4 ohm: Class D ICEpower
Power amplifier, midrange 100W, 6 ohm: Class AB
Power amplifier, treble 100W, 8 ohm: Class AB
Effective Frequency range: 30 - 20.000 Hz
Crossover frequency: 180/2000 Hz
Cabinet principle: Closed box
Net volume, bass: 18 litres
Net volume, midrange: 4 litres
Magnetically shielded: No (Must be placed > 50cm from TV tube)
Woofer: 250mm cone
Midrange: 125mm cone
Tweeter: 19mm dome in acoustic lens
Bass equalization: ABL (Adaptive Bass Linearisation)
Input sensitivity (Power Link): 125mV @ 91dB SPL
Input sensitivity (line): 125mV @ 91dB SPL
Switch off time (line): Automatic on /off (up to 3min)
Indicator: On/Off LED placed within the acoustic lens
Operation Switch: Free standing, Against wall, In corner
Switch for Left - Right - Line (via PL plug)
Protection Thermal protection of all drivers
ABL system protects the bass unit against mechanical damage
Power supply Automatic voltage adaptation 100-120Vac or 190-240Vac
