i mean just using my Apple Labtob as a audio server ?

If the Apple laptop can run window, then you can use a Beolink PC 2 box as an audio master and distribute N.MUSIC and N.RADIO.

The Beolink PC 2 works with a Mac under Mac OS X as well, but cannot be used as an audio master.

No. The PC2/BeoPort is a client product to be used in conjunction with a BeoSound audio master. Even with a BeoVision product, a BeoSound is required to distribute N.MUSIC & N.RADIO out onto a link network. 

However, if you want to use a Mac to drive a link network, AirTunes is a candidate. 

TripEnglish:

However, if you want to use a Mac to drive a link network, AirTunes is a candidate. 

But, in that case, the music from the Mac is distributed wirelessly to the Airport Express and then via a wired connection to the (active) speakers or the amplifier -- that is, it is not going over B&O Master Link media nor over B&O wireless.

True, but that's the point. 

If he doesn't have a BeoSound, he probably doesn't have a link system.

Usually when someone enquires after options like this it is a budget issue. A BeoLink system, while superior in nearly every way, is very pricey. If he wants to use the Mac anyway, there is a way to "distribute" music without the link system but using (if he so chooses) our fine loudspeakers.

we have inherited a house which has beolink, and a whole bunch of ceiling mounted b&o speakers and wall mounted b&o remote control devices

however the original beosound 9000 has been removed by the previous owner :-( what we are looking for is a cost effective way of using the infrastructure with our existing hardware / multi media (pcs, macs and ipods) 

Any advice would be much appreciated

Hi Guys some superb suggestions and ideas above.

But let us just answer the specific question asked in this Thread:-)

Is it possible to set up a BeoLink system without an B&O TV or Audio System ?

Let us just clarify. BeoLink system?

What? Without  an B&O TV or Audio System ?

The answer must be................ Wait for it............

Again let us listen to the question "BeoLink system without an B&O TV or Audio System ?"

The answer is............................................................................................ NO.

sorry couldn't help myself!!!

StUrrock:

The answer is............................................................................................ NO.

I disagree, a Beoport connected to a PC should do the trick. It can be set as an audio master and be used to distribute audio around the house without the need of Beosound or a Beovision.

Hi PhilLondon,

As far as I know Beoport can distribute N.Music N.Radio but only when there is an audio master.

TripEnglish (as ever) sums it up perfectly;

"No. The PC2/BeoPort is a client product to be used in conjunction with a BeoSound audio master. Even with a BeoVision product, a BeoSound is required to distribute N.MUSIC & N.RADIO out onto a link network. "

Beleive me if I am wrong I will be so pleased......................

Thanks for your suggestion.

I do not have a Beoport on hand to prove it, but here is an extract of the user guide:

Additional Options for the BeoPort box

In addition to Option number 6, it is possible to select Option numbers 0, 2 and 4. Option number 0 is for a setup where you want to disable an IR receiver. Option 2 is for a setup where you want to use your PC as a main room product. Option 4 is for a setup with link room products placed in the same room as the main system. The use for these Options is limited, but your retailer can be contacted for further information about Option number selection. 

Phil,

The product guide is unfortunately unclear. It is referring to a scenario wherein you want to connect an eye to it, and use it as though it is a stereo in a single room (say you have a couch in the study, for example), but it cannot distribute under that scenario.

The product guide is so unclear, in fact, and information regarding this so scarce internally, that I had to sell a BeoSound 4 at a significantly reduced price when I made the same mistake with a client and proposed a system with just a BeoPort! 

StUrrock:

Hi PhilLondon,

As far as I know Beoport can distribute N.Music N.Radio but only when there is an audio master.

TripEnglish (as ever) sums it up perfectly;

"No. The PC2/BeoPort is a client product to be used in conjunction with a BeoSound audio master. Even with a BeoVision product, a BeoSound is required to distribute N.MUSIC & N.RADIO out onto a link network. "

Beleive me if I am wrong I will be so pleased......................

Thanks for your suggestion.

I'm actually 'somewhat' with PhilLondon and that one. Why, and why I say somewhat?

Hi there, we have what I believe to be passive controllers of some kind in a number of rooms throughout the house (circular wall mounted with play and volume controlls), cant tell what speakers as they are ceiling mounted, and the BS9000 was countersunk into a wall unit. but I Think there is some paper works somewhere in all the stuff we got with the house that might shed some light on what is there.  I am away fro home at the moment but willl check when I get back. Happy to buy something to make use of the infrastructure just not another BS9000 or equivalent... especailly as 90% of current media is now either mp3 or or aac (spent quite some time creating music library of all our CD's ! We are not looking for an audiophile solution.. just piped music when in the bath or kitchen or bedroom.

Thanks for the suggestions to date (shame it seems such a difficult question to get a definitive answer to)

I'll try and give you an answer after this week end.

I am visiting a friend who has a masterlinked home and a Beoport.

I'll disconnect his TV and Beosound and will try getting sound in his link rooms.

p.

As promised I tested the configuration:

Beoport, in option2, connected to a PC and a Beolab2000 in another room.

Beovision and Beosound disconnected from the ML.

Result: It works perfectly, you can call N.MUSIC, N.RADIO and even CD (the PC's CD) with the Beo4 in the Beolab2000's room.

This picture show all the possible options. (Option 2 or 0 need to be used when no Audiomaster are present).

We also tested it on a Mac and it does NOT work under MacOSX, as you can only choose option 6 or 4.

A mac running windows in Bootcamp or VMWare works fine.

Hope that helped.

P.

Are you sure it was a Beosound 9000 or was it a Beocenter 9000? Makes a big difference. A picture of the plugs or the room controls would help. You do need a piece of B&O - if you have a Beosound 9000, then an Ouverture should be fine for some basic control - you can attach the Mac to the Aux socket and control iTunes using an iPod touch. If a Beocenter 9000, much the same but you need something like a Beomaster 5500 or a Beocenter 9000/9500.

excellent thanks so much

for info it was definitely BEOSOUND 9000 that was there 

still remaining are beovox1 ceiling mounted in 5 different rooms each with beolink passive and infrared eye / volume control

Hope this will still work as you suggested , will see if I can find a friendly B&O specialist that will lend us a Beoport to try

Many thanks for your help

You can find some second had Beoport, often called by their old names "Beolink PC2" on ebay. They are identical, except for the firmware. The firmware can be updated. The important is to have the USB version. 

Actually, there is one now on ebay UK.

Price new is 370 euro.

I confirm that you do not need a Beosound at all in the system, nor a TV to access Beoport from link room. Beoport can be set as an Audiomaster when connected to a computer running windows.

Hi PhilLondon

Thanks for that will give it a go.

Sorry for ever doubting you......................................................................