OK... Crazy idea of the day.

I am giving serious consideration to a BS8.

I happen to have a spare BM5000 tuner or two sitting around. The output to amp is variable from 55mV to 1V.

What is stopping me from connecting a forty year old BM to a brand new product and gaining an FM source?

Hi Burantek,

Nothing crazy about that idea! I've put together a range of cables to make BeoSound 8 more flexible (including allowing it to be added to a Masterlink network as a link room speaker), so adding a BeoMaster 5000 is no problem!

In case anyone is wondering, this is the 1967-1972 Tuner that we're talking about here (type 2005, wooden case), not the 1983-1986 receiver (silver/white case).  Oh, and the 1980's Beomaster 5000 could also be connected to BeoSound 8 if required!

Kind regards,

Steve.

burantek:

OK... Crazy idea of the day.

I am giving serious consideration to a BS8.

I happen to have a spare BM5000 tuner or two sitting around. The output to amp is variable from 55mV to 1V.

What is stopping me from connecting a forty year old BM to a brand new product and gaining an FM source?

 

A proper engineer wouldn't even have to ask!

Nothing at all my friend, go for it - a 26 year old BM5000 would also allow a CD player sat on top (heaven forbid)!

Too late - beaten to the punch by Steve - my cred is in tatters!

(that's not the same as Scottish potatoes)!

Gents,

Thanks much! I originally had considered a CDX which (thanks Puncher, mon EE frere) would have been a no-brainer.

Then I started thinking...

As mentioned in another thread -lately I seem to listen to plain old radio (POR) 95% of the time.

So...

1.) QUAD FM3/33 (no 303 amp)

2.) The later BS5000 to gain all of its available sources (happen to have one sitting around as well! ).

3.) Then... presto -the BM5000 tuner! I have one w/ a bad case -and was considering "wrapping" it in white to match the BS8!

Personally, I'd go for the Quad 33 into the BS8 - what a style combination!

I love the sound of the old Quad gear, BTW you'd be amazed how much of it has made its way to Japan in the past few years......

Steve.

Steve at Sounds Heavenly:

Personally, I'd go for the Quad 33 into the BS8 - what a style combination!

I love the sound of the old Quad gear, BTW you'd be amazed how much of it has made its way to Japan in the past few years......

Steve.

 

Oh, I don't know, I think a white BM5500  would be cool - evolution and all that!

Puncher:

Steve at Sounds Heavenly:

Personally, I'd go for the Quad 33 into the BS8 - what a style combination!

I love the sound of the old Quad gear, BTW you'd be amazed how much of it has made its way to Japan in the past few years......

Steve.

 

Oh, I don't know, I think a white BM5500  would be cool - evolution and all that!

Of course if you decide to get a black one instead, a BM5500 or BM6500 could be used, depending on whether the brushed or polished aluminium best matches the finish of the BS8!

My mind (or lack thereof) is going 100MPH w/ possibilities!

I wanted black... but now I am leaning to white!

I must confess the wonderful unpacking photos of the first BS8 in the wild prompt me to read this ....

Steve at Sounds Heavenly:

a range of cables to make BeoSound 8 more flexible (including allowing it to be added to a Masterlink network as a link room speaker)

.... and ask, "how so?"

Hi elephant,

Within 48 hours of the BeoSound 8 launch, I was able to release a range of BeoSound 8 Aux Input Cables (thanks to a friend who lent me one of the first BS8's to land in UK, and as a result of not sleeping during 2 days of intensive development work!)

These cables can be specified to your requirements in a choice of lengths, allowing you to choose from many popular audio products to connect into a BeoSound 8, including:-

• A Powerlink output from a B&O audio or video master
• Aux or Tape output from an older B&O audio system (1960 onwards)
• Stereo RCA plugs to fit the Line Out or Tape Out sockets of most home audio systems
• A non-B&O TV (via the 3.5mm headphone socket)
• An early iPod or iPhone (via the 3.5mm headphone socket-this cable will NOT charge the battery)
• An MP3 player or portable music player (via the 3.5mm headphone socket)
• Beolink Active mk.1 (Type No. 161x) via the PC port to allow BS8 to work as a link room speaker on a Masterlink network
• Beolink Active mk.2 (Type No. 163x) via the PC port to allow BS8 to work as a link room speaker on a Masterlink network
  

You can see full details of the cables here:- www.soundsheavenly.co.uk/bando-beosound8.htm

The following notes may help you when choosing the best cable for your needs:-

1) BeoSound 8 can be integrated into a Masterlink network by connecting it via the PC port of a Beolink Active link room controller. Please note that you will need to specify the correct version of Beolink Active if you wish to make use of this option.  This allows BS8 to play audio from any global Masterlink sources (eg. DTV, CD, N. MUSIC, etc.) by selecting these in the link room when no iPod is docked on the BS8.  Hence, BS8 effectively becomes a very cost-effective link room speaker when combined with a Beolink Active (plus it can also dock and charge your iPod/iPad/iPhone!)

2) To play music from an external device through BeoSound 8 via these cables, you will need to disconnect all other devices connected to the BeoSound 8 and the dock will automatically switch to the Aux socket. If you are connecting an early iPod or iPhone via this cable, please note that the cable will not charge the device. If you are connecting BeoSound 8 to a volume-controlled output socket (ie. a headphone socket or a Powerlink socket), then you will need to set this to approx. 75% of maximum volume, so that the BeoSound 8 volume control will operate as intended.

The Beolink Active to BS8 cables are proving extremely popular with B&O stores, the majority of new enquiries that we are currently receiving are for these cables!
 
Please feel free to ask if you would like any more information.

Steve.

Hi Steve, thanks for the full reply - I should have thought to check your site !

I am glad that your crash & burn development sprint is paying dividends; those sales are also pointers to what the market wanted and what the should have been an option for the BS* ... but I am glad you are getting your reward!

Steve at Sounds Heavenly:

This allows BS8 to play audio from any global Masterlink sources (eg. DTV, CD, N. MUSIC, etc.) by selecting these in the link room when no iPod is docked on the BS8.  Hence, BS8 effectively becomes a very cost-effective link room speaker when combined with a Beolink Active (plus it can also dock and charge your iPod/iPad/iPhone!)

                             

Thanks Steve for posting. I recalled your work in the "live launch" thread. Great job!

So, a little update...

I missed my BS8... long story. So, I have had some time to think more. Look out!

I have been sorta' half searching for a single BL4000 for a center channel on one of my BV4's (currently on a passive).

With your PL->RCA connector... I thought perhaps I could wall mount the BS8 below the BV4 as a center channel! The AUX IN apparently takes third precedence after the DOCK and the USB IN. So, I gain an interesting center channel, and when I dock something... use just the BS8 as intended.

Any thoughts?

""1) BeoSound 8 can be integrated into a Masterlink network by connecting it via the PC port of a Beolink Active link room controller. Please note that you will need to specify the correct version of Beolink Active if you wish to make use of this option.  This allows BS8 to play audio from any global Masterlink sources (eg. DTV, CD, N. MUSIC, etc.) by selecting these in the link room when no iPod is docked on the BS8.  Hence, BS8 effectively becomes a very cost-effective link room speaker when combined with a Beolink Active (plus it can also dock and charge your iPod/iPad/iPhone!)"" Great work Steve. I guess this offers new life to those old beoports with nothing to do. Use them as beolink active. Wonder if you use USB and headphone jack would it go the other direction?

burantek:

Thanks Steve for posting. I recalled your work in the "live launch" thread. Great job!

So, a little update...

I missed my BS8... long story. So, I have had some time to think more. Look out!

I have been sorta' half searching for a single BL4000 for a center channel on one of my BV4's (currently on a passive).

With your PL->RCA connector... I thought perhaps I could wall mount the BS8 below the BV4 as a center channel! The AUX IN apparently takes third precedence after the DOCK and the USB IN. So, I gain an interesting center channel, and when I dock something... use just the BS8 as intended.

Any thoughts?

 

Hi Jaff,

Yes, this could work, but it may not be ideal.  The reason I say this is that you would be getting a varialbe line level input into the Aux socket of the BS8 (which will work, but the signal will be at a lower level than the iPod/USB inputs).  Hence, you would need to set the BS8 volume near to maximum so that it matches the volume of your other Beolab speakers.

You are correct that you would simply undock the other sources from the BS8 to switch it to the Aux input, and this would be possible.  I would just advise a little caution as you may find the centre channel could be very quiet compared to your other channels.  My personal view would be that a single Beolab 4000 is a good solution here.

Hope this helps!

Steve.

symmes:

""1) BeoSound 8 can be integrated into a Masterlink network by connecting it via the PC port of a Beolink Active link room controller. Please note that you will need to specify the correct version of Beolink Active if you wish to make use of this option.  This allows BS8 to play audio from any global Masterlink sources (eg. DTV, CD, N. MUSIC, etc.) by selecting these in the link room when no iPod is docked on the BS8.  Hence, BS8 effectively becomes a very cost-effective link room speaker when combined with a Beolink Active (plus it can also dock and charge your iPod/iPad/iPhone!)"" Great work Steve. I guess this offers new life to those old beoports with nothing to do. Use them as beolink active. Wonder if you use USB and headphone jack would it go the other direction?

Hi symmes,

Thanks for your kind words.  I hadn't thought about Beoports!  All the enquiries I've received from stores have been regarding Beolink Actives, as this option allows a customer to set up a BS8 on their M/L network using new equipment, without having to worry about sourcing second-life products.

Although I spent 2 days studying BS8 with the sole aim of getting Masterlink audio into it, I don't recall seeing a headphone socket on BS8 for taking audio OUT of it?  Did I slip up here, or is it absent?  You've got me puzzled now!

The Beoport option could be an interesting one for future development, but I think the real beauty of BS8 is as a link room speaker that can also dock and play your iPod/iPad........

Kind regards,

Steve.

Steve at Sounds Heavenly:

symmes:

""1) BeoSound 8 can be integrated into a Masterlink network by connecting it via the PC port of a Beolink Active link room controller. Please note that you will need to specify the correct version of Beolink Active if you wish to make use of this option.  This allows BS8 to play audio from any global Masterlink sources (eg. DTV, CD, N. MUSIC, etc.) by selecting these in the link room when no iPod is docked on the BS8.  Hence, BS8 effectively becomes a very cost-effective link room speaker when combined with a Beolink Active (plus it can also dock and charge your iPod/iPad/iPhone!)"" Great work Steve. I guess this offers new life to those old beoports with nothing to do. Use them as beolink active. Wonder if you use USB and headphone jack would it go the other direction?

Hi symmes,

Thanks for your kind words.  I hadn't thought about Beoports!  All the enquiries I've received from stores have been regarding Beolink Actives, as this option allows a customer to set up a BS8 on their M/L network using new equipment, without having to worry about sourcing second-life products.

Although I spent 2 days studying BS8 with the sole aim of getting Masterlink audio into it, I don't recall seeing a headphone socket on BS8 for taking audio OUT of it?  Did I slip up here, or is it absent?  You've got me puzzled now!

The Beoport option could be an interesting one for future development, but I think the real beauty of BS8 is as a link room speaker that can also dock and play your iPod/iPad........

Kind regards,

Steve.

I assumed it was there, but frankly, never looked. Use the one off docked player then. Far beyond my tech capability, regardless.

Hi symmes,

The headphone socket on the iPod/iPhone is inaccessible when it is docked (I think this is the same for iPad, but can't remember for certain?).  It is for this reason that I had initially ignored the option of feeding local audio from the docked player back into the Masterlink network.

Also, the PC port input on Beolink Active only gives access to local sources within the link room, ie. it can send them out to the Powerlink outputs, but it won't inject them back over M/L to the rest of the house.  I will give this some further thought to see if anything can be done via Beoport, but I think this may be unlikely.

However, I don't like it when a technical problem gets the better of me, so you may well see a solution on this forum before too long....

Kind regards,

Steve.

Iphone and iPad headphone jacks are accessible. My memory comes and goes, but I recall beoport is an evolution of beolink active. And I am wrong less than 90% of the time.

Steve at Sounds Heavenly:

Yes, this could work, but it may not be ideal.  The reason I say this is that you would be getting a varialbe line level input into the Aux socket of the BS8 (which will work, but the signal will be at a lower level than the iPod/USB inputs).

Thanks Steve... just having fun thinking outside of the box a bit! My bigger struggle was trying to visualize just what this might look like and just how high the TV would have to be on the wall! I think your primary work of using the BS8 as a link speaker is certainly the top use!

At any rate, I am a little confused.

Your first line item: "A Powerlink output from a B&O audio or video master"

What is this then? Or, is the problem that I would have surround 'labs as well? I thought they were all effectively being fed line level in such a scenario.

Thanks again!

++++EDIT++++

The BS8 has variable volume... I assume the issue is there and one would not know where it is set (balanced against the proper BeoLabs)?

Hi,

I have a general question regarding the BS8 and not sure if I understood all the threads about it right.

I would use it as a link room speaker together with a Toshiba LCD for my saunarium. I do have ML network there (for the todays BL2000) but up to now no connection to a serious sound system (the sound out of the TV is quite poor).

How to bring first the sound of TV into the BS8 and also the ML signal into it? Am I right that all inputs just work if there is no iPod docked?

Thanks for clarification.

Heribert

 

 

Heribert:

How to bring first the sound of TV into the BS8 and also the ML signal into it?

I believe Steve is saying you will need this little black box: http://www.beoworld.org/prod_details.asp?pid=980

elephant:

I believe Steve is saying you will need this little black box: http://www.beoworld.org/prod_details.asp?pid=980

... absolutely right.

The BeoLink Active will also act as a switch between local TV-sound and ML distributed sources -
furthermore you'll need 2 of Steve's cables.

- The sound-out of your TV will be connected via Steve's specially configured PC-Input-Cable (2xCinch<>DIN)
  to the PC  input of your BL Active. (you'll have to press "PC" to get the sound of your TV)

- The sound of your mainroom Audio/Video sources will be delivered through the existing ML cable
  to the BeoLink Active (instead of your recent BLb 2000)

- All sounds will be delivered via Steve's "standard" PL<>2xCinch cable from BL-Active to the BSd 8

- Option (re)programming of the BSd 8 and the BL Active should also be considered
  as well as adjusting the various sound & volume controls in TV, BL-Active and BSd8  ...