Is a 2011 Beolab 5 technically still fully equal to the first versions, i.e. say a Beolab 5 from 2004 ??

reason for asking: I'm in doubt to keep on saving for a pair or to purchase a Second Life set and save some 6 to 8000 Euro's.

thanks, Rene

There have been some updates but these are essentially minor. The very first has some issues with syncronising volume when used with a digital feed, but there is a work around - these will be models from before April 2004. There have been a few changes since but nothing very important - a new mains socket was fitted at one point!!

I think the only pioneering improvement on the Lab 5 (which is -technically- virtually perfect) would be the implementation of a real-time ABC, like the Visionclear system for TVs: every time you open a door, close a window or draw the curtains, the bass level readjusts itself within seconds, instead of calibrating the speaker only on customer's demand by pressing the top plate.

That should keep B&O engineers busy for a few months I think..