General Forum

Re: Penta advice

Christian — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:44:29 GMT

Physical difference:

Mk1: Line Phono plugs and Power input 4-pin DIN spring loaded contacts. Display: Yellow.

Mk2: SpeakerLink and PowerLink. Display: Yellow.

Mk3: SpeakerLink, Phono and PowerLink. Display: Green.

Re: Penta advice

tournedos — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:36:52 GMT

You can think of the active Pentas as a Beolab 150 sandwiched between the bottom plate and the rest of the speaker (you can actually remove it and end up with a Beovox!). Apart from the empty space behind the display window on the passives, the actual speaker columns are identical and so have the same pros and cons including midrange foam rot. I think there are minor differences in the crossovers, though, to keep in mind when ordering replacement caps (see my thread on the subject, I will continue it when I get my new caps).

The Beolab 150 might be a better amp than the Beomaster 6500 but apart from that, I don't think the actives could have much of an edge over the passives - they still have only a single amp and a passive crossover, unlike the later Beolabs.

One thing I haven't seen discussed about their respective merits is that with the actives, the "sweet spot" for listening is some 20 cm higher because of the amp down under. The Pentas are rather directional vertically, and the passives are best enjoyed on a rather low seat or sofa, unless you can sit far away from them.

Someone else can discuss the differences between the various active versions, I always forget which was which...

Penta advice

h1npw — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:11:19 GMT

I have several questions about Pentas......

When I get a pair I will be using a Beosound 2500 (obviously active only) or a Beosystem 6500.

1) Is there an appreciable difference in sound quality between passive and active?

2) What are the phyisical differences between MK1, 2 & 3 Actives?

3) Are there any appreciable differences in sound quality between the different Actives?

4) Do actives suffer from foam rot of the midrange units like passives?

5) Apart from foam rot and cross-over capacitor replacement, is there anything elso to watch out for?