In a market flooded with inexpensive wireless speakers designed for mass purchase and placement throughout the home, finding meticulously crafted, high-quality speakers is increasingly rare. Though such products still exist, they’re becoming more niche with each passing year. Bang & Olufsen, however, continues to champion wireless connectivity while maintaining its tradition of iconic speaker design – exemplified perfectly by the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 8 speakers.
These speakers come with a price tag that reflects their premium nature; they’re not something you’d compare with an Amazon Echo. At $3,549 for a single speaker, or $7,098 for a stereo pair, they are unapologetically luxurious. But the investment yields numerous rewards. The Beolab 8 speakers are distinctively designed, using premium materials and boasting high-end features that set them apart.
Having spent considerable time with the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 8, I’m here to delve into what makes these speakers stand out.
Design
While Bang & Olufsen is renowned for producing speakers with exceptional sound quality, the real showstopper with the Beolab 8 speakers is their design. They’re truly captivating, exuding an air of sophistication that elevates any audio setup they’re part of.
This level of design excellence is expected at such a high price point. They aren’t your average speakers; they’re statement pieces. Measuring 11 by 6.5 by 7.4 inches and weighing nine pounds, they come in various finishes. I tested the gold tone with matching oak grilles, a combination I found particularly striking. The gold is subtle and elegant, avoiding any hint of gaudiness, while the wood grilles add a touch of natural warmth, a choice I preferred over the fabric alternative.
Notable design elements include a light-up Bang & Olufsen logo on the front and a sleek touch display on the top, which controls playback and volume. The display lights up when you approach it, a refined detail that enhances the speaker’s minimalist appeal.
The build quality is impeccable, with every component expertly crafted and seamlessly integrated. The wood grille attaches effortlessly and looks perfectly aligned.
The speakers I tested came with a desktop stand, but other mounting options are available, including wall or ceiling brackets and a floor stand. Consider your intended setup before purchasing.
Features
The Beolab 8 speakers are engineered for wireless connectivity, allowing them to integrate with a multi-room audio system or a B&O TV.
On the back, you’ll find a USB-C connector, two Ethernet ports, and a power link port with two channels. The speakers can stream audio directly from the B&O app or via standards like Apple’s AirPlay, enabling them to work in harmony with other AirPlay-compatible speakers in your home. However, don’t be surprised if those other speakers pale in comparison.
The app is well-designed, providing access to useful features such as native integration with Tidal. It also simplifies the process of pairing multiple speakers in a stereo setup, automatically detecting the second speaker during installation.
One omission is the lack of voice control, a feature common in many other wireless speakers. Don’t expect to summon Alexa through the Beolab 8. However, these speakers aren’t intended for that purpose, and plenty of alternatives are available if voice control is a priority.
Audio quality
The B&O Beolab 8 speakers don’t just look good; they sound extraordinary. They deliver rich, deep audio with finely tuned mids, impressive bass extension, and remarkable high-end clarity.
There are three drivers in each speaker: a 0.6-inch tweeter, a 3-inch midrange driver, and a 5.2-inch woofer. With a total of 300 watts of Class D amplification – 200 watts for the woofer and 100 watts shared between the other two drivers – they are more than capable of delivering hi-res audio up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Although a 5.2-inch woofer might seem modest, and these speakers may not reach the deepest sub-bass frequencies some listeners crave, I found the bass response to be more substantial and powerful than expected for a speaker of this size. The midrange is expertly balanced, and the clarity and detail across the spectrum are outstanding.
The key question is whether these speakers justify their $3,500 price tag. To be clear, the Beolab 8 is not designed with value in mind but rather to offer a premium experience that marries superb sound with unparalleled design. While it’s true that you can find better-sounding speakers for less, you won’t find the unique B&O design aesthetic and ultra-premium build quality elsewhere.
Conclusion
Are the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 8 speakers worth the investment? They’re not designed to be cost-effective; they aim to deliver a luxurious experience, blending exceptional audio quality with stunning design. They excel in both areas, and if their style complements your home, they are undoubtedly worth considering.
Overall, the Beolab 8 speakers deliver a extraordinary audio experience. But if you’re contemplating spending over $7,000 on a stereo set, understand that while you might not achieve significantly better sound than with a $3,000 pair, the B&O Beolab 8 offers something more: a harmonious blend of form and function that’s difficult to match. I thoroughly enjoyed my few weeks with them.
For more information on the Beolab 8 speakers, visit bang-olufsen.com.
