Bang and Olufsen is entering the surround sound market for the first time with its brand new BeoLab 14 system set for release in the U.S. in June, the company announced at a press event in New York.
The BeoLab 14 will come in two configurations, 4.1 or 5.1, and are designed to work in tandem with TVs. The 4.1 system is designed to work with the company’s own TVs and their onboard speakers, which will act as the center-channel to complete the surround setup. The 5.1 system is the same, except it’s meant to work with TVs from other manufacturers. Consumers also have the option of connecting either system to an A/V receiver as well.
The subwoofer packs in 280 watts of power with an 8-inch driver. Bass response is said to reach down to 26Hz, according to the company’s fact sheet. Each speaker has five individual 140-watt amplifiers with separate equalizers. There’s a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Adaptive Bass Linearization, line sense and an adaptation switch to tune the sound for the room the system will live in. Power Link connections are included for hooking up other Bang and Olufsen components, plus the standard A/V multi-connector to enable connections with those from other manufacturers.
The satellite speakers are made of aluminum with 2.5-inch drivers and fabric covers that users can remove and replace with any of six other colors. Wall brackets are included in the box, but ceiling brackets will cost an extra $95 each. Table stands will also cost $95 each, while floor stands are more expensive at $195 a piece.
The 4.1 system will sell for about $4,000 and the 5.1 will be a bit more at $4,400. With the BeoVision 11 at close to $8,000, a full Bang and Olufsen setup isn’t for the budget-seeker, much less the cash-strapped.
