[Evan]

Hey everyone – excited to share some recent thoughts on the center channel idea. I think its time this concept finally turn into a project.

Recently my partner and I moved to a new house and our new AV room could really use a nice center channel. I have a few extra Pentas kicking around so I think its time to start building one of these.

I plan on designing this to fit a pair of cells(?) in the Ikea Kallax shelf (4×2 unit). This spot used to be occupied by the AVP and BL4K that I previously used as a center channel. I don’t think its going to take up the entire 690*335mm opening (although it could!) but it will probably take up most of it.

Before I start modeling the 3D on this, I wanted to open it up for a discussion. I want to design something to share, hopefully something that could be replicated by others interested in this project (first as CAD and then likely a 2D drawing pack).

In my mind there are two ways this could go:

1. Traditional wooden box architecture, cloth fret.
2. A more penta-like solution. Something 3D printed (sturdily) that has the spirit of the Penta cabinet geometry baked into its industrial design.

Both of these ideas have there advantages and disadvantages but I wanted to open it up here for a discussion as I want this to benefit as many people as possible. I think many B&O fans would enjoy having such a speaker in their system. Maybe two variants get designed after all? My dream is that it is eventually driven by a remote BL Penta (150/200 style) amp that sits in one of the other shelf cells.

I was brainstorming all of this and doodled this in my sketchbook today. I hope it inspires you to share some of your thoughts.

[Evan]

Beoaddict wrote:

The Beovision 9 is in fact extremely easy to disassemble, by far the easiest of all B&O TVs. The heaviest part ist the plasma panel, which ist attached with a few screws and connected to the Beosystem 3 only with a DVI connector and the mains cable. It took me around an hour to disassemble, transport and reassemble the unit within my house. The panel can be carried by one strong person or two guys of average build, as can the housing with speakers and Beosystem 3. I strongly recommend going this route.

Wow – did not expect this as a practical option. Why aren’t more people talking about this? If I had known this, I would have been shopping a BV9 vs what I could move up the stairs at my old flat!

[Evan]

Hey UK BeoWorlders – I turned down a trade-in offer recently but I thought it might be interesting for those of you on here.

A dealer in London (Islington) recently messaged me about a promo that would give me 13400 GBP for my pair of BeoLab 5s towards a new pair of 50s/90s. If you want to know more I would suggest calling up Rohan at B&O Islington London.

[Evan]

I have a set of pentas to refoam yet, but likely wont be until mid-24 until I get around to it.

I will definitely be using foam surrounds on them and will toss one on the Klippel machine here to measure purely out of curiosity. If anyone has a rubber-surrounded mid they’ve made, I would be happy to measure it then return it.

[Evan]

Dillen wrote:

Compare the T/S parameters of a driver restored with foam to one restored with rubber (both played in to losen up the stiff new surrounds), and you will no longer have any doubts. I did exactly that. I was expecting a difference but… oh dear, was I surprised. Foam! Martin

Cool idea, Martin. Are there measurements you can share?

Would be interesting to throw them on klippel to do a deep dive and show the measurements here.

Evan

[Evan]

Congrats, Wilson! Absolutely knew that was a contender (and I didn’t even notice the BL5 right away!). It also may have inspired another BeoTattoo but that is still under review 😀

[Evan]

Having had time to finish the lengthy video (good thing) I wanted to come back and say the best part of all this was his final observation – the awesome network built up around B&O. That is something truly unique about the brand – great community and support.

Also have to admit I learned a few things. Haven’t seen the “CD ALL” button before, I guess I haven’t looked too closely at the 3200 before! The automatic door open feature when there is no CD present was new to me as well. I was very excited to test on my Century when I arrived at the office this morning – can confirm it does the same! However only on the device, not with Beo4.

 

[Evan]

What an incredibly complex (but exciting!) topic to discuss. Honestly I’m surprised it hasn’t come up sooner. What a great thing to investigate further as well. It would be great to hear from B&O and how some of the designers have worked with this as it has somehow been protected and coordinated very well over the years.

The logic is much deeper than most people realize.

I think the “GO” topic is important to separate here as it is more than simply a “play” button. It is more like an “enter” key especially when using a BV or more complex BeoSystem etc. However in many situations it isn’t actually needed. As soon as a CD is loaded for example, all you need to do is select “CD” on the device BS/BM/Beo4 or otherwise and it plays, activates the speakers and configures the system for that function. This is one of the many simplicities I appreciate about B&O’s approach here. All I need to do is press V.MEM and I can have the Apple TV showing on my BV and off I go! Same for other sources in the system.

There is some strangeness in the B&O remote / button ideology. For instance “STEP” instead of “next” / “previous” etc. but I think its important that good UX design is not simply refining existing ideas norms and going along with what the rest of the world is doing and has been doing for decades.

Its honestly hard to imagine that there is really only one company who has actually gone in a different direction from the norm and attempted to innovate.

The more I live with and use a Beo4, the more it becomes one of my favorite pieces of design ever. It has exactly the kind of balance I strive to put into my own work. Just the right amount of playful design / sculpture that is memorable (and possibly overkill) but also plenty of logic and agonizingly streamlined simplicity.

[Evan]

auric wrote:

Hello Evan: Yes the charging base can be converted to run on 120. The primary of the transformer actually has two windings. For 24o, the windings are placed in series which is how yours is wired. To make it run on 120, you will need to unsolder the primary lugs from the transformer. T Lift them off and fold them over onto the other side of the PCB so that it bypasses the traces which connect the windings in series. Then you can connect the windings in parallel. You can also cut the traces on the PCB, but I prefer modifications that are non-destructive and can be reversed. Derek PS: I’m in SF as well!

Hey Derek,

Finally getting back to this topic. Here is the bottom of the PCB for the table charger. Can you show me which lugs to “disconnect”?

Thanks,
Evan

[Evan]

AdamS wrote:

They’re certainly ‘cosy’ inside!

The packaging is so impressive. Still blows my mind!

I have 4 of these amps to go through yet. I’m equal parts excited and terrified to ‘go back in’! 😀

[Evan]

Hey Derek – Thanks for the info! No worries, there won’t be any traces cut here.

I’ll add another photo of the bottom, it seems like there is a trace that can be broken intentionally underneath (there is a pair of joined solder pads). This path runs under the transformer from what I remember, however I could be mistaken. I’m on vacation right now but will add a photo and try to identify the spot on the schematic when I return home.

Glad to read there are other BeoWorld members in SF!

 

 

[Evan]

Hey everyone – I am slowly getting my Beo gear acquired in the UK/EU moved back to the US. The first to arrive was my BeoLink 7000 and charging base.

Is there a way to convert to 110VAC for use in USA? Service manual and a look inside the base themselves don’t offer an obvious method for doing so.

 

Thanks!

[Evan]

Up-firing speakers can be weird beasts. Honestly speaking it would be really interesting to see how a design and technology driven company like B&O would tackle the segment of floor stander w/height or an add-on height speaker.

When you consider directivity, occlusion and the other odd requirements of height speakers (of the “reflected” type), you end up with really fascinating mechanical implementation and I’m sure B&O could make it into something interesting.

Never say never!

[Evan]

Millemissen wrote:

Please do not expect any speaker with a built-in hight/upfiring speaker from B&O…..that is not how they do it.

Doesn’t the BeoSound Theatre have a pair of up-firing fullrange speakers? Or do you mean something like a stand alone BeoLab with height?

[Evan]

Glad to read the follow up and happy the speakers are performing the way they should!

[Evan]

Now sold!

[Evan]

Hey Stephen – looks really good! Only thing I would add is some dynamat or similar material to dampen that plate a bit.

Congrats!

[Evan]

Now sold.

In case anyone would like some of these stands for themselves, I can print more and in many different colors. Just PM me with details.

[Evan]

Die_Bogener wrote:

If you use Penta for Left&Right channel and a TV for the Center, then this setup was pretty good with a MX8000 and the DolbyDigital5.1 System. In the background are 2 BL8000… The Pentas are listed in the MX8000 system software, also the BL8000 and the distance to the listener. There is also an option for a subwoofer. The Center speaker of the MX8000 (2x 2way system) is good enough for small/middle size rooms. Surprisingly the option “subwoofer” is not a good selection, it is way to much. Just the opposite is the better solution: switch subwoofer to on, but dont use the subwoofer. The sound is better. The same will happen if you use the Penta as a center. Way to big. Or do we talk about a room with 120qm oder bigger? Have you already tried a Penta in real life as a center?

I’ll admit I get carried away sometimes but this project is more about matching the tonal characteristics between L, C and R (read: “timbre”) and less about overall SPL. The question [here] isn’t “will it center channel?” but more trying to remove the compromises that seem to affect center channel loudspeakers in general.

The idea isn’t far off from what most mastering studios implement. Three large full-range loudspeakers that are all identical.

I suppose it affects music listening more than movie/tv but I’m sure there will be an improvement across all use cases.

Consider it a thought experiment for now as the time when I actually start to make dust is far in the future!

[Evan]

Just adding a photo for context. The BS4500 and BL4ks to either side of the Lexicon are a standalone system. That was brought in to service for light CD listening.

One day I’ll get all my Penta amps running reliably. Currently 2/4 are operational hence why the Emotiva amp has been brought in.

Eventually the Lexicon will move down a level and the Emotiva will go somwhere else so that this Penta center channel can go in the upper middle unit of the shelf.

[Author]

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