Bang & Olufsen Beolab 3


DetailsProduct specificationService manual

Details

Beolab 3

BeoLab 3 was designed as a compact and high-quality loudspeaker, and it quickly became one of the most popular choices in Bang & Olufsen’s range of smaller speakers. Its sleek aluminium cabinet houses two drive units: a 4.5” woofer and a 0.75” tweeter. Additionally, it features two passive bass radiators, also known as “drone cones.” These radiators enhance bass response by functioning similarly to tuned ports in a bass-reflex system.

Active Design and Acoustic Innovation: BeoLab 3’s Unique Features

As an active speaker, the BeoLab 3 incorporates two Class “D” amplifiers, each rated at 125W. Although the catalogues don’t specify what 125W into a 0.75” tweeter sounds like in a home setting, the BeoLab 3’s design clearly demonstrates B&O’s commitment to performance. The tweeter’s sound dispersion benefits from an acoustic lens, which provides an alternative to the typical method of directly facing the driver toward the listener. This approach, in fact, mirrors a concept that Canon abandoned in the early 1990s, a company better known for its cameras and photocopiers.

A Nod to Legacy: BeoLab 3’s Design Inspired by Beovox 2500

Stylistically, the BeoLab 3 draws heavily from the Beovox 2500 ‘cube’ of 1967. As a result, the similarities are especially noticeable when the speaker is placed on its small table stand, particularly in the black version. By evoking the Beovox 2500, B&O seems to question whether its best years had passed when they designed the BeoLab 3.

Enhancing Sound: The Role of Passive Bass Radiators in BeoLab 3

The Beovox 2500 was not a full loudspeaker; rather, it served as an auxiliary treble radiator. This component was necessary to compensate for the limited treble dispersion of cone tweeters at the time. However, as dome tweeters became the standard, this design quickly became obsolete. To retain the Beovox 2500’s look while maintaining functional acoustics, the BeoLab 3 introduced two passive bass radiators. These radiators effectively mimic the original model’s circular grilles.

Evolution of Acoustic Design: Passive Radiators and Bass Ports in B&O Speakers

Passive bass radiators—also known as Auxiliary Bass Radiators or “drone cones”—have appeared sporadically throughout B&O’s history. For example, the Beovox 5700 from the early 1970s, as well as the RL 45 and RL 60 from the 1980s, featured these components. However, B&O later replaced passive radiators with conventional bass ports, as seen in the RL 45.2 and RL 60.2. This shift suggests that passive radiators were not always ideal from an acoustic perspective.

BeoLab 3: Aesthetic Appeal and Functional Versatility

Despite these considerations, the BeoLab remains an attractive and well-crafted speaker. Not only does it deliver satisfying sound for most listeners, but it also offers versatility in placement. With a wide range of stands and mounting options, the BeoLab 3 can fit seamlessly into any room. Whether you want it to make a bold statement or blend into the background, it adapts to your preference. While a conventional vented cabinet may have produced better performance, B&O’s target audience clearly prioritized design alongside sound quality. Ultimately, the BeoLab 3 proves that form and function can indeed coexist.


Product specification

Type Numbers:

6891 (EU) 2004-01

6892 (GB) 2004-01

6893 (USA-CDN-TWN) 2004-01

6894 (J) 2004-01

6895 (AUS) 2004-01

6896 (KOR) 2004-01

Designer: David Lewis

Manufactured: 2004 – Present

Colour Options:

Black/Silver (2004)

Dark Grey/Silver (2004)

Blue/Silver (2004)

Red/Silver (2004)

White/Silver (2004-2012)

Dark Grey/Polished Aluminium & Black (2004-2013)

Black/Polished Aluminium & Black (2004-2013)

White/Polished Aluminium & Black (2004-2013)

Product Specifications

Dimensions


Length: 16.2 cm

Width: 13.5 cm

Height: 21.5 cm (22.3 cm with table ring)

Weight


2.55 kg

Cabinet Finish


Silver and Black

Power Consumption


IEC65: 20 W

Typical: 7 W

•tand-by: 0.2 W

Maximum Sound Pressure Level


94 dB (Stereo, pair)

Power Amplifiers


Bass: 125 W, Class D, ICEPower

Treble: 125 W, Class D, ICEPower

Long-Term Maximum Output Power per Amplifier


Bass: 220 W/4 ohm

Treble: 120 W/8 ohm

Effective Frequency Range


50 – 20,000 Hz

Crossover Frequency


3,300 Hz

Cabinet Principle


Double Balanced Passive Radiator

Net Volume (Bass)


1.5 liters

Magnetically Shielded


Yes

Woofer


101.6 mm

Passive Radiators


2 x 101.6 mm

Tweeter


19 mm

Directivity Control (Treble):


• ALT (Acoustic Lens Technology), licensed from Sausalito Works LLC

Bass Equalization


• ABL (Adaptive Bass Linearization)

Input Sensitivity


Power Link: 125 mV (88 dB SPL)

Line Input: 125 mV (88 dB SPL) – Auto switch-on

Switch-Off Time (Line)


3 minutes

Indicator LED


Off: Red

Protection: Yellow

Operation Position


Free, Wall, or Corner

Left, Right, or LINE Switch


Yes

Protection


Thermal Protection

Connections


Power Link: 1 (Use Semi-Balanced PL cable type MKIII or fully mounted PL cable)

Mains: 1 Switch Mode Power Supply (internal jumper for 220-240 V or 100 – 120 V)

Phono (Line-In): Via PL using Line-to-PL adaptor cable (5m, black, part no. 6270856)

Market Specifications


6891 (EU): 230 V

6892 (GB): 230 V

6893 (USA, CDN, TWN): 120 V

6894 (J): 100 V

6895 (AUS): 240 V

6896 (KOR): 220 V

Accessories


Base Stand: Included

Floor Stand: 2165 (Aluminium)

Table Stand: 2166 (Aluminium)

Wall Bracket: 2167 (Black)

Service manual

Beolab 3 service manual can be downloaded here for free.