BeoLab 8000 is the most sought after speaker in Bang & Olufsen’s history. BeoLab 18 is a tribute to this iconic 1992 design. BeoLab 18 reaches into the future with all-new components, a re-engineered digital sound engine, an enticingly tweaked form factor and something as classic – and modern – as Nordic hardwood. The innovative new WiSA standard for high-end wireless is built in, so decorating with sublime sound has never been easier. Wireless audio just got serious – and now sounds seriously good.
The wireless multi-channel solution from Bang & Olufsen convinced by uninterrupted and undisturbed sound reproduction, as well as by a flexible and easy operation. Audiophiles can enjoy their uncompressed 24-bit music recordings now also go wireless and installers and interior designers can set up sound systems in cinema quality without any tangling now.
BeoLab 18 is the culmination of acoustic perfection, a heritage of authentic sound that has been Bang & Olufsen’s hallmark since 1925. BeoLab 18 is a timeless speaker for the enjoyment of future generations. The speaker is crafted from exquisite materials with uncompromising attention to detail.
BeoLab 18’s most striking visual feature is no doubt its lamella front, available in black and white composite as well as solid oak. These lamella choices give decorators a range of options that all work beautifully with designer Torsten Valeur’s minimalist column of anodized aluminum. Look closely, and you’ll see that Valeur has tweaked the sculptural silhouette of its predecessor, the now-classic BeoLab 8000, in ways that push the boundaries of craftsmanship.
The speaker balances on a cone of extruded aluminium that seems barely to touch the floor – either when hanging on the wall or standing on the rock-solid cast iron base. Twenty-one lamellas wrap lightly around the speaker to open it to the eye as well as the ear. And with Bang & Olufsen’s distinctive acoustic lens tweeter floating above, the “sweet spot” is yours no matter where you are in the room. This form-follows-function design is what allows Bang & Olufsen to use lamella in front of the two main drivers and still produce crystal-clear high frequencies. Combining wood and aluminium is clearly a hint at classic Bang & Olufsen design cues, while embracing the future with a major break-through in innovation through the new wireless technology.
BeoLab 18’s slender lines belie an impressive array of all-digital components specifically engineered to provide larger-than life sound from a modest volume. Two custom-made 4-inch midrange/woofer drivers run in parallel and are powered by separate 160-watt class D amplifiers. The digital sound engine is custom-tuned to deliver convincing performance that brilliantly overcomes the complexities presented by placing the lamella in front of the two main drivers. The all-new engine also comprises thermal protection, Adaptive Bass Linearisation and a room position switch, so BeoLab 18 sounds amazing no matter what you play on it or where you place it.
Immaculate Wireless Sound
BeoLab 18 is based on the new Immaculate wireless sound concept from Bang & Olufsen. Sound that is reproduced as the artist intended it to be has long been a Bang & Olufsen hallmark. With Immaculate Wireless sound, Bang & Olufsen brings this tradition of acoustic authenticity into the wireless age for the first time ever. Since BeoLab 18 runs on the new WiSA standard, all you need to do is plug the active speakers into the mains in a room with any WiSA-compliant transmitter in order to link wirelessly to your TV, Blu-ray player or set-top box.
For example, all Bang & Olufsen Immaculate Wireless Sound speakers work seamlessly, simply and spectacularly with the WiSA-updated BeoVision 11 television. With WiSA-compliant transmitters and receivers integrated into the physical and digital design, Bang & Olufsen now delivers unparalleled acoustic performance in a wireless surround setup. Of course, you can also connect the new speakers with wires, just as you can add wireless speakers to an existing wired setup if so desired.
The Wireless Speaker and Sound Association (WiSA) platform utilizes the relatively uncongested 5.2–5.8 GHz range to avoid interference from other signals, and to provide enough bandwidth to stream 24-bit, uncompressed music at native sampling rates. WiSA is the first wireless system in the U-NII band that provides multi-channel performance – up to a full 7.1 surround configuration.
Simplest configuration
The less technically inclined consumer will also be happy to learn that they can now achieve the ultimate in uncompressed, wireless audio right out of the box. Setup is simple. Wiring mistakes are impossible and interoperability means that Bang & Olufsen wireless speakers will work with any WiSA-compliant television or receiver – whether it’s from Bang & Olufsen or another manufacturer.
Attention to detail
BeoLab 18 was driven by an unwavering vision for the highest and most exacting standards of craftsmanship and engineering.
The conical base of BeoLab 18 is manufactured with the highest meticulousness of an aluminum tube. By careful polishing and hardening the surface using electrical and chemical processes the Bang & Olufsen specialists achieve a distinctive glaze.
Wood has always been an important aspect of Nordic architecture and furniture design, and modern interest in new and innovative ways to use this precious living matter has never been greater.
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