Beolab 8000 with Step-Up Converter

5 replies
I have access to a pair of Beolab 8000's, but they are the 220V EU version and I live in the US. I plan to use them with a step-up voltage transformer, but I am not sure what wattage/size converter to get. Will they work with a cost-effective 100W transformer since the typical wattage load is 12W per speaker, or would I need something closer to 500W because the max output power is 143W per speaker? Do I only need a transformer powerful enough to run the amplifiers? Or do I need one to handle to total output? Thanks!
The circuitboard provides different settings for different voltages. It's logically be (re)placing some SMD jumpers(s). I would advise to let it be done by someone with electronic skills.

Location: Utrecht

Quite a challenge to achieve "Less is More" while having the Beovirus.
Sorry if I wasn't clear in my original post. I intend on using an external step-up transformer (plugged into US wall socket, EU plug on Beolab 8000's plugged into EU socket on transformer). I'm just unsure what the proper sized transformer would be. I know bigger is better all around in this sort of case, allowing plenty of headroom, but should I be using the max output of 143W as my guide for transformer sizing? Do I only need a transformer powerful enough to run the amplifiers? Or do I need one to handle the total output?
I’m also in the U.S. I’ve been using a 200w step-up transformer with a 220v BL 2 for a few years.  No issues.

My B&O Icons:

BeoCenter-9500.png BeoCenter-9500.png
Beosound-Shape.png Beosound-Shape.png
Beosound-9000.png Beosound-9000.png
Beoremote-One.png Beoremote-One.png
Beoplay-H9i.png Beoplay-H9i.png
Beoplay-A8.png Beoplay-A8.png
I would have thought you will be fine with a step up transformer of 100w if the load of each is 12W will be more than plenty.  I had this the other way round for a while with the some speaker I got from Japan - I used one transformer on each to save running cables, but one one transformer for the pair should be fine.  

Location: United Kingdom

My B&O Icons:

BeoCenter-9500.png BeoCenter-9500.png
Beoremote-Beo4.png Beoremote-Beo4.png
Beovox.png Beovox.png
Beoplay-A1.png Beoplay-A1.png
Beogram-400x.png Beogram-400x.png
or
BeoWorld Gold Membership card
Join BeoWorld

Register to access the forums, reference material, and exclusive member benefits — including our monthly prize draw.

Become a Member

December 2026 Prize Draw

Gold Members Only

As a Gold member you're automatically entered into our exclusive prize draw — your chance to win iconic Bang & Olufsen products. A unique benefit of BeoWorld Gold membership, every draw brings a new opportunity to win something special.

BeoSound Level

1st Prize

BeoConnect Core

2nd Prize

BeoRemote Halo

3rd Prize