Beolab 3 - Questions regarding setup

14 replies

ryan.nicholson

Bronze

87 posts

Posted August 2, 2025 at 19:18 GMT

I just managed to pick up a pair of BeoLab 3s for £200, complete with the matching floor stands, and I’ve got a couple of questions. This is my first time owning a pair of B&O active speakers, so I’d appreciate some advice on how best to set them up.

I’m considering two possible locations in my home. The first option is to simply just use them as a stereo pair in my bedroom, connected to my BeoMaster 3500 (part of my BeoSystem 3500). I’d place them on either side of the bed and retire my current BeoLab MCX35s. This seems like the simpler route, using two Mk3 Powerlink cables. Can the BeoLab 3s be daisy-chained — for example, from the BeoMaster to Speaker L, then from Speaker L to Speaker R — or is it better to run separate cables from the amp to each speaker?

The second option is to use them in the living room with my BeoVision 11-46. In this case, I know I’ll need RJ45 > Powerlink cables to run into the back of my TV. Right now, I’m just using the TV’s built-in speakers as left and right channels, plusa BeoLab 2 subwoofer connected. I’m not too concerned about having a full 5.1 surround setup, but I’m curious how the BeoLab 3s would integrate into this system. Is there a way to use four speakers and the subwoofer effectively, or would that configuration sound off missing the centre speaker is there a way to mix in the centre speaker to the tv's built in speakers?

Hope someone can assist

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Tignum

Gold

995 posts

Posted August 3, 2025 at 07:18 GMT ? Edited August 4, 2025 at 08:40 GMT

#715740

Hello Ryan, good find! Yes you can daisy-chain BL3s (edit: with a splitter), they have (edit) one Powerlink socket each. Direct or daisy-chained should not make a difference.

If you set up the 11-46 with the BL3s as front L/R, the TV will act as the centre speaker in a 3.1 surround sound system. Regards, Johan (Thx Beouser 19 - I was too fast on a quick google image search)

Location: Netherlands

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Millemis

Bronze

1330 posts

Posted August 3, 2025 at 08:40 GMT

#715741

For sure a good find 😀 Why not try out both option to see how you get most of your new speakers. Since it seems that you already have a running setup in the bedroom, start with the living room. With the BL2 the 3’s will be an upgrade! MM

Location: Flensborg————Danmark

beouser19

Bronze

56 posts

Posted August 3, 2025 at 13:48 GMT

#715746

Beolab 3 cannot be daisy-chain ! they have only one powerlinksocket

Millemis

Bronze

1330 posts

Posted August 3, 2025 at 14:39 GMT

#715747

That is not a big deal - you can use a PL-splitter, which basically lets you daisychain one to another. However, if set up with the BV11 they will be placed on either side….so no need for daisychaining. MM

Location: Flensborg————Danmark

Tignum

Gold

995 posts

Posted August 4, 2025 at 08:41 GMT

#715749

Incorrect post edited!

Location: Netherlands

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ryan.nicholson

Bronze

87 posts

Posted August 4, 2025 at 16:15 GMT ? Edited August 4, 2025 at 16:21 GMT

#715757

So I collected the speakers yesterday they look great

They came with mains power leads, but no power link cables. I don't know if I have cocked up though. I have bought two 10 meter white MK3 Power cables with the din plugs at each end as I thought it might be convenient to daisy chain them from the Beolab 2 sub as it has two outputs and very slightly closer to them instead of the TV itself. However, someone elsewhere has advised if its plugged in this way TV > Beolab 2 > Beolab 3 L+R speakers you actually have no control over treble or bass from the TV if they are plugged into a sub instead of the TV directly. So I am not sure if I need to get one of these adapters instead?

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Millemis

Bronze

1330 posts

Posted August 4, 2025 at 20:09 GMT ? Edited August 4, 2025 at 20:11 GMT

#715759

Congrats! When connected to a BV, you should definitely connect the BL3’s and the 2 seperately. Otherweise you will not be able to configure the setup correctly. Connecting the 3’s via the 2 is correct, when you connect to a Beomaster/Beosystem/Beosound (i.e. not the BS Theatre) such as a BS3000. There you have no option for setting the distances etc etc. Please consult the userguide of the BV to find explanations of how you connect external speakers. This said - it is possible to do what you have done - but it is certainly not the best way, and nothing that I would recomment. So, yes - you will need adapters Best set each speaker up seperately. MM

Location: Flensborg————Danmark

ryan.nicholson

Bronze

87 posts

Posted August 4, 2025 at 22:03 GMT

#715761

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Millemis

Bronze

1330 posts

Posted August 5, 2025 at 08:08 GMT ? Edited August 5, 2025 at 08:11 GMT

#715764

A Powerlink connection (one cable) carries two channels. This means that you can use the mentioned adapter for two speakers i.e. your left and right BL3. That must be configured in the sound menu of the BV for the PL socket you use. However, the BL2 needs its own socket to be configured correctly. Meaning that you will also need an adapter for that (a single RJ45 to Din female). After connecting that to a PL socket on the BV that can be configured appropriately. You then end up with a 3.1 setup (the internal speakers must be configured a the center speaker). In case you later on should want to expand, you just need another splitter (like the one mentioned) and - of course - the BL’s configured as surround L/R. All set up you can create Speaker Group - for Movie typically the 3.1 configuration and for Music (radio etc) typically a 2.1 configuration. If you want to dig deeper and learn about the multiple options of the BV11, please read here: https://bangolufsenassistentgohe.blob.core.windows.net/manuals/TELEVISIONS/technical_sound_guide_televisions_2201.pdf MM

Location: Flensborg————Danmark

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