Bang & Olufsen cuts a cord and makes wireless sound into art

BeoLab 18

For some people, speakers are a work of art, and not just in how the technology interprets information and translates it into delicate sound waves, but also in the design of said speakers. Bang & Olufsen is one such company that thinks this way, and the Danish brand is back with some new BeoLab products that will make wireless sound more aesthetic than ever before.

Launched this week, the always intriguing home theatre brand Bang & Olufsen is adding three models to its BeoLab range, with the compact BeoLab 17, a column-tastic BeoLab 18, and a new sub which Bang calls the BeoLab 19.

The BeoLab 18. We like it, though we don't know why.

While the names are merely numbers, the products are something else altogether, bringing together interesting designs that also look to feature impressive acoustics and a wireless standard. B&O is also using custom-made bits and pieces, sound engines with thermal protection, and electronics for room positioning so they sound good where ever you place them.

“These new speakers are at the vanguard of a new era of high-end sound,” says Lars Fredsgaard, Speaker Category Director at Bang & Olufsen.

“Our latest launch uses a robust wireless standard with enough bandwidth and channels to deliver a listening experience the way the artist intended it,” said Fredsgaard. “Upgrading to premium sound – without downgrading your décor – is now available in three ways.”

Would the BeoLab 17 looks as nice in our home with wooden floorboards?

That wireless standard is called WiSA, or “Wireless Speaker and Sound Association” and relies on the 5.2 to 5.8GHz range to stream music in 24-bit, and is capable of streaming in multi-channel modes, such as 7.1 audio.

Adding WiSA-based speakers to a home theatre happens through a WiSA transmitter, though Bang’s new BeoVision TVs will include support for the technology built directly in, essentially allowing these new BeoLabs to just work the moment power is provided.

The new BeoLab 17, 18, and 19.

As expected, the products won’t be cheap. Available at B&O stores across the country, pricing starts at $3990 for the smaller BeoLab 17 speakers, $6990 for a set of BeoLab 18 speakers, and $3495 for the BeoLab 19 subwoofer.