Stunning condition Mega Rare MK2 with
52–20,000 Hz frequency range with a maximum sound pressure level of 99 dB.
Strickly No Offers or time wasters please
The Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 8000 Mk2 is an upgraded revision of B&O’s iconic "pencil" active floor-standing loudspeaker, released in January 2003. While it retains the exact exterior silhouette designed by David Lewis, it introduces internal acoustic upgrades for deeper bass at lower volumes. [1, 2]
Key Upgrades in the Mk2
Bass Performance. The Mk2 features revised driver units, updated frequency equalization, and an improved Adaptive Bass Linearisation (ABL) circuit. This delivers noticeably fuller low-end response at low listening levels compared to the original 1992 model. [1]
Serial Number Identification. Because the exterior remained identical to the Mk1, you can verify a genuine Mk2 by checking for serial numbers starting from 16992475 and higher. [1, 2]
Technical Specifications
According to technical archives from BeoWorld and Beocentral, the speaker's core specs include: [1, 2]
Amplification. Two built-in Class AB power amplifier modules per speaker.
Drivers. Two 10 cm woofers and one 1.8 cm tweeter in a 5.3-litre bass-reflex aluminium cabinet.
Frequency & Output. Effective frequency range of 52–20,000 Hz with a maximum stereo sound pressure level of 99 dB.
Dimensions & Weight. Stands 132 cm tall with a 17 cm square cast-iron base, weighing 20 kg per speaker.
Connectivity. Includes one 8-pin B&O Power Link socket and one standard RCA Phono line-level input for non-B&O gear. [1, 2, 3]
Buying & Maintenance Considerations
The BeoLab 8000 MK1 and MK2 look identical on the outside, as both feature the classic David Lewis aluminum "pencil" column design. However, the MK2 (released in January 2003 from serial number 16992475 onwards) introduced major internal upgrades for better bass response and long-term reliability.
Note that Bang & Olufsen did not officially use "MK1" or "MK2" badges. Collectors and resellers use these labels to distinguish the original 1990s production runs from the updated 2003–2010 "Bass Update" models.
Key Differences at a Glance
Feature BeoLab 8000 MK1 (Pre-2003) BeoLab 8000 MK2 (2003–2010)
Serial Number Below 16992475 16992475 and higher
Crossover Topology 2.5-way / 3-way hybrid (earliest models) or early 2-way 2-way parallel topology
Bass System Standard equalization (early units lacked ABL) Upgraded ABL (Adaptive Bass Linearisation)
Driver Units Original woofers Newer woofer drivers with improved excursion
Internal Damping Foam Older foam prone to rotting and damaging PCBs Updated non-rotting acoustic foam material
Outer Dimensions & Power 17 x 132 x 17 cm, 2 x 143W Class AB 17 x 132 x 17 cm, 2 x 143W Class AB
Sound & Performance
Bass Response. According to Second Life HiFi, the MK2 features newer driver units and revised frequency equalization that produce noticeably deeper, fuller bass at low listening volumes. [1]
Adaptive Bass Linearisation (ABL). While B&O first introduced ABL in 1994 (serial 10145230), the 2003 MK2 "Bass Update" refined the circuit so the speakers can push lower frequencies safely without distorting at high volumes. [1, 2]
Community Consensus on Audio. Users on Reddit agree that the MK2's bass update improves low-end output at both quiet and loud volumes. However, opinions on Facebook are mixed, with several owners noting that the audible difference is subtle in everyday listening—especially if you pair the speakers with a dedicated subwoofer like the BeoLab 2. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Reliability & Maintenance
The Foam Rot Issue. Early MK1 units contain internal acoustic damping foam that degrades over time into a sticky, corrosive residue. If not replaced, this decaying foam eats away at the internal amplifier circuit boards and causes expensive failures. [1, 2]
MK2 Durability. The MK2 switched to a non-rotting foam material and an updated input PCB, making later models much safer to buy second-hand without immediate servicing. [1]
Which One Should You Choose?
The Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 8000 Mk2 is an active floor-standing column loudspeaker featuring an iconic slender design by David Lewis. [1, 2]
Technical Specifications
Dimensions (W x H x D): 17 x 132 x 17 cm (6.7 x 51.9 x 6.7 inches)
Weight: 20 kg (44 lbs) per speaker
Cabinet Design: Bass-reflex principle with a 5.3-litre net volume and cast-iron base
Finishes: Aluminium cabinet with various cloth/color options (such as black, dark grey, red, and blue)
Effective Frequency Range: 52 – 20,000 Hz
Maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 99 dB (stereo, pair)
Drivers: Two 10 cm woofers and one 1.8 cm tweeter per speaker
Amplification: Two Class AB power amplifier modules per speaker
Long-Term Maximum Output Power: 143 watts per module
Bass Equalizer: Adaptive Bass Linearisation (ABL)
Magnetic Shielding: Yes
Connections: 1 x Power Link, 1 x Phono (line-level RCA)
Power Consumption: Typical 12 W, standby < 2.5 W
The Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 8000 Mk2 is an active floor-standing column loudspeaker featuring an iconic slender design by David Lewis.
Technical Specifications
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 17 x 132 x 17 cm (6.7 x 51.9 x 6.7 inches)
• Weight: 20 kg (44 lbs) per speaker
• Cabinet Design: Bass-reflex principle with a 5.3-litre net volume and cast-iron base
• Finishes: Aluminium cabinet with various cloth/color options (such as black, dark grey, red, and blue)
• Effective Frequency Range: 52 – 20,000 Hz
• Maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 99 dB (stereo, pair)
• Drivers: Two 10 cm woofers and one 1.8 cm tweeter per speaker
• Amplification: Two Class AB power amplifier modules per speaker
• Long-Term Maximum Output Power: 143 watts per module
• Bass Equalizer: Adaptive Bass Linearisation (ABL)
• Magnetic Shielding: Yes
• Connections: 1 x Power Link, 1 x Phono (line-level RCA)
• Power Consumption: Typical 12 W, standby < 2.5 Wuy the MK2 if you plan to use the speakers on their own without a subwoofer, or if you want a unit that is less likely to need immediate circuit board repairs.