Beolab 18 compared to Beolab 8000

I'm trying a pair of Beolab 18's this week, in place of our 8000 Mk2's. Has anyone done the same, and what differences did they notice? As they look fairly similar I'd appreciate any input from Geoff on what's changed internally, to a novice.

Regards in advance

And then another pair, and then a 19, and then a Moment! Sorry kids of your reading this in 10 years time, university isn't all what it's cracked up to be

Chris, that's a difficult question and depends completely on someone's taste and how you experience sound.

When the BL18 came on the market I loved the design and was planning also to change my BL8000. I did a serieus listening test and was very, very pleased with the sound, especially because the sweet spot was disappeared. I was completely ready for the new toys.

Then I heard also the BL19 in a 2.1 setup and was astonished with that richness of sound, so I asked for a demo with BL19 & BL8000. Only to hear that combo! The BL19 added a new dimension to the BL8000. I came home with the BL19... that day. But again this is my personal taste and experience.

I'm not saying I will never trade the BL8000 but for now it feels like having a whole new set of speakers.

I also tested my BL 19 sub with BL 8000 in my bedroom (BL 19 works with BL 1 in my livingroom). I agree, BL 19 gives a new dimension to BL 8000, I was really blown away.

I listened to BL 18 in a shop: No doubt, they sound very well, but not so far away from BL 8000.

If I had to choose between replacing BL 8000 with BL 18 or adding BL 19 to BL 8000, I would go for BL 19 without hesitation.

Regards

Räuber

Same experience in adding a BL19 to the BL1s...no need for new speakers

rxcohen:

Same experience in adding a BL19 to the BL1s...no need for new speakers

BV11-55, BS9000, BL1, BL19, Transmitter 1, Beo4, Beocom 6000, BeoTalk1 200, Sennheiser HD600, McIntosh MHA100

That's for sure. After adding BL 19 to BL 1 it was the first time I really felt in love with the sound of my BL 1. (Before adding BL 19 I only loved the design of BL 1).

rxcohen:

Same experience in adding a BL19 to the BL1s...no need for new speakers

Guessing you had a BL2 before the BL 19 ??

 

So I'm guessing I should have asked what's the difference between the 2 and 19! I had a 2 and loved it, but I'm guessing the 19 would be better for music and I like the idea of its WISA capability.

A BeoLab 2 connected to a Beosystem 4 versus 3 delivers a totally different sound. Its like a completely different product - way more controlled and great for music. A Beolab 2 is stronger than a 19 and you can get a WISA adapter for it.

 

 

 

I'd be driving it though a 7-55 so Beosystem 3, until they make something better. As tempting as it is to get a 2 for say £6-800, I've fallen foul of buying older kit which can turn into a false economy.

One day I'll trade in the 7(gulp) and its replacement will no doubt have WISA, so I'm going to start planning for that, as opposed to cashing in the quick buck this time. The question is and as I'm intending to get a couple of pairs of 18's and a 19, do I get the 19 first to match my aged 8000's and enjoy them while I can.

Nice problems to have, but I also have the wife on my shoulder demanding surround sound and now

Chris Townsend:

Nice problems to have, but I also have the wife on my shoulder demanding surround sound and now

I my lovely wife would react as yours, I would run to shop and get me a pair of BL18.  

Chris Townsend:

Nice problems to have, but I also have the wife on my shoulder demanding surround sound and now

Does your wife have an 'available' twin-sister

MM

If she did, I'd have surround sound

Surround sound is 5 plus 1 (= 6) - how about that

MM

Only if I'm the "1"

Chris Townsend:

Only if I'm the "1"

Kind of like the guy who traded in his 40 yr old wife for two 20 year olds only to find out he wasn't properly wired for 220...