Which have a more accurate sound if you discount the low end? BL3 or BL9

Hi all,

 

I am weighing up whether or not I ought to sell my Beolab 9s and replace them with Beolab 3s on floorstands with a BL2 or not... I could relly do with the extra money, and I don't use the BL9s.

So far I am using BL4000s with BL2 and the BL9s are in a cupboard, hiding from the cat (sad ).

My question is, how do the BL3s compare to the BL9 regarding the midrange and treble? The midrange sometimes left me underwhelmed on the BL9s, and I see that the BL3s have a higher power rating with class D amplifiers all around (suggesting possibly a more accurate sound?).

Please note that I use the BL2 and find it very satisfying, although the bass is not as balanced as the BL9s, the lower end doesn't concern me because the music that I will sit down and really listen to is vocal, and classical.

 

Thank you, I look forward to hearing your experiences.

I had BL3s for a few few years until recently (I got BL18s a few months ago) and loved them. I mainly listen to indie/ alternative rock. I found that they had a very clear sound and lots of punch. Vocals very clear too because of the ALT. However, on the odd occasion that I listened to classical I didn't find them quite as good. Mid-range is not their strongest point although they are good speakers.

For what it's worth the BL18s are awesome for classical and vocals that you mentioned.

Thanks for the feedback Duels, I wish my budget allowed for 18s! They're gorgeous. :)

Hi there mate not sure where you're based but I wouldn't mind a set of 9's have got some bl3's at the min and also the stands to go with them, let me know how much you're getting rid for when u do as could be interested depending on location also :) I love my bl3's Mainly used for tv and some music with bl2 also

The beolab 3's also suffer from a slight lack of 'midrange' in my view. I had a little discussion with Mr Dave Moulton (developer Beolab 5) on this website about this, and he actually agreed with my observation.

I listen a lot classical music, where this so called midrange is important. Which of the contemporary Beolabs would be fitting classical music best?

Beolab 3's are however absolutely terrific in playing jazz music, a saxophone sounds great on these.

Oh is that so! Well I admit that I noticed the sound when I heard them in the dealership...  the piano didn't sound right. I ordered a pair and I will see how I go, I may end up loving them with the BL2! if they are better than Beolab 4000 i'll be satisfied, but I admit I will miss the relatively full sound of the Beolab 9s. Their physical size is just too big for my needs now. Less is more. If anyone is interested I will post my opinion on the sound when I get them. :)

I have the BL3s in use now and have used them with and without BL2, and along side BL9. They are beautiful liitle speakers. Thank you to Matt at Lifestyle AV, they are easily the best retailer I have dealt with, in terms of customer service, product quality, generosity, range, efficiency, speedy shipping, period. There should be an award for that.

Regarding the BeoLab 3: I can say that I dislike the way they aurally behave with the BeoLab 2. They just don't match. The BL2 negatively affects their tonal balance. On their own they are impressive with a lovely warm sound, but then of course they are limited by their size as to how low they reach down on the spectrum.

The BL9's sound CONSIDERABLY better overall in side by side comparison with the BL3s + BL2, however I was relieved by the BL3's less harsh attack in the high end. The BL9s are quite shrill in comparison, where I feel the BL3s have an almost weak top end. The midrange and upper bass is okay, as in it isn't hard like the BL9, but the tone is all wrong. It sounds papery... plastic. Not a natural / true sound quality, especially with the BL2 connected. I question the materials in the BL3 speaker diaphrams.

I will just keep dreaming of one day having BL5s, but until then, I experience the most accurate tone with the BL4000s with a BL2 (STILL, after all that!). The sound-stage isn't as stimulating as the BL3 and BL9, but it's still good with correct placement. B&O really did nail it with those speakers, and they have been my favourite since the beginning of my B&O experiences.

I will never forget the day I heard BL5s and then went home to my BL4000s with the same CD, noticing a distinct similarity between the BL5s and the 4000's - the natural tone of the music. It is unadulterated and real. The BL3 is impressive for its size and its mild but detailed top end is pleasant, but the overall sound is artificial; I'm essentially listening to fancy speakers, rather than my music.

The BL9s are the closest compromise. With classical music they do very well.

I'm devastated that I have to sell the BL9s due to financial and practical reasons, and I will probably sell the BL3s too, but the 4000's will stay with me as a favourite for life!