ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
I know these speakers aren't very comparable due to their different sound presentations, but this is more of a money saving excercise than anything else.
I like the look of all of these speakers, and am not so fussed about the music streaming capabilities as they will have a Hifi as their main source. I'm assuming the Beolab 18s are going to perform the greatest, with obvious stereo separation, but the majority of listening will probably not be in the sweet-spot, hence the inclusion of the other two systems in the mix :)
Are there any owners of both the A9 and Lab 18s that could provide some kind of sound comparison? Or any Lab 18 owners that could persuade me that they still sound fantastic outside of the sweet spot? The room is approx 5m by 3.5m and wouldn't be playing at earth shaking volumes.
I know the Beosound 2 isn't released just yet, but someone right be able to comment.
Cheers!
I have owned the 18s and currently own an A9 and 17s.
I know there will be many who disagree, but I was not impressed with the 18s. They have very forward highs, a solid mid range and a tall sound. But in terms of overall sound and value, the 17s are much more complete (and half the cost). Bass is smooth and deep and the mids and highs are clear.
The A9 always impresses me. It has a simple and unique design with lots of power. It's definitely a conversation piece that's backed up with substance. The big downside is no stereo separation. It does a good job at filling a room, but lacks the immersive experience when sitting down to listen.
I would recommend the 17s if you want a fuller sound experience or the A9 if you want ambient music that will also power a party.
The BS2 I'm sure will sound great, but will not compare to these other options.
For me the 18s are absolutely fantastic and offer a really strong punchy sound. And they look amazing. Proper pieces of art. This is important to me!
I don't particularly listen to much in a sweet spot as such and find that the sound dispersion from the ALT is very good.
But I also know that Moxxey has said before now that he prefers the sound from his A9 to the 18s.
Austin: I have owned the 18s and currently own an A9 and 17s. I know there will be many who disagree, but I was not impressed with the 18s. They have very forward highs, a solid mid range and a tall sound.
I know there will be many who disagree, but I was not impressed with the 18s. They have very forward highs, a solid mid range and a tall sound.
No, neither was I and nor anyone who heard music through mine - I sold them with the BL19 a few weeks ago.
My favourite sounding B&O speaker (note, the way it sounds, not how it looks) is currently the A9.
I wasn't really a fan of the design of the Beolab 17s for some time, until I saw the silver / black ones. Unfortunately I would need the floor stands and the vertical B&O logo really bugs me!
I'm thinking it's not worth spending the extra on the Beolab 18s over the A9 if i'm not going to be in a position to appreciate the stereo separation (Mostly ambient music while working). I know i'll miss it when i want to though...
Is there a way to run 2x A9s as a stereo pair?
spangle: Is there a way to run 2x A9s as a stereo pair?
I'm guessing there's nothing to stop you from running left audio to one, and right audio to another? Other than the fact you'll need to control the volume at the source rather than the A9 itself.
spangle:I'm guessing there's nothing to stop you from running left audio to one, and right audio to another? Other than the fact you'll need to control the volume at the source rather than the A9 itself.
Good point ;)
Since you have written, that there will be 'a Hifi as main source', only the BL18 would be suitable.
The A9 and rhe BS2 are in itself a 'hifi'/a sound system - and the BL18 is a speaker.
Sure you could connect 'your Hifi' to the line-in of these systems, but it would only make the use of everything more complicated.
As mentioned from others - you could consider the BL17's also.
However - if this is more of 'a money saving excercise' and you already have 'the Hifi', that you want to use - you might even think of a MCL2P/BeoLink Paasive amp and some good (B&O) passive speakers.
MM
There is a tv - and there is a BV
Thanks for the advice! While I do agree that the BL18s are the most suitable for a hifi system, what I meant in my comparison - is to ignore the streaming capabilities as they would not be an influence on my decision. If I were to go with the A9 for example, I would definitely use the inbuilt streaming (ie Spotify Connect) and use the line-in for Vinyl and CDs.
The BL17s are looking more tempting now though :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vv6hCSGv7T0
Even these B&O folks love the 17s over 18s.
I agree with Millemissen, why not look at older passive B&O speakers. Lots to be found at good prices.
Office: Beomaster 3000-2 with Beovox P45 (all in white)
Living room: Beomaster 7000 and Beogram 7000 with Beovox RL 7000 (all in white)
Kitchen: Beocenter 2300 with Beovox 4500 (not available in white :-(
Aussie Michael:You won't go better than the a9 for the money
Duels:That is very true. Plus an excellent choice of colours/fabrics/legs is available to customise it.
Definitely.
It also depends on what you listen to. The BL18s will be ideal for classical music, jazz etc. For me, it's mostly electronic music and the A9 is ideal for this genre.
I just had a listen to the BL17s and am really impressed! My dealer also had the gloss white version and looked absolutely fantastic with black frets and end caps.
moxxey:Definitely. It also depends on what you listen to. The BL18s will be ideal for classical music, jazz etc. For me, it's mostly electronic music and the A9 is ideal for this genre.
Duels:What I've found with the BL18s is that they can be a little bass-light in their natural state. So I've played with the position switch such that the one in the corner is set to "wall" and the one against the wall is set to "free". For me this is no different from turning up the bass tone control. I'm sure this might horrify some folk but I'm also pretty sure Geoff Martin suggested trying it in one of his posts. It doesn't distort at all and simply provides really good strong punchy bass.
keynesparis6: This must be a matter of taste.... and room! KP6
I have both the BL18s (lounge set up) and an A9 in my bedroom.
While i love the A9 for its use case, and it may be amongst the best one unit speakers out there, the BL18s are much better to me.
Some of this is the separation - for me an A9 in my lounge just wouldnt be what i want. Plenty of reviewers of single unit streaming speakers go on about the room filling sound. To be honest, i think this is just nonsense. An A9 could never achieve what a pair of BL18s can in that respect, excellent though the A9 is (and i reiterate, i really really like mine).
Cant speak for the 17s as i;ve never tried them - but my BL18s (occasionally supplemented by a pair of BL3s) produces a fabulous sound to me.
Be interested to see what you go for.
Sandeep
Thanks for the reply Sandyb, good points!
I would like to add that I have a BL14 setup in the living room, this is purely for a 'music system' in what could be called an office :)
Regarding my choice, I'm really leaning towards the BL17s, though I can't decide which colour / variant to go for!
spangle:Thanks for the reply Sandyb, good points! I would like to add that I have a BL14 setup in the living room, this is purely for a 'music system' in what could be called an office :) Regarding my choice, I'm really leaning towards the BL17s, though I can't decide which colour / variant to go for!