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
Which sounds better: A pair of BL5s or a pair of BL18s with a BL19 - based on 320kps iTunes music files? If there's a difference, is it audible to people with normal hearing, i.e. non-audiophiles?
Mostly play commercial remixes, dance etc., i.e. relatively bass heavy.
BL5.
No contest. - BL5
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Present: BL90, Core, BL6000, CD7000, Beogram 7000, Essence Remote.
Past: BL1, BL2, BL8000, BS9000, BL5, BC2, BS5, BV5, BV4-50, Beosystem 3, BL3, DVD1, Beoremote 4, Moment.
Beolab 50, Beolab 8000 x 2, Beolab 4000 x 2, BeoSound Core, BeoSound 9000, BeoSound Century, BeoLit 15, BeoPlay A1, BeoPlay P2, BeoPlay H9 3rd Gen, BeoPlay H6, EarSet 3i, BeoVision Eclipse Gen 2 55", BeoPlay V1-40, BeoCom 6000 and so much else :)
Michael:Fo r example, I find the sound in BV Avant more punchy and dynamic than my BL9 that have more power. Of course, the BL9 would play louder but I kind of prefer the sound of the Avant sound system. Hard to explain but really quite a difference.
Interesting perspective!
Can we do a swap? My Avant for yours.
Look at the upside......You will be more appreciative of those great sounding BL9's and I will be more appreciative of the sound of the Avant!
10
Michael:I wouldn't be so sure the BL5 sounds a s good as BL19&BL18 actually. More sophisticated DSPs and modern technology makes a lot of difference. Geoff wasn't involved in the BL5 either, and he seems to have a better idea of what the speakers should sound like.
First I'd say that if you think a BL19/18 combo sounds better than a BL5 - then that is your prerogative. No one can really argue with that. Its how you hear it. My opinion is different to yours but our opinions are equal.
As to Geoff Martin's opinion......."and he seems to have a better idea of what the speakers should sound like" - well that is rather neither here nor there really because of my first point.
Anyway, no argument-starting intent here and thank you for the contribution.
I have BL5 and BL3 as a Rear - I would like to have nothing else! Am impressed over and over again and fascinated
BeoVision 7-40 HD-Modul, BeoViision 11-40, BeoVision 8 32" white + Floor Stand, 2x Apple TV 4 mit Kodi, DVD2, HDR2, BeoSound 9000 MKIII White Edition, 2x BeoSound Moment + Floor Stand, 2x BeoSound Stage, BeoSound Core, BeoSound 35 brass, BeoSound 1 MKII + Floor Stand, 2x BeoSound 3, BeoSound 6, BeoSound 3200, BeoSound Essence , BeoPlay A9 Nordic Sky twilight, BeoPlay A8 MKII white + Floor Stand, BeoPlay A2 grey, 2x BeoPlay A3 white/bright blue, BeoPlay A1, 2x BeoPlay S3 white, Beolit 12 (White Edition), Beogram TX2, BeoLab 5, BeoLab 3, BeoLab 7-4, BeoLab 8000 MKII, Beolab 11, 2x BeoLab 3500, 4x LC2, 4x Beo4 - MK1-3, BeoRemonte One BT, 2x BeoRemonte Halo, Audio Terminal, Beolink 1000, BeoLink 7000, 2x EarSet A8, 3x A9 Keyring, EarSet 2, Form2, BeoPlay H6, 3x BeoTime, Beowatch, 2x Lightmanager Pro+ B&o Version, 4x BeoCom5, Beoline2, 3x Speakerphone, BeoTalk 1200, 5x Cabinets, MLGW, BLGW,
Mr 10Percent: First I'd say that if you think a BL19/18 combo sounds better than a BL5 - then that is your prerogative. No one can really argue with that. Its how you hear it. My opinion is different to yours but our opinions are equal. As to Geoff Martin's opinion......."and he seems to have a better idea of what the speakers should sound like" - well that is rather neither here nor there really because of my first point. Anyway, no argument-starting intent here and thank you for the contribution.
I did not say that they do sound better. What I meant is that they might, with exceptions of course. BL5 has more power but it is a 13 year old design.
Beolab 5. The rest is just appearance. age does not matter.
What's this about the BV soundbar is better than a Beolab 9?
SlyParma:What's this about the BV soundbar is better than a Beolab 9?
I did the move from Beolab 5 to Beolab 18 / 19 combo. My livingroom was to small for the BL5 (min distancce is 1 meter from a wall). From a technical point of view the BL5 is the winner, no discussion. Please consider that you need space and they make a lot of fun when turning up the volume. BUT.... they only sound clear and crisp by using the SPDIF input. The SPDIF input is only available if the source of your Music system is sending "CD". With this limitation I was using the speakers in Option 1 (controlled by Beo4, not connected to a TV)Pro: Very good speaker which is now available for a decent price (second life)Con: Outdated as the SPDIF will only "open" with the CD command. Workaround needed via Digital pre-amp (i was using a Cambridge DacMagic Plus)
The Beolab 18 / 19 combo is great - look and feel and soundwise as well. VERY clear voices (prefered over the Beolab 5) and hasslefree setup by using wireless and in combination with an Essence for example. Summary: The gap between the Beoalb 5 and the 18/19 combo is not that big... if you have a normal livingroom and average volume
sorenfelden: Which sounds better: A pair of BL5s or a pair of BL18s with a BL19 - based on 320kps iTunes music files? If there's a difference, is it audible to people with normal hearing, i.e. non-audiophiles?
I'm not even keen on my BL18/19 combo! The BL19 adds very little. The A9 has better audio for me. So, BL5s for sure.
carlito:I did the move from Beolab 5 to Beolab 18 / 19 combo. My livingroom was to small for the BL5 (min distancce is 1 meter from a wall). From a technical point of view the BL5 is the winner, no discussion. Please consider that you need space and they make a lot of fun when turning up the volume. BUT.... they only sound clear and crisp by using the SPDIF input. The SPDIF input is only available if the source of your Music system is sending "CD". With this limitation I was using the speakers in Option 1 (controlled by Beo4, not connected to a TV) Pro: Very good speaker which is now available for a decent price (second life) Con: Outdated as the SPDIF will only "open" with the CD command. Workaround needed via Digital pre-amp (i was using a Cambridge DacMagic Plus) The Beolab 18 / 19 combo is great - look and feel and soundwise as well. VERY clear voices (prefered over the Beolab 5) and hasslefree setup by using wireless and in combination with an Essence for example. Summary: The gap between the Beoalb 5 and the 18/19 combo is not that big... if you have a normal livingroom and average volume
moxxey:I'm not even keen on my BL18/19 combo! The BL19 adds very little. The A9 has better audio for me. So, BL5s for sure.
Michael: Did you replace BL5 with BL18/19 as well? Interesting to see such difference between yours and carlitos comments.
Did you replace BL5 with BL18/19 as well? Interesting to see such difference between yours and carlitos comments.
I did have a pair of BL5s, but they were sold a few years ago. I've also owned two pairs of BL9s, too. And a BL3/BL2 combo (which I still have).
The BL18s are too 'bright' for me. It's fine if you like that kind of audio - some do - such as classical or live music, perhaps, but it doesn't sound my kind of music: electronic.
Michael: Do you really think A9 sounds better than the combo?
Do you really think A9 sounds better than the combo?
Yes. The A9 has become a solid performer after a few years of use. It's a powerful speaker, particularly for electronic music. I can imagine some people might think it has a little too much bass though.
hsorlie: Strange. I have only heard The Lab 5s in the store myself, and they are impressive. No doubt about that. I have the 18/19-combo myself however, playing via WiSA from a Moment, and I love the combination. I don't agree with you that the 19 adds very little.
Strange. I have only heard The Lab 5s in the store myself, and they are impressive. No doubt about that. I have the 18/19-combo myself however, playing via WiSA from a Moment, and I love the combination. I don't agree with you that the 19 adds very little.
In my opinion, the BL19 adds little extra for the price you pay for the BL19, when listening to regular audio. For movies, it might be a different experience.
Of course, there *is* a difference with the BL19, but not that huge. It's barely that much better than the old BL11! I have two BL11s and swapped the BL19 for the BL11 a few weeks ago and there's not much difference.
Personally, I'd go with the BL20s over the BL18s, if I was going to buy again.
I think that is the right question: BL18 + BL19 vs BL20.
Well here's a thought for you...
At a recent visit to a B&O dealer I was asking about the BL20s as I fancied an change, or more specifically an upgrade. I was considering second hand BL5s or brand new BL20s.
When he asked me what my current speakers were, and I said BL9s, he said, "Well don't bother changing to the BL20s then because you won't notice a difference; they just look slightly different." This didn't particularly inspire me and I was left somewhat confused as I assumed there would be a significant difference between the two. What he did suggest was to buy a pair of pre-owned BL5s (which he doesn't sell) and move the BL9s to the back.
So now I am not really sure what to think between these 3 speaker choices in terms of performance and technical difference. I can accommodate any of the sizes and like all the designs.
B&O products are V1-32, BS2, H95, E8 and an Essence remote.11-46 now replaced with Sony A90J 65”, Sony HT-A9, Sony UBP-X800M2 and Sony SRS-NS7.
sorenfelden: Which sounds better: A pair of BL5s or a pair of BL18s with a BL19 - based on 320kps iTunes music files? If there's a difference, is it audible to people with normal hearing, i.e. non-audiophiles? Mostly play commercial remixes, dance etc., i.e. relatively bass heavy.
Sorry, but for the 320kbps iTunes file Beolab 4 speakers are suitable. If you buy BL5 they deserve uncompressed music from a CD or FLAC etc.
TWG:If you buy BL5 they deserve uncompressed music from a CD or FLAC etc.
TWG: Sorry, but for the 320kbps iTunes file Beolab 4 speakers are suitable. If you buy BL5 they deserve uncompressed music from a CD or FLAC etc.
B**lsh*t - a 320kbps file can sound pretty impressive.
It is much more the quality of the recording and the mastering, that matters.
And why flash the BL4 - they are a different kind of species.
MM
There is a tv - and there is a BV
BAND'OH!: Well here's a thought for you... At a recent visit to a B&O dealer I was asking about the BL20s as I fancied an change, or more specifically an upgrade. I was considering second hand BL5s or brand new BL20s. When he asked me what my current speakers were, and I said BL9s, he said, "Well don't bother changing to the BL20s then because you won't notice a difference; they just look slightly different." This didn't particularly inspire me and I was left somewhat confused as I assumed there would be a significant difference between the two. What he did suggest was to buy a pair of pre-owned BL5s (which he doesn't sell) and move the BL9s to the back. So now I am not really sure what to think between these 3 speaker choices in terms of performance and technical difference. I can accommodate any of the sizes and like all the designs.
Interesting, and goes against what I have heard from a few other sources. Hmm.
B**lsh*t, a 320kbps file can sound pretty impressive - it is much more the quality of the recording and the mastering, that matters.
sorenfelden should listen the music, he prefers (if possible at home) and choose the speakers, he likes the most.
And why flash the BL4 - they are a different kind of species?
Millemissen: B**lsh*t, a 320kbps file can sound pretty impressive - it is much more the quality of the recording and the mastering, that matters.
The better the recording the better is the audible difference between the compressed file and the uncompressed file.You can clearly hear the differences on good speakers! On my Beolab 1 I can clearly hear the difference between the MP3-Version (320kbit/s) of a file and the CD/FLAC.Sure, if you have recordings from the "Top 100" music charts with high compression and maximum loudness it doesn't matter which speakers you use.I only mentioned the Beolab 4 because this is the category of speakers that is suitable for compressed music. As are speakers like the Beolit 15 or the A1 etc.
Millemissen: sorenfelden should listen the music, he prefers (if possible at home) and choose the speakers, he likes the most. MM
In this point I agree with you.
My opinion is that BL5 is the better option if SQ is what you will base your decision on.
I own a pair and they are amazing. But not that environ friendly that B&O claims. They need to be carefully placed in the room and the bass management algorithm is not up to date thats for sure.
I listened to the Beolab 20 when they came out and they are good. But not near the quality of BL5. Are they better then BL9? Yes I think so. Should I upgrade to bl20 from a pair of 9s and pay roughly 2500£? No I shouldn't.
This is just my opinion and shouldn't be taken to seriously.
Happy listening
Wilderwein:My opinion is that BL5 is the better option if SQ is what you will base your decision on. I own a pair and they are amazing. But not that environ friendly that B&O claims. They need to be carefully placed in the room and the bass management algorithm is not up to date thats for sure. I listened to the Beolab 20 when they came out and they are good. But not near the quality of BL5. Are they better then BL9? Yes I think so. Should I upgrade to bl20 from a pair of 9s and pay roughly 2500£? No I shouldn't. This is just my opinion and shouldn't be taken to seriously. Happy listening
Barry Santini: If nothing else, the new BL90 points out how much room reflections can influence/degrade speaker performance. Keep that in mind whatever speaker you audition, both in the store and at home. B
If nothing else, the new BL90 points out how much room reflections can influence/degrade speaker performance. Keep that in mind whatever speaker you audition, both in the store and at home.
B
When it comes to 'listening and judging issues' - this article might be also helpfull: http://www.tonmeister.ca/wordpress/2016/04/20/bo-tech-location-location-location/
BAND'OH!:Well here's a thought for you... At a recent visit to a B&O dealer I was asking about the BL20s as I fancied an change, or more specifically an upgrade. I was considering second hand BL5s or brand new BL20s. When he asked me what my current speakers were, and I said BL9s, he said, "Well don't bother changing to the BL20s then because you won't notice a difference; they just look slightly different." This didn't particularly inspire me and I was left somewhat confused as I assumed there would be a significant difference between the two. What he did suggest was to buy a pair of pre-owned BL5s (which he doesn't sell) and move the BL9s to the back. So now I am not really sure what to think between these 3 speaker choices in terms of performance and technical difference. I can accommodate any of the sizes and like all the designs.
BAND'OH!:When he asked me what my current speakers were, and I said BL9s, he said, "Well don't bother changing to the BL20s then because you won't notice a difference; they just look slightly different." This didn't particularly inspire me and I was left somewhat confused as I assumed there would be a significant difference between the two. What he did suggest was to buy a pair of pre-owned BL5s (which he doesn't sell) and move the BL9s to the back.
While it might be better to have 2xBL5 and 2xBL9 than "just" a pair of BL20's, I would argue that the Beolab 20 is a completely different loudspeaker than Beolab 9.
Whether or not you prefer it is up to the listener...
Cheers
-g
Geoff Martin: While it might be better to have 2xBL5 and 2xBL9 than "just" a pair of BL20's, I would argue that the Beolab 20 is a completely different loudspeaker than Beolab 9. Whether or not you prefer it is up to the listener... Cheers -g
Thats interesting to hear :). Geoff, could you say if it would be better to use WISA over PL purely sound wise? I always prefer cables to wireless if I can but power link is analog and WISA is not. Could this be a good reason to upgrade from BL9 as well? Another thing regarding the BL9, I can hear a slight buzz from my BL9´s even from my couch, when they aren't playing music but still are turned on. Is this buzzing less evident on BL20 or is it the same?
I was by the way looking at this picture from your website: http://www.tonmeister.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/bl9_electronics.jpg. You write there that the power board is not shown, but I believe that it is the power board that is shown, and not the module with ams (this would be more interesting to see ).And one final question!
BL2 has a frequency range down to 23 hz and BL9 has a frequency range down to 30hz. Would not this mean that BL2 would perform better as a subwoofer than BL9 in at least the way that it can reproduce lower frequencies? Or is it very bad at the frequencies below 30, so the difference isn't interesting?Cheers! //Michael
I'm sure others can chime in, but Geoff is absolutely right of course. To me, the 20 sounds very different from he BL9's (I've got both). I would argue that the difference isn't slight. That being said, if you've got the space, then I can't argue with the purchase of the BL5's second hand, especially if they're coming to you with a warranty, they're fantastic speakers. But if you value the somewhat portability, WISA, and sonically what many have said come close (but not too close) to the BL5's, I can wholeheartedly recommend the BL20s, they're a really good Beolab value for what you're getting.
The Lab 20 is significantly better than the Lab 9, a different animal apart from the similar looks.
The Lab 5s are in a different league to 18/19 combo.
Lab 18/19 similar in performance to Lab 20.
Just my opinion based on listening to them all on a daily basis...
Interesting to read this. Any other thoughts on BL 18 + BL19 vs BL20 ?