What do you think about the beolab 12-3?

Hi everybody

I am planning to replace my 8000 rear speakers by a pair of white 12-3.

There are few informations and opinion about these on this forum.

So please, if you own a pair or are able to compare them to bl3, 8000 ... express your opinion.

As front speakers I have a pair of bl3 and beolab 5000 and I have a separate bl14 sub

I don't like them at all. The design (white, chrome, way too early 90s/late 80s to me), the sound (very flat) and the lack of alts, which give me the bright sound I prefer.

I'd much prefer another pair of BL3s! Or BL17s?

You asked for our opinion :)

Your opinion is always welcome moxxey! Thanks

But you say there is no alt, there is an acoustic lens in each beolab 12-3.

Your choice, but (although I like the BL12-3's) I would not replace BL8000 with them.

Sove your money for a rainy day

 

You have a 'seperate BL14 sub' - please tell us about that - how does it behave iin a system without the BL14 satelites?

Have you compared to using another of the BL-subs?

 

MM

Hi MM,

If I look to their specifications, I don't know why they won't be as good as the bl3 (alt+more power) or the bl8000. But I didn't heard them.

That's why I ask for some advises.

For the 80/90's look of it, when you already have a pair of beolab 5000 as front speakers this question is just a detail:).

I have used the bl2, heard the bl11. The bl14 is far enough powerfull for my need and as efficient as the bl2.

The bl2 was so rumbly into my room that it was unusable for stereo listening.

It has the big advantage to allow me to use in the future 2 other in ceiling b&0 speakers in order to improve the surround effect.

Hi olvisab,

I have heard them on different occations.

They sound very good, imo - but I would never advice someone to buy loudspeakers because I like them.

You should always listen to them in your own place!

A good dealer should make that possible!

As for the looks - again, this is a matter of personal taste. If they fit in well with your room (and your taste), it is a good choice.

I guess they need a litte space around them to reaveal their beauty (that is, if you like the looks) - whereas the BL8000 can melt more into/disappear more into the surrounding, where they are placed.

I would have them on a stand - in order to find the right place for them as surround speakers.

 

The 14 sub? How is it set up? As a BL2 or as a BL11?

Does it go well with the BL5000 (which I also have as fronts)?

And why do you have the BL3's as well for fronts?

 

MM

I use the beolab 11 type for the bl 14 and I am satisfied by the results.

The reason why I use both the bl3 and beolab 5000 as front speakers is because the bl5000 give a wider stage and a rounder sound.

The best of the two worlds ( alt+ice, AB+height+bass reflection).

For jazz or classic the differences are phenomenal and it reveals the limits of the b3.

I will post a picture of my setup when all the wires will be in the wall.

These little white bl3 under these monumental bl5000, well it is unusual:)

The beolab 8000 are good speakers but the idea was to recall at the rear the quite same set up than on the front : acoustic lens at the bottom at the same level than the bl3 ( at ears level) and the top of the bl12-3 recall the aluminium of the 5000.

olvisab:

I am planning to replace my 8000 rear speakers by a pair of white 12-3.

I recently borrowed a pair of bl12.2s for the week end. I tried them on stands and near and on the wall with and without a bl2. After a lot of testing and moving I found they really came into their own on a wall. The bl2 at its lowest setting in a free standing position complimented the bl12s.

If you get the bl12.3 with its bigger base and use a sub which will disable the base in the speakers, would you not consider the bl12.2 ?

A friend bought a pair after hearing them in my place.  Would I replace 8000,s with them ? Hard call but I will buy a pair of 12.3 to go with my 4500 as I cannot get a pair of 5000,s.

I think they are a great sounding and looking speaker.

As always you need to try them in your own place.

I am very interested in the difference between the bl2 and the bl14

Hi eddie,

It is hard for me to borrow a pair and if I buy a pair, it will be certainly on the second hand market.

I have 10 meters between the fronts and rears with sofa in the middle so I need enough powefull speakers on the back. According to the specifications , the 12-3 are far more powerfull than the 12-2.

You are welcome for testing your beolab 2 in my home this summer !

Hi,

I replaced my BL8000s by a pair of wall mounted BL12.3 because I wanted to free space on the floor. The BL2 was replaced by a BL11 standing on a sideboard. A very unusual combination, but in my 3.1 setup working very well.

hfat

Hi hfat

So your conclusion? As good as your 8000+bl2

Why 3.1? You mean 2.1, unless you count your central speaker

Depends on the volume at which you want to use it. BL11 is good at moderate volume level. When playing at high volume it comes to its limits

I use BL 7.6 as center connected to a beosystem 2

olvisab:

if I buy a pair, it will be certainly on the second hand market

Guessing they are not common on second hand market, particularly if you are color specific.

Interested in your offer of comparing subs. My lab 2 is still unpacked.( as well as everything else)