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 have been a huge fan of Bang & Olufsen since I was about 6 years old back in the late 80's when my brother brought his first system but only just at the stage where I feel comfortable enough to slowly grow my setup, it started with a BeoPlay A2 and I was hooked all over again and wasn't long before I put in a order for a BeoVision 11-46 and chose this size because of its dimensions along side the BeoLab 8000/8002/18 which I now wish to add and was looking for some advice. I've been looking at two pairs of speakers, one a set of MK1's from 1997 in mint condition apart from some sagging to the fret but as I'm having them change to white this isn't an issue and the other are a set of 2007 with a couple of light marks, only one is noticeable and as these are £500 more I wanted to ask you guys which you'd go for? Was originally going to just buy a BeoLab 11 for now but saw these and that all changed so the sub will be put on the back burner until at least Christmas time if this makes a difference.
Side note I usually only have my BeoVision 11 at around a volume of 60. Just feel I'm missing something and hoping buy adding these it'll fix that. Also intend to wall mount them.
Thanks in advance
Sitting Room BeoVision 11-46 Motorised Floor Stand - BeoLab 11 - BeoRemote One - BeoCom 5 - Beogram 3000 (Type 5228) - Cambridge Audio Alva Solo Preamp - Oppo BDP93EU - Apple TV 4K (2gen) - 3D Glasses Kitchen BeoSound 1 - BeoRemote Halo - BeoCom 6000 mk2 Bedroom BeoSound 35 - BeoRemote One - BeoTime Bathroom BeoSound Level Utility Room BeoSound Level Home Office BeoSound 2 - BeoRemote Halo - BeoCom 6000 Mk2 Home Gym BeoLab 28 On The Go H95 - H7 - E8 3.0 - H5 - A2
I personally like the Mk 1s, it's a 3 way design with a passive crossover network for one of the bass drivers, and an active crossover network for the mid-bass and tweeter. This was more complicated and expensive than the later units that were just two way. I think it's a better setup than the later models where more bass was what was desired. Many people will prefer what they perceive to be more bass during an audition. I use a small sub with mine so that the BL8000s don't have the lowest tones to deal with. Pounding out low bass notes isn't in the wheelhouse of most small drivers like the ones in the BL8000s, but they do very well on everything else. It all comes down to personal preference and what you like. You should try to listen to the same material on both sets and see if you notice any difference.
I should have mentioned that you need to replace the foam packing in the older units. It's very easy (but messy) and inexpensive.
Thank you bill for replying and for your feedback, the MK1's are in better condition and nearly half the price with only one tiny mark on the cap which is tiny and can be replaced, the black frets have seen better days but having them changed to white so not an issue. Will be using them with the BeoVision which I mainly use to listen to music and occasionally watch a movie and some regular tv so was wondering if they'd make a noticeable improvement there and work well with the BV11's speaker acting has a centre channel. Was going to purchase a BeoLab 11 this month as they've now been discontinued but they'll have to wait and get a good used one later in the year. Unfortunately I have no way to compare both so buying them blind, I've listened to the BeoLab 18's which I love but prefer to look of the BeoLab 8000's not to mention the price. Was worried about the reliability issues relating to the MK1's but I trust you when you say that they're the purer sounding speaker. Dealer said they've been checked and in fantastic working order, must admit I'm a little worried with them being two decades old and hope they last or not to expensive to repair if they fail or can indeed be repaired.