Beosound 2 vs Beolab 3

I have a pair of Beolab 3 but I'm considering changing it to beosound 2. I know it is different in terms of connectivity options but what about sound quality in a relatively small room. Has anyone has a chance to compare the two products?

That should be an interesting comparison! Unfortunately not able to review myself. Hopefully someone else can elaborate on this topic.

My guess is that they are very close to each other with full and rich sound.

Hi, I have owned the lab3's and now have a BS2. The lab3's were used in the same room the BS2 is now in, connected to an essence, so not a bad source.

As you say different. But my thoughts are that if you are after stereo imaging and flexibility of source etc then stick with lab3's but if you are after a quality sound system/multi room set up the BS2 is awesome and I really enjoy it.

This is all subjective. It has similar top end quality due to tweeter set up but has a fuller bass thanks to its 3 way design - and because of this I think appears somehow louder than the lab3's in my room and believe me I like it loud from time to time (when everyone is out).

The separation between the instruments and vocals is also spot on. But that can be said for the lab3's as well of course.

It will depend on the music you listen to as well, I like electronic and rock which I think the BS2 is great at.

Both are b&o greats and excellent I think, so a nice decision for your to have.

I don't find myself missing the lab3's, but I was after a one box multi room speaker to replace the speakers and source set up in this particular room.

Any questions please ask

I have both - interested as to why you considering the switch?

My BS2 is in my home office, which is modestly sized. If it wasn't for connectivity flexibility, I wouldn't see much reason to change. Though the BS2 is excellent in itself

Thank you for your response. 

I'm moving abroad so I'm minimising items take. Since I have beolab 3 (red) plus DAC connect to apple airport express (which I normally only use airplay) I'm considering selling them or swapping them for beosound 2 instead.  I am guessing the price might be similar since I have a pair of floor stand as well.

just did a test for you (and my edification too!)

in the politest possible terms, don't swap them.....

my BL3s are the rears in my lounge setup. For my music speaker group i use a pair of BL18s and BL3s as one group, all set to be lefts or rights (i.e. the BL3 are not set to be surround). Anyway, thats what i'm used to, nice room filling sound, in a 20 by 20 lounge.

So i just listened to some music just using the BL3's and the BS2 just isn't as good. Again, the BS2 is excellent, but the experience is better with the 3's and the separation they give. And while the BS2 has very good bass, the BL3's on their own were absolutely fine bass wise.

My two cents anyway. (connectivity issues my push you towards the BS2, perfectly understandable of course)

 

I'd stick with the Beolab 3s as well. The best speakers in the world at that size.

My gut said BL3s would be better and it is good to hear tests are confirming that.

However, having a nomadic consultant in the '00s and surviving on laptops with A2 earphones, original BeoSound 2 with original A2s, BeoPort with BeoLab 4s (yes I moved them all in a suitcase from hotel to hotel), BeoLab 3s (less mobile and a challenge on a plane, luckily I had kept the boxes), and lately the new A2 and the new A1 for long weekends and holidays; ...

I say go with the BeoSound 2 !

Unless unlike me, you are just moving from point A to B and then you're done ... I would stick with BL3s