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
Beolab 28s Beolab 9s Beolab 12-3s Beolab 1s Beolab 6000s 2 pairs Beolab 4000s Beovision 7-55 Beovision 10-40 Beoplay V1 32 inch Beovision Avant 32 inch Beosound 1 (CD player) Beosound 3000 Beosound 5 Core Essence MKII Beoplay M5
I have black 5's at home. One of them has a small nick in the fabric from hitting something maybe during moving. I personally would stick with black. It hides a lot, also I have seen the white ones in the store and don't like that you can see through where the speakers are.
It's not that I don't like the white, I just think it's a long term investment and black makes more sense.
(maybe you could add a pic of the room, so others could help you decide)
Why don't you get someone to change the colour of the cloth to match the BeoLab 9 blue. I notice you are in the states but there are quite a few people over here in the UK who change colours of B&O fabrics. I had a BeoVision 10-46 fret changed for a client to match the green on his old BeoLab 6000's and 4000's and they absolutely loved it.
fishta:Why don't you get someone to change the colour of the cloth to match the BeoLab 9 blue.
Good idea.
Also, just found this company. If you really like white, try it.
http://www.timeless-av.co.uk/refurbishment/
White in anything B&O looks the most elegant and sexy. That's my opinion anyway for the day!!
fishta:Why don't you get someone to change the colour of the cloth to match the BeoLab 9 blue. I notice you are in the states but there are quite a few people over here in the UK who change colours of B&O fabrics. I had a BeoVision 10-46 fret changed for a client to match the green on his old BeoLab 6000's and 4000's and they absolutely loved it.
lukeswiss:Good idea. Also, just found this company. If you really like white, try it. http://www.timeless-av.co.uk/refurbishment/
I'm beginning to wonder what white would look like on mine at home, I have dark timber floors. Would be a nice contrast.
lukeswiss:I'm beginning to wonder what white would look like on mine at home
In the next few weeks it would look "in season" ;-)
Definitely give Darren at Timeless AV a shout. He is who did the fabric for me for the Green BeoVision 10. Really good job and he is a great guy who helped me out a lot in my B&O days.
Bugger the green!! WHITE BABY!! It's sexy!!
Rex: Bugger the green!! WHITE BABY!! It's sexy!!
I have both black and white covers for my 9's. The 9's look incredibly beautiful in white.
They do however need regular cleaning. I'd make sure you vacuum them a few times weekly to stop the dust settling.
In our case, we do have lots of people over and we have a large Giant Schnauzer.... the covers do get marked. They do clean up ok though in the bath. Give them a good soak and light scrub with a microfibre cloth.
For now I have the black back on (we have another party on 26 December).. I dont want to have to clean the white covers again so quickly.
Either Black or white are the colours to go with i think... classic.
David
Beovision 8-40, Beocentre 6-26, Beocentre 2, Beolab 9's, Beogram 7000, Beogram 9500, Beo 5, Beolit 1000, 800, 700, 600, 400, Beocom 6's, Beotalk 1200
David Coyne: Rex: Bugger the green!! WHITE BABY!! It's sexy!! I have both black and white covers for my 9's. The 9's look incredibly beautiful in white. They do however need regular cleaning. I'd make sure you vacuum them a few times weekly to stop the dust settling. In our case, we do have lots of people over and we have a large Giant Schnauzer.... the covers do get marked. They do clean up ok though in the bath. Give them a good soak and light scrub with a microfibre cloth. For now I have the black back on (we have another party on 26 December).. I dont want to have to clean the white covers again so quickly. Either Black or white are the colours to go with i think... classic. David
I'd agree re either white or black being timeless and classic colours. I also agree the white is beautiful - albeit I would worry about having to dust/vacuum/regularly clean in case of marks - wear or 'roughing' up the texture of the grill cloth, - or with a vacuum cleaner turned up accidentally too high, damaging a driver.
There is a solution though, in that B&O make covers for most of their speakers - covers for both the 5's and 9's are available.
I've had my V1-40 now for just on 4 1/2 months, and despite it not being as 'glamorous' and beautiful as an BV11, it's still a stunning TV which I greatly admire re it's aesthetic, picture and sound quality, and regard as one of the best consumer purchases I've ever made in terms of overall ownership satisfaction, which is very high.
I've been umming and aahing about speakers to go with it, and moving on from my current separates system into a full B&O AV system, ever since it arrived and I fell in love with it (OK, not as deeply as I would were it an BV11..lol) - and have decided that for the time being I can't justify stretching to 5's with other commitments; Lab 3's are wonderful, but too much of a sonic sideways step from what I already have, second hand is, after much ruminating not going to really satisfy me, so...... I have had a very extensive 3 hr demo of Lab 9's in conjunction with the V1-40 at my dealer last week, on my music and movie clips, and have decided to purchase a new pair of Beolab 9's in black - AND because they will be placed near a window, which in Australia carries UV issues, have ordered the covers for them - A$205.00
So, perhaps white grill cloth with covers might be a solution for the OP? - and maybe for you David with Gorgeous Danes... oops, that should be Schnauzer... lolling about the place
Kind regards
John....
Hi John and congrats on your new purchase, after having a few issues which I encountered with my loewe i have been weighing up my options in regards to what tv to get next.
I do have a few in the running but the other day i saw the v1 again and it does have a really jaw dropping picture, the design still takes some getting used to but it is starting to grow on me more and more now.
Sounds like this is going off topic but I'm not... You said that you demoed the v1 alongside some beolab 9s, how did the v1 sound acting as a centre in conjunction with the lab 9s???
was the dialogue still coming across nice an clear?
Once again congrats!!
Beoplay A2
markiedee: Hi John and congrats on your new purchase, after having a few issues which I encountered with my loewe i have been weighing up my options in regards to what tv to get next. I do have a few in the running but the other day i saw the v1 again and it does have a really jaw dropping picture, the design still takes some getting used to but it is starting to grow on me more and more now. Sounds like this is going off topic but I'm not... You said that you demoed the v1 alongside some beolab 9s, how did the v1 sound acting as a centre in conjunction with the lab 9s??? was the dialogue still coming across nice an clear? Once again congrats!!
Hi Mark,
Many thanks for the congratulations! - it's been a long road of a lot of thought and reading, plus listening to competing loudspeakers to come to this point, of finally starting to piece my B&O system together and with it, the move away from separates and audiophile obsessing about kit rather than simply having something of very high quality in the home reproducing ones media to a level of involvement and satisfaction that is again, very high, audiophile disdain for B&O notwithstanding!
If I may go slightly off topic.... I visited my local dealer twice the week before last, to discuss with him where my present system speakers (Naim SBL's) would sit in comparison to B&O's products. My particular dealer is something of a recovering audiophile, having worked in high end audio for many years, and is extremely knowledgeable, including having sold Naim in the past as well. I also wanted to address the question of buying pre-owned, warranties on such kit, and possible repair costs etc.
From discussion and from listening, my conclusions were that Lab 3's would better my SBL's in terms of resolution and transient response, but the SBL's would have more bass punch and drive - so a bit of a sideways move. I also came to the conclusion that as I'm a really fussy sod with my kit, buying pre-owned is not going to cut it for me long term, so I made a decision to buy new.
Having bought a car this year, and the V1-40, that pretty much lets out the Lab 5's with other commitments and interests to absorb funds. Consequently, the Lab 9, second only to the mighty 5, became my focus.
I arranged an late afternoon/after hours demo last week, of the Lab 9's in conjunction with the V1-40, at the store, and a Sony Playstation 3 was used as the source connected via HDMI.
The service was impeccable, amongst, if not the best I've ever received at any Hifi demo. I had assembled two CDR's full of a wide mixture of my own music, classical, jazz, pop, etc, and some very demanding HiFi breaking material amongst it.
I wanted to assess the Lab 9's on MY music, but also importantly, in conjunction with the V1. Lets not forget, this is not just a TV, but also a pre-amp, DAC and surround sound processor built into the one cabinet.
The combination of Sony Playstation 3 source, V1 and Lab 9's, over a 3 hour audition period, outperformed my present ES Sony/Naim SBL combination, and by a clear and significant margin IMHO.
Musically, listening in two channel mode (Lab 9's connected to V1) I'd say judged by the results, that the pre-amp/DAC/SS processor in the V1 is top tier.
I also very much wanted to audition how the V1 would stand up alongside the lab 9's in the context of a surround sound combination - after all the Lab 9 is B&O's second from the top of the line speaker, and the V1 is the entry level TV, and I had some misgivings how this would work, as unlike the Lab 9's, I've never heard a V1 in AV/Surround sound mode.
To say that I was surprised, delighted and relieved is an understatement.
The blend between centre and left and right is seamless, and at times I was on the floor on my hands and knees to make sure the V1 centre was running - you couldn't distinguish it as a 'separate' speaker, which is very much as it should be, yet, dialogue was firmly locked into the centre of the picture and dialogue intelligibility was very high - much, much better than my SBL's running in phantom mode.
With that, I was basically sold - all my questions and concerns had been addressed.
I visited the dealer yesterday with a Bank Cheque and the Lab 9's will be built in Struer on the 6th December; ETA in Australia is the 14th - the dealer has a direct link to the server in Struer, and everything is built to order hence the ability to quote exact dates etc. Very impressive.
I've also ordered the lovely B&O accessory covers for them due concerns about windows and UV light in Australian conditions.
In a last word on the V1 + Lab 9's on movies, I noticed the B&O logic table set the crossover to 120hz - and at one point on some very loud action on Avatar the dealer cranked it up to 83 on the volume control - max is 90, and it was just clean, clear, incredibly loud and dynamic - the V1 had no difficulties whatsoever - I'm highly, highly impressed with that TV and so pleased that I bought it. I'd also point out that the adjustability of the processor in the setup menus on the V1 is more like something one would expect on a professional device - far more so than either my Sony ES or a friends current Yamaha AV amp for example.
So, hope that helps, and, back on topic.. in the choice between black and white Lab 9's I think white is more beautiful, but black is perhaps more timeless and classic, but certainly more practical - in conjunction with the covers I hope they'll stay pristine for many years.
It looks as if not only has my Eagle landed in the form of the V1-40, but it has started to spread its wings! I can hardly wait until the new Lab 9's arrive - very excited and very pleased here...
John: With that, I was basically sold - all my questions and concerns had been addressed. I visited the dealer yesterday with a Bank Cheque and the Lab 9's will be built in Struer on the 6th December; ETA in Australia is the 14th - the dealer has a direct link to the server in Struer, and everything is built to order hence the ability to quote exact dates etc. Very impressive. I've also ordered the lovely B&O accessory covers for them due concerns about windows and UV light in Australian conditions.
congratulations John on a thorough investigation and excellent outcome ... and they will be here in time for Christmas ... excellent !
I am sure you will have a VERY Happy Christmas this year !!
BeoNut since '75
John:I can hardly wait until the new Lab 9's arrive - very excited and very pleased here...
Nice one ! Enjoy
Wow John for your in depth opinion, it's making me want to go out and get a v1 now lol... i also like the fact that the centre speaker in the v1 tonally matched with the lab 9s without no holes in the sound it's good to know that it can still deliver the crisp dialogue whilst playing alongside the powerful lab 9s.
thanks again for your input and i bet you can't wait till you receive your lab 9s.
Congrats John! A very exciting purchase that I'm sure will bring you a lot of enjoyment.
elephant: John: With that, I was basically sold - all my questions and concerns had been addressed. I visited the dealer yesterday with a Bank Cheque and the Lab 9's will be built in Struer on the 6th December; ETA in Australia is the 14th - the dealer has a direct link to the server in Struer, and everything is built to order hence the ability to quote exact dates etc. Very impressive. I've also ordered the lovely B&O accessory covers for them due concerns about windows and UV light in Australian conditions. congratulations John on a thorough investigation and excellent outcome ... and they will be here in time for Christmas ... excellent ! I am sure you will have a VERY Happy Christmas this year !!
Thank you for your kind comments and congratulations Elephant - it means a lot really, as I'm not in a position to just flash a platinum card and say "give me this", - things have to be thought about and evaluated - but in part that's also because I'm a picky sod with both classical musical training and performance behind me, as well as many years experience in this 'hobby'.
Also, as an owner of what most would already regard as a high end system, I'm still a bit anal about sound, and need pretty comprehensive investigation and audition to be fully convinced of the worthwhileness of an upgrade that will do more than just address the aesthetic and clutter issues of separates.
I really do think that many audiophiles do themselves a huge disservice by dismissing B&O - that it can look so beautiful, and fit so easily and unobtrusively into ones lifestyle, instead of dominating it, and yet offer such stunning audio performance is just wonderful, and I'm totally sold!
So thank you, and also to all my friends here on Beoworld for your most kind comments - very much appreciated..
John..
valve1: John:I can hardly wait until the new Lab 9's arrive - very excited and very pleased here... Nice one ! Enjoy
Thank you valve1 - it's the culmination of a bit of a dream really - not quite Lab 5's I must admit, but still better than my present kit and about 90% of the HiFi out there IMHO.
It's the second major piece of B&O after my V1, and I'm delighted to be making improvements to the quality of reproduced sound at home, but also something so much more stylish and accommodating of my lifestyle (rather than expecting me to accommodate to it) of my present separates system.
John...
markiedee: Wow John for your in depth opinion, it's making me want to go out and get a v1 now lol... i also like the fact that the centre speaker in the v1 tonally matched with the lab 9s without no holes in the sound it's good to know that it can still deliver the crisp dialogue whilst playing alongside the powerful lab 9s. thanks again for your input and i bet you can't wait till you receive your lab 9s.
Thank you to for your kind comments Mark.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and perhaps if I knew when I bought the V1 that the BV11 was going to arrive, I might have held off and tried to save the extra to get the BV11, as it's clearly a more beautiful TV than a V1, with even better picture and sound.
However, as it is for many, money doesn't grow on trees for me, and had I gone that way, then perhaps on total cost for a system grounds it would've been a pair of Lab 3's I'd be ordering, whereas for someone like me who listens critically and extensively to classical music predominately, but also likes movies a great deal, the combination re a balance of costs and performance as a system, is better addressed I think with the V1 + Lab 9's rather than BV11 + Lab 3's.
Well, that's what I'm telling myself anyway lol... - I'm very happy with the combination I heard re Lab 9's and my V1, but if the opportunity comes up to get a BV11 and move the V1 to the bedroom, and to get Lab 5's and move the Lab 9's to surround position later on... lol... damn, the Beovirus can bite hard at times...lol
But no, I'm a 'recovering' audiophile who already owns a relatively high end separates system, and one who has for a long time wanted to move right away from all the audiophile or if you will audiophool hype, politics, pseudo science and arguably unhealthy obsessive behaviour, and to get a system that would offer at least as good or better sonics and picture quality, whilst having an elegant and interesting design aesthetic, preferably active to minimise the box count and give the best performance for the dollar ratio, and with an intuitive and pleasing control interface.
With B&O, I finally feel as if I have found that goal, and returned to a place where I started, where as a musician and music lover I bought my first HiFi, thoroughly enjoyed music on it for many years, and had scant thoughts of audiophile obsessions that atypically go with the HiFi high end scene.
Whilst it is undoubtedly noted for it's aesthetic design, IMHO B&O is also a system for the music or movie connoisseur who wants a system that is arguably plug and play, yet offers the very highest performance such as to allow the music lover to enjoy musical performances in the home, free from all the audiophile hype and obsession, and it is for this reason more than any other that I have chosen to invest in B&O for my entertainment system in the home for the years that lie ahead.
jkhamler: Congrats John! A very exciting purchase that I'm sure will bring you a lot of enjoyment.
Thank you Jonathon - as a fellow B&O and V1 owner you also know of the passion, or is that just the Beovirus that is starting to grip me ever harder?...lol
I see the Lab 9's as lifting the performance quite a bit over and above what I already have, but also freeing up a lot of space and delivering a lot of style for the home - very much a win win in my book...
Hope the singing is coming along well...
Best Regards
Beofan53:Hi John, A very good opinion/test with the V1 and BL9. Worth reading! I am sure you will have a very musical Christmas. Enjoy your new set-up. And yes, we love pictures and your opinion of your set-up.
A very good opinion/test with the V1 and BL9. Worth reading!
I am sure you will have a very musical Christmas. Enjoy your new set-up. And yes, we love pictures and your opinion of your set-up.
Thank you for your kind coments - I'd like to think that whatever I write that I'm as fair, open and unbiased as possible - not always easy if you own B&O.
But I've been in this hobby for a long time, so take a lot of care with auditions and the forming of opinions/judgements, and don't like to comment unless I'm fully confident of my facts.
If I feel inspired, I may write a more in-depth review of either my shop experience, or perhaps when I get them at home in a few weeks....
But yes, really looking forward to getting them, and of course with shipping, fingers crossed for no shipping damage etc.
Thank you again for your kind comments all,