BeoLab 3 vs. BeoLab 12-2

4 replies
TK
Offline
TKWie
Bronze
Posted October 29, 2022 at 11:12 GMT
#1641447
Dear BeoWorld community,

I am thinking about swaping my BeoLab 12-2s for a pair oft BeoLab 3s. I have a BeoLab 11 subwoofer to back the bass reproduction.

Unfortunately I have never had the opportunity to listen to a pair of 3s so I was wondering wheather they sound any better than the 12-2s.

My room is quite small, about 11qm but 3,4m ceeling hight and I sit only about 1.3m away.

What would you advise to be the better speakers?

Best regards

Thorben
NQVHNWI
Offline
NQVHNWI
BronzeFounder
Posted October 30, 2022 at 09:51 GMT
Edited October 30, 2022 at 09:51 GMT
#1650182
I have never heard the BL12-2 but have plenty of BL3s.

I would state the BL3s are 2003-5 tech, the 12s a little later. However, it is likely they are just different form factors of the same/similar thing. Although good, I think todays modern Labs will probably blow them away.  The BL11 will however lift both speakers in terms of tonal response.

I think the question to ask is what are your labs used for (primary music, surround etc..) and how do they fit with your living and decor?

 

 
TK
Offline
TKWie
Bronze
Posted October 30, 2022 at 11:46 GMT
#1650185
Thanks for the response.

I only use them for primary music, I often play records on my turntable through them. I enjoy the precision of the Sound and I enjoy listening to them at a higher volume.
In my opinion the 12-2s sound great, especially for their size. But in comparison to other speakers, for instance the BeoLab 18s, they sound quite flat and hollow. I use them with a Marantz Pre-Amp with Audyssey Room Correction with wich they sound pretty good, however listening to them in normal mode with Room Calibration turned off, they sound pretty bad like described above.

I was wondering if the Lab 3s had a more rounded sound to them, not being quite as flat sounding?

Best Regards

Thorben
9_LEE
Offline
9_LEE
Bronze
Posted November 1, 2022 at 00:32 GMT
#1650242
I'd say the Lab 3's just about edge it - but don't expect huge sound from a wafer thin cabinet, or a very small cabinet.  The Lab 3's have more driver area (if you add the three up) but at the end of the day they're still small speakers so won't exactly rattle your teeth.

If you want big sound from a small cabinet, look at BeoLab 17's.  Vastly underrated and very much overlooked.

Lee

Location: Eastbourne England

or
BeoWorld Gold Membership card
Join BeoWorld

Register to access the forums, reference material, and exclusive member benefits — including our monthly prize draw.

Become a Member

December 2026 Prize Draw

Gold Members Only

As a Gold member you're automatically entered into our exclusive prize draw — your chance to win iconic Bang & Olufsen products. A unique benefit of BeoWorld Gold membership, every draw brings a new opportunity to win something special.

View Prize Go For Gold