3s, 5s, or 9s?

40 replies
RA
Offline
Razlaw
Bronze
Posted August 2, 2012 at 14:01 GMT
#1974966

I know this has been discussed before, and I think I know what the answer will be, but maybe there are some new thoughts.

I have a BV7-55 with a 7-4, 9s in front, and 3s 4000s in rear. I want ALT all around so am interested in buying some new speakers.

I typically do not listen to volumes much above in the 50s although occasionally might turn it up to 62-64.

Doing a cost benefit analysis, where would I get the most improvement for the money spent?

option 1   new 5s in front, 9s move to rear

option 2, second pair of 9s, s 9s all around

option 3, 3s in the rear.

 

Thanks for any opinions.

B(
Offline
BeoJunkie (archived2)
Bronze
Posted August 2, 2012 at 14:26 GMT
#1974967
I have both 5's and 9's however they are used in different systems. If you are looking for more surround for action tv and movies I would say go for another pair of 3's especially keeping cost in mind. For music hands down my 5's are the best purchase I ever made.
T(
Offline
Tompasten (archived2)
Bronze
Posted August 2, 2012 at 15:01 GMT
#1974968

I'd say option 3

The calibration thing in the 5's is mostly just mumbo-jumbo that doesn't work that good, usually ending up sounding to thin.

The biggest difference between the 5's and the 9's has to be the bass output/total output( can play louder)  and the looks.

Surround channels usually don't need that much output, so the 9s in the back would be a bit of an overkill I believe.

M(
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moxxey (archived2)
Bronze
Posted August 2, 2012 at 15:14 GMT
#1974969

Having owned the BL5s, BL9s (two pairs) and BL3s, I've found the BL3s to be the best all-round speakers for most average sized rooms, for most scenarios (music and movies). They'd be fantastic as rears. I notice my local dealer uses BL5s as fronts and BL3s as rears, for example.

The BL5s are superb speakers. When mine first arrived, they'd been calibrated previously and were amazing. As soon as I calibrated them for my room (wooden floor, sash windows), they were never the same again! Also, as I live in a large apartment, there's no way I have the space nor the ability to play BL5s as they should be utilised. So, they were replaced with BL9s.

Personally, I'd go with BL9s at the front, BL3s at the back. I was always impressed with the BL9s when used with my BV7, particularly for movies.

RA
Offline
Razlaw
Bronze
Posted August 2, 2012 at 15:51 GMT
#1974970
I am surprised. I expected everybody to say the 5s. My primary desire is for movies, music second. Although for music if I went with 5s I could use the digital connection from my Beosound 5 which my dealer tells me would improve the quality for of the music.
B(
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BeoJunkie (archived2)
Bronze
Posted August 2, 2012 at 16:29 GMT
#1974971
That is true but in all honesty 9's in the rear is a complete waste. Sell your 9's and buy the 5's is really the way to go. I love the bass in the 5's however I also love the bass in a free standing sub like the lab2. I don't think you mentioned the sub. This may also influence your decision.
RA
Offline
Razlaw
Bronze
Posted August 2, 2012 at 16:34 GMT
#1974972
I disconnected my sub. I like the balanced sound of the bass from the 9s better than the sub.
RA
Offline
Razlaw
Bronze
Posted August 2, 2012 at 16:35 GMT
#1974973
The reason I was thinking 9s in the rear is I previously had 1s in the rear and loved the way they sounded, much better than my current 4000s. The 1s are now fronts in another room.
P(
Offline
Puncher (archived2)
Bronze
Posted August 2, 2012 at 16:44 GMT
#1974974

I think 3's were the concensus last time you asked this question too.

EL
Offline
elephant
BronzeFounder
Posted August 2, 2012 at 18:57 GMT
#1974975

Razlaw wrote:

option 1   new 5s in front, 9s move to rear

option 2, second pair of 9s, s 9s all around

option 3, 3s in the rear.

Nice dilemma.

Some thoughts ... rather than crisp advice.

Everyone, including Moxxey despite his experience, agree the BL5s are superb - so if you can afford it why not go option 1 ?

If on the other hand you want a balanced look and performance then clearly option 2 is the answer.

Since I am somewhat budget constrained I am personally likely to end up at option 3.

 

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