Are we really comparing a pair of crappy bluetooth "computer speakers" with the true engineering and audiophile marvel that are the Beolab 3? They are maybe comparable with the Devialet Phantom, but with less marketing crap and a better sound. No comparison possible with a pair of S3. 

Get the Beolab 3's they will sound miles better, no comparison really.

leosgonewild wrote:

This is like comparing a C230 with a SLK [:\'(]

but in this example which is the Beolab 3? ;-) 

Bech312 wrote:

Hi. 

I have the opportunity to make a good deal on a pair of Beolab 3’s. 

It’s for my kitchen and today I just have a Beoplay S3 (playing via Bluetooth) ok sound, connects easily. Does the job well  

Will the Beolab 3 play as fine as the Beoplay S3, even that the Beolab 3 doesn’t will be paired with a sub. Thinking of using a playmaker and play via an iPad  

It is mostly because of the design I’m thinking about a change ( I can use my Beoplay s3 in another room) but I don’t want to, if the music quality will be worse. I think a sub is too expensive to add to this project  

let me hear your thoughts - hope somebody can help me

Although the BL3 is an obsolete speaker in the B&O range, it's by no means obsolete in terms of its quality.  If you were able to pair these with a core rather than a PlayMaker you will be able to assign the BL3 as a speaker type and also stream high-res audio.  For some people they had issues with the PM (i never did), but just incase.  Or even an essence Mk2 (forget the Mk1)

I only had the pleasure of listening to the S3 once.  It was never stocked in the B&O shops in Melbourne.  And for me i found it to be quite reasonable.  But there is a reason why the S3 was only like $300 and the BL3 was $3000 in comparison.  The S3 is a bluetooth speaker and therefore stand alone, where as the BL3 is a design icon and the ability to be used in more situations than the S3.  The BL3 also has the acoustic lens and the ability to change the bass by its' in built switch. 

But they BOTH play music.  

With each BL3 you will have a power cord and an audio cable connecting to the BL3. 

But if you like the S3 stay with that.   I personally wouldn't.  I would go with the BL3 and especially as you can make a good deal on it. 

leosgonewild wrote:

The S3 was sold for 120€ by a phone-dealer in Finland. Without having to buy a phone.

How long did it last on the market? 6 months?

Bech312 wrote:

Hi. 

I have the opportunity to make a good deal on a pair of Beolab 3’s. 

It’s for my kitchen and today I just have a Beoplay S3 (playing via Bluetooth) ok sound, connects easily. Does the job well  

Will the Beolab 3 play as fine as the Beoplay S3, even that the Beolab 3 doesn’t will be paired with a sub. Thinking of using a playmaker and play via an iPad  

It is mostly because of the design I’m thinking about a change ( I can use my Beoplay s3 in another room) but I don’t want to, if the music quality will be worse. I think a sub is too expensive to add to this project  

 

let me hear your thoughts - hope somebody can help me

I’d say - get the BL3’s, they are excellent speakers especially considering the size.

Only if you plan to play laud and the room is rather big, you will need the sub.....but that is a rather general rule with smaller speakers.

A Playmaker will be fine (mine is fine), if you mainly use AirPlay. Best run it with a wired network connection.

But do think of the other possibilities mentioned from Michael - they will give you more possibilities.

And do keep your S3’s they are good speakers in their way.I have one, which I like - although it is not used that much, I don’t plan to get rid of it.

Only testing at your own place - before you change everything - can tell you, what is best for you.

But having both setups should be fine 🙂

Please do tell us how you get along, once you have decided.

MM