Beolab 11 - any feedback?

27 replies

I have the option to purchase a couple of discounted ex-demo Beolab 11 subwoofers. However, I've seen mixed opinions on here about how much of a difference they make to an existing setup.

For instance, I'm thinking of pairing a BL11 with my BL3s, connected to a Beosound 4. I'm already very impressed with the rounded sound you get from the BL3s. In my experience of owning BL3s, BL9s and BL5s, in a small-medium sized room, you get a better sound from the BL3s than any other alt speaker (BL9s are better for movies, BL5s for large rooms). Would the addition of a BL11 subwoofer add to this sound?

Ideally I need to borrow a BL11 to test myself.

For small rooms the beolab 11 is perfect.

beolab 2 is NOT good for Music.

Try them at home and you will hear what i mean.

I think the BL11 is a nice addition to ex a couple of BL3s.  Especially for music.

In my opinion, you don't think "subwoofer" when you hear it. It doesn't sticks out, it just sounds like you got bigger front speakers. 

Of course it is not a bass monster, but really ads a nice bottom end to smaller front speakers.

koning wrote:

beolab 2 is NOT good for Music.

Try them at home and you will hear what i mean.

I know. I had a BL2 for a couple of years. Used it with the BL3s for audio and it lagged. It also "drained" the BL3s which opened up after removing the BL2.

Connected the BL2 to my BL7 and it was great for TV/movies, but I sold it when I bought the BL9s.

That's why I asked about the BL11. Does is genuinely enhance the BL3s (unlike the BL2 which appeared to restrain the BL3s)?

CasperI wrote:

I think the BL11 is a nice addition to ex a couple of BL3s.  Especially for music.

Thanks. That's what I suspected. It's also reasonable value as an ex-demo unit. I think I'll try and borrow a BL11 and see for myself, this week.

I am using BL3s in conjunction with a BL11.

I have to admit that my set up is primarily for tv/dvd audio,rather than music,reproduction.

For me,a BL2,with it's 850W output,in a normal domestic environment,would be gross overkill.

My dealer loaned me the BL11 for a week to home demo,and I ended up buying it.

For me,a subwoofer should be subtle in general usage,but have the necessary grunt when called upon,and merge seamlessly with other loudspeakers.

The BL11 accomplishes this with ease with the BL3s.

However,given that a speaker's sound is dependent on it's surrounding environment,one should home demo before buying. 

I also have a BL11 together with a pair of BL3s, which I use mainly for music.

I couldn't be happier with the set up.  The BL11 complements the BL3s in a very subtle but effective manner.  You don't notice the speaker itself but the sound is definitely rounder.

I agree with the others, however, that ideally you should try it in your listening room.

I am almost sure that you will buy the BL11 after listening to the BL3s/BL11 combo.

I've been thinking about getting a BeoLab 11 to use with my pair of BeoLab 6000 speakers, which I'm currently using in my 10'X10" office attached to an iMac. It might seem like overkill, but I spend a lot of time in there working. I'm assuming this room would be small enough to provide optimal results.

Fully support this. Have the same setup and when I switched of the BL-11 some days ago due to some refurbishing of the house, I immediately missed it. It strengthen the performance of the BL-3's in the lower tones considerably without overdoing.

Also in a smaller room, the BL-11 is sufficient for adding a more pronounced surround system.

As mentioned above, you should try it out yourself as the effectiveness of the BL-11 is depending on where you place it.

Dealer dropped off a BL11 this afternoon and (after spending 20 minutes or so getting the screws out of the Beosound 4 base!) it's connected up with the BL3s.

Yes, there's definitely an improvement. Best when the BL11 is configured in mode 3 (corner setting), so it's a subtle bass improvement. I found in mode 2 (wall) it was too bassy and you could feel the vibrations on the wooden floor.

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