Just one day ago I was fortunate enough to be able to test directly at my house to listen to both the Beolab 12.3 and the Beolab 12.1. As far as I am concerned the 12.3 are significantly higher, although the clarity of sound does not repay in live sessions... The 12.1 have a more obvious sound that makes better the characteristic sound, for example, a live session of jazz... I still chose the 12.3 Even for an aesthetic factor because I find them wonderful. Obviously in the range of my spending budget! will match them to a BeoSound 5. As soon as I can I will buy a subwoofer (I was thinking of the Tulip...)
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Beolab 12-3: Buy or not?
20 replies
How would you say they compare to Beolab 3? The Beolab 18 are in a different price range.
I’ve only heard a BL3 in passive listening, so I can’t honestly compare their performance.
In price terms, you can find a pair of BL3s for around 800 GBP on eBay, whereas a pair of BL 12-3 will be twice the price.
If looks are all-important, go for the 12-3 AFTER hearing it.
But my money would go on a pair of BL3s with a BL2. Together these would still be slightly cheaper than a pair of BL 12-3s, would look great, and the depth of bass would be astounding (I have a BL2).
Lets say same price for Beolab 3 and Beolab 12-3. What would you buy?
Beolab 12.3 any day ...
lol - as I already own a BL2, it would be the BL3.But I would listen to the 12-3 again connected through the BL2, just to check that hollow midrange. If I owned a BV12-65 it would be hard to resist the BL12-3, as they are simply beautiful!Lets say same price for Beolab 3 and Beolab 12-3. What would you buy?
Hello Beosince 98,
I have both Beolab 12-3 and 12-2. They are very beautiful wall mounted speakers. Bevor I had Beovox 5000 and the smaller 4500. In my opinion the Beolab 12-3 are comparable with Beolab 8000 but slightly worse than Beovox/Lab 5000.
Digi
I am also thinking about getting them as rear speakers- do they support WISA protocol for a wireless connect? I could find nothing on the net
Noup.... no wireless option.Wired powerlink JR45 connection only.
IMHO, the BL12 sounds like a frozen dead man’s concave chest full of smashed glass.
DUPLICATE
I have both. 12-3 in the bedroom and 3’s as high rears in the living. I run the 12-3 with sub BL19. I would say the 3”s are really good on low volume, no comparison to 8000 or 6000 or 4000 I have had them all. 3”s are way better. If i would have a sub I say 12-3. Otherwise go for the 3”s. Anyway you cannot go wrong, do not go for 6000-8000 the are another leage. I am charmed of the 4000 though but they are also in another leage then 3”s or 12-3”s. I still have 4000 in the kitchen and are still playing after update drivers 15 yrs later. Kr Chucky
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