I have owned the 18s and currently own an A9 and 17s.

I know there will be many who disagree, but I was not impressed with the 18s. They have very forward highs, a solid mid range and a tall sound. But in terms of overall sound and value, the 17s are much more complete (and half the cost). Bass is smooth and deep and the mids and highs are clear.

The A9 always impresses me. It has a simple and unique design with lots of power. It's definitely a conversation piece that's backed up with substance. The big downside is no stereo separation. It does a good job at filling a room, but lacks the immersive experience when sitting down to listen.

I would recommend the 17s if you want a fuller sound experience or the A9 if you want ambient music that will also power a party. 😁 

The BS2 I'm sure will sound great, but will not compare to these other options.

For me the 18s are absolutely fantastic and offer a really strong punchy sound. And they look amazing. Proper pieces of art.  This is important to me!

I don't particularly listen to much in a sweet spot as such and find that the sound dispersion from the ALT is very good.

But I also know that Moxxey has said before now that he prefers the sound from his A9 to the 18s. 

Austin wrote:

I have owned the 18s and currently own an A9 and 17s.

I know there will be many who disagree, but I was not impressed with the 18s. They have very forward highs, a solid mid range and a tall sound. 

No, neither was I and nor anyone who heard music through mine - I sold them with the BL19 a few weeks ago.

My favourite sounding B&O speaker (note, the way it sounds, not how it looks) is currently the A9.

I wasn't really a fan of the design of the Beolab 17s for some time, until I saw the silver / black ones. Unfortunately I would need the floor stands and the vertical B&O logo really bugs me!

I'm thinking it's not worth spending the extra on the Beolab 18s over the A9 if i'm not going to be in a position to appreciate the stereo separation (Mostly ambient music while working). I know i'll miss it when i want to though... 

Is there a way to run 2x A9s as a stereo pair? 

spangle wrote:

Is there a way to run 2x A9s as a stereo pair?

I'm guessing there's nothing to stop you from running left audio to one, and right audio to another? Other than the fact you'll need to control the volume at the source rather than the A9 itself.  

spangle wrote:

I'm guessing there's nothing to stop you from running left audio to one, and right audio to another? Other than the fact you'll need to control the volume at the source rather than the A9 itself.

Good point ;)

Since you have written, that there will be 'a Hifi as main source', only the BL18 would be suitable.

The A9 and rhe BS2 are in itself a 'hifi'/a sound system - and the BL18 is a speaker.

Sure you could connect 'your Hifi' to the line-in of these systems, but it would only make the use of everything more complicated.

As mentioned from others  - you could consider the BL17's also.

However - if this is more of 'a money saving excercise' and you already have 'the Hifi', that you want to use - you might even think of a MCL2P/BeoLink Paasive amp and some good (B&O) passive speakers.

MM