Design-wise, I would say BeoLab 2 with 3 (besides, 2+3=5😁).

Sound-wise, the consensus is: BeoLab 2 for video, BeoLab 11 for audio..🙂

dueno wrote:

Beolab 2 or beolab 11 with beolab 3?

For video or audio? You don't say. There's a big difference. My BL2 affected the performance of my BL3s for audio. BL2 is great for movies though. Almost too good. Rocked my wooden floor!

I wouldn't bother adding a BL2 to BL3s for listening to CDs. I don't think the BL11 would make much of a difference, either, from what I've been told? I need to demo a BL11 but my dealer will only give me a unit for 24 hours.

For video or audio? The better question would be: how big is the room? How critical is it concerning deep frequencies...

It's so fun to read in this forum about the problems with BL 2, that it's slow, or roaring or giving music a bad touch, and that subs can be placed everywhere in the room 'cause humans cannot hear the direction of deep sounds.
Nonsense!
My suggestion: go to an audio or home theatre forum and read just one or two threads about subs activating the room. It's never the sub roaring, it's the room! Learn from the freaks! First I thought, they were totally mad. Well, many are. But optimizing deep bass is science, simply physics.

You will learn, that subs in conjunction with room geometry are the most critical part in an audio setup.B&O fans spending 10000s of bucks for speakers and wondering the muddy, slow, roaring sound of BL 2...

BL 2 is a good sub. But it needs to be integrated carfully. I don't know BL 11. I think, it could be a little small for bigger rooms. On the other hand it could be much better to use 2 BL 11s instead of one BL 2. Often 2 or more subs sound less roaring, clearer, more precisely, more discreet...

Anyway: you need to test it in your room. Your dealer has to give you both subs.

Good luck!

If you do want to add a suwoofer, read about the postings of the PV1 from B&W, it is the best sound and movie subwoofer and of cause B&O style. But to make a short story long; why not save the money from a add. subwoofer, trade the BL3 and go for a pair of BL9? If you are a good customer at your local B&O dealer, ask him to pass a BL2, BL11, some dealer also sell B&W (not many) and of course a pair of BL9.

I have come a way like you. Started with a pair of BL8002, added a BL2 and was was overwhelmed by the sound of the BL9 and sold the BL8002 + BL2 for a pair of BL9 after only a view weeks. Add the price for BL3 and BL2 together and you are not far away of the BL9. Soundwise you are away. You do not need a subwoofer with a pair of BL9.

If a demo is not possible at your living room, give the BL9 some listening time at the dealer before you decide against them.

Well, but I don't think, that a BL9 would have such a deep bass like a BL 2...

I've heard them in a B&O store some years ago (with my own CDs), and sad to say: it wasn't a 7500 euros sound experience... Sorry for all the BL 9 lovers, don't wanna offend you. For me they were too harsh, too analytic and too less voluminous/room filling. To be fair: I've never heard them in my own room.

Oh, concerning B&W: I don't think, that this is an option for a B&O enthusiast.
For me it's no question, what sounds better: compare a B&W 804 D and a good amp with a B&O BL9 (same price range), and B&W will blow the BL9 away. That's not the point since most good speakers will do this (except for the BL 5).

So I agree: BL9 will be a good alternative for BL3 plus BL2. It depends on your needs and your room.

I think you are too quick to dismiss the BL9s.  Many B&O stores do not set up their speakers for good listening.  I, too, heard the BL9s a few years ago at a dealer and did not think they were very impressive. 

I have been tiring of my BL8000 + BL2 combo and went to the dealer for an extended listen of the BL9s.  After I got a hold of the Beo4 and turned off loudness and turned down the bass and treble to neutral settings, I thought they sounded phenominal.  Very close to the $20K Martin Logan system in the next room (with wall treatments and everything).  I was in love.  However, my wife thought they were too short (and I can see her point since our room has ~18ft ceilings)... and, I really wasn't in a position to spend $12K on speakers - no matter how good.  Although I did not buy, I gained a great deal of respect for BL9s.

The way most stores display their speakers, it is no wonder "audiophiles" think B&O is all show and no go...

Stan

Beofab,
thank you for the private lesson. Because English is not my first language, I think someone can tolerate my little faux pas.🤔