I love the Beolab 4000, it's sound and design. Since the form factor is almost the same on the Beolab 17, I have considered the speaker, but I don't think it sounds great. It is of course state of the art tech, but I compared it in store to a set of BL3 and in my opinion Beolab 17 don't come close in clarity. Considering the high price of BL 17, aAm I wrong in getting a couple of used Beolab 4000? Wireless connectivity is not crucial to me.
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Beolab 4000 vs. 17
61 replies
I have the 17's and I like them a lot. They were close to US $5000 for me to buy though. The price you pay for a used pair of BeoLab 4000's generally run about $750, a little more or less depending on condition, and not long ago I bought a new pair of BeoLab 4000's on eBay for $1500. I don't think there is any way you could go wrong getting a used pair of BeoLab 4000's as they are very fine speakers! I think you can still buy a new pair of grills from BeoShop.co.uk if that is an issue.
yust go for BL4000
I deal with used B&O for 10 years and they are one of the best price performance spekers form B&O ever!!!
I just instal at my home new BL 12.3 and i'm not happy with soud. BL 4000 for 300 € were premium im my room + woofer for 200€ ...much better sound than new B&O for 5000€.
Agreed - the BL4000's are good, but don't compare old/aged speakers with new ones.
If I would have to choose between - theoretically - new 4000's and the BL17's, I would not hesitate to get the 17's.
However - as things are - you get a very good set of speakers with the 4000's.....often at a very good price.
Please beware of the older ones (MK1), because the foam inside may crumble and damage the speakers.
I've had mine checked and 'cleared' - and am still very pleased with them and the sound.
MM
Location: Flensborg————Danmark
Unfortunately, I've not had the opportunity to hear the BL4000 and BL17 side by side. But, I do feel the BL17 is an ugly duckling compared with the BL4000, which is still to me one of the most beautiful Beolabs ever made, right up there with the BL8000. Considering the price difference, and the looks, and the fact that the BL4000 is a good sounding speaker, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a pair. If you want more bass I think you'd be better off adding a 2nd hand BL11 to them than in putting in as much money as the BL17s cost. I've heard the BL17s and think they sound quite good, with, if I recall correctly, more punch than the BL4000s, but I think I'd still go for the BL4000s. Your opinions may vary of course!
on the BL 4000...MK1 90% all faults is foam rotting.
when decomposed generates acid that corrodes the joints in electronics.
I repair at least 30 pairs with that fault.
but for 20% price of new BL17 you get really good used BL 4000 speaker will still operating many years and low cost of repair if necessary.
Thanks for your input, Marexy. I am getting a pair of BL4000 if I can source a good set. Is it oossible to check for damaged foam yourself?Interesting that you mention Beolab 12-3. I was just introduced to them in a store today, and I think they sounded very crisp and clear with a good resonance, while being very appealing to the eye. Of course I could not listen to 4000 for comparison, but next to the Beolab 17, I think the acoustic lens worked wonders and now I am actually considering getting a pair for my corner room, since the price is almost half of the original retail price due to discontinuation. I noticed your set-up on the flash-thread, and it looks really good with the 12-3's, so I am sorry to hear that you are not happy with them. Could it be an installation issue. If I get them, they will be wall-mounted as well.yust go for BL4000I deal with used B&O for 10 years and they are one of the best price performance spekers form B&O ever!!!I just instal at my home new BL 12.3 and i'm not happy with soud. BL 4000 for 300 € were premium im my room + woofer for 200€ ...much better sound than new B&O for 5000€.
Thanks for your replies as well, Mark-N, Jeff and Millemissen. I have noticed that used Mk2 are twice the price of a Mk1 pair. I have read different opinions on this and other forms about the difference in amplifier, and it seems to be a question of religion as is often the case with speakers. Some prefer ICE-power, some don't. Would you recommend getting the newest version, or would it make better sense to find a good used first-generation pair and have them repaired if the foam eventually disintegrates?How big of an operation are we looking at?
MK1 don't have a switch for corner position, wall mount or free standing as the newer BL has. So they can sound a bit boomy if mounted in a corner or close to a wall. If you wan't MK1 you should get them on the floor stands for best sound. Plus, the flood stands looks excellent! Really adds a premium to the looks.
I have two pairs of MK1 4000, one in silver and one in gold and if you can find gold, get it. Absolutely stunning! Much nicer looking than the latest brass editions!
Some prefer ICE-power, some don't.
BL4000mk2 and the BL4 use the same ICE power amplifiers (slightly modified) and they regularly fail. They are not that reliable as the mk1's.
Location: Utrecht
Quite a challenge to achieve "Less is More" while having the Beovirus.
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