All of that sounds correct, however, in actuality, there is very little perceivable difference in audio performance over the years. I have a pair of BeoLab 8000s from 1993 and a second pair from 2005. I cannot hear any difference, and my pair from 1993 have operated flawlessly to date.

How can all sound correct? There are some "intentional" contradictions in my description.

I agree with you regarding the sound quality, my main interest is to buy a speaker that won't break due to a less than ideal selection of material.

Hi.

I think it is generally accepted that 'mk2' refers to speakers after the 2003 changes - on this forum anyway. I've not seen any reference to mk3, but I guess the BL8002 could be classed as such. 

If your main concern is reliability, then getting as new a pair in good condition as your budget will allow from a reputable seller is obviously the answer. It's easy to get confused with differing information on the web, just let your own eyes and ears decide which speakers are best for you.

G.

Hi,

I'll try and answer as concisely as possible, using what knowledge I have!

______

• Manufactured between 1992 and 2010. : The 8000's were replaced with the 8002's around then, yes.
• 1992-1993 3 (2,5) way, after that 2 way : Not sure about this.
• 1999 upgraded bass elements : The bass drivers changed in their appearance, but I'm sure it was well before 1999..
• 2003 upgraded circuitry (ABL) : Correct, although I think it was the way the bass was ported too.
• 2010 replaced by BL 8002. Main technical difference is that ABL is replaced by ICE. : ICE is the amplifier, ABL is Acoustic Bass Linearisation (if i remember correctly!) which is nothing to do with the amplification...

Is this correct? Because I have heard a few people say that the bass upgrade took place 2003!? : Yes, the 'Bass Enhanced' versions were 2003->

But now it starts to get confusing. Some people call the 1999 version Mk2 (not to me they're not) and the 2003 version Mk3 (nope). Other people call the 2003 version Mk2 but don't explain how to differentiate between the pre-1999 and post-1999 versions (I cannot differentiate between pre and post 1999 and never have!). In this case there is no Mk3 (although I have heard references to BL 8002 as Beolab 8000 Mk3). : BeoLab 8002 are BeoLab 8002 - they are not BeoLab 8000 Mk3, or they would still have been called BeoLab 8000 ?!!!

Then there are two crucial s/n circulating, 16992475 which can be found on many sites, e.g., the now defunctlink and 10145230 mentioned on . How do these s/n related to the different modifications mentioned above? : I'd rather not refer to the now defunct Beophile, but if anything is mentioned on Beocentral it's almost certainly correct. The authors of that site are hugely knowledgable and research thoroughly.

9 LEE wrote:

In conclusion, I wouldn't stress about buying BeoLab 8000's. They're reliable, dependable and sound great - you can buy a pair from 1994 or 2009 and they'll both sound very similar.

Lee

Thank you for your reply on this thread. Even though i'm not OP this is good info. I am getting more and more happy with my 1997 Beolab 8000 day for day and you just made that little itch for a pair of 8002 go 99% away! 😎