The time tested option, try both sets from your dealer.

I got the 9's as front speakers and the 4's as rear...

Reading this I have to rethink and try out the 12's as rear speakers. One of the things that appeals to me is that they are so thin and stick to the wall. (High WAF rating)

Best Regards, Lars

akoro wrote:

Choose the ones that you can place properly. Both are really good speakers and it is the placement that will dictate real life sound quality especially with rear speakers.

 

 

I would choose BL 12-3 as they are closer match to BL9's due both having acoustical lenses.

I was thinking about the 12s because of the accoustic lens. However, as you mention placement is very important. My room is such that if I choose 12s they will have to be placed on the side walls. I am wondering about the sound quality with them placed in that manner. 

Having dealer bring both out to listen to is a bit problematic as the only way I would really know how the 12s sound would be to have them mounted to the wall.

Razlaw wrote:

Having dealer bring both out to listen to is a bit problematic as the only way I would really know how the 12s sound would be to have them mounted to the wall.

I suspect you are a very good customer (you only need a temp job to get a feel) and I am sure your dealer would not mind.. I would agree the 12's being accoustic would be very agreeable with the 9s but I understand it would be easier to rotate the 8002.

Then there is the visual impact of either type of speaker to consider. get a demo on both!

Selling the gorgeous BL4000? Regarding sound improvement, I do not think you will notice any differnce by watching TV? Only when listening to music by speaker 4.

At one point I was using Beolab 1s as rears. The overall sound was much better than it is now with the 4000s. I was thinking the 8002s or 12s might improve the sound level closer to what it was with the 1s, than it is now with the 4000s.

1s are now fronts in another room.