A9 sounds way better (fuller, more bass), but of course less "stereo". 

It's only with a sub that the BL6000 are worthwhile acoustically, or just as ambient/rear speakers.

Why not a pair of 8000? Really nice sound and iconic design.

Thanks mbee.

Open to a pair of 8000's too. It's more the reliability of the BeoSound Core I'm worried about. Searching the forum there seems so many problems with the Essence, and I'm sure the two products share similar tech...

Nick

To (not) reassure you, I can say that I’m pretty sure that the A9 mkII internal motherboard is an Essence mkII motherboard, because the exact same firmware versions comes at the exact same dates, with the exact same bugs inside!!

the core is maybe still a bit too fresh, but I hope those first bugs will be ironed out and that it will be a very capable device anytime soon. And if not, you can always plug BL8000 to a Sonos Connect ;-) (that’s how I started, but B&O Essence has a better sound quality)

To (not) reassure you, I can say that I’m pretty sure that the A9 mkII internal motherboard is an Essence mkII motherboard, because the exact same firmware versions comes at the exact same dates, with the exact same bugs inside!!

the core is maybe still a bit too fresh, but I hope those first bugs will be ironed out and that it will be a very capable device anytime soon. And if not, you can always plug BL8000 to a Sonos Connect ;-) (that’s how I started, but B&O Essence has a better sound quality)

I purchased an A9 MkII with a view to replace a Beocentre 2 driving Beolab 6000's and a Beolab 11. Although I love the A9 I decided to keep the 6000 kit as well as the whole sound picture is so much bigger and softer. The weak link is the Beocentre 2 whose performance is not matched by it's looks. But overall if I had to choose between the two purely on sound quality I would lose the A9! Each to their own eh?

I realize this is an old post, but could be relevant to someone trying to make this decision. I can speak from personal experience since I have the following:

1. Beosound Core connected to BL11 + BL6000 (mentioned above)

2. Beoplay A9 MK2

3. BL8002 + BL2

4. Beosound Stage

In my experience, having lived with the above set up for a long time (Stage around 2 months). Here is my rating:

1. A9 MK2 sounds better than the BL6000/BL11/Core combo in every way in every situation I have compared them.

2. The BL8002/BL2 has more bass than the A9. I prefer the A9 for music.

3. Stage sounds better than BL6000/BL11 and has a wider sound stage than the A9, but the A9 has a warmer sound.

So overall, the A9 is the favorite speaker I have now. I bought the Stage, M5 and BS1 only because of how happy I was with the A9. I love how great the BL6000/BL 11 look, but I found even a pair of HomePods in stereo (which I have) gives it a run for the money....so I am keeping the BL6000/BL11 combo just for looks. The BL 11 I am seriously considering getting rid of (not sure I'd call it a sub-woofer).

My 2 cents worth...