As someone that has owned both, I'd pick the BeoSound 35 over the Beolab 3500 just about every time without hesitation. Putting aside the technology improvements (Beolink v Masterlink; Bluetooth; digital in; no need for another source, app control, etc.), the sound quality is leaps and bounds better (in my opinion, for the way I listen to music). To my ears, the Beolab 3500 has the sound profile of a single Beolab 6000 whereas I'd equate the BeoSound 35 to a PAIR of BeoLab 8000s. And its not just the power level that I'm referring too. The BeoSound 35 is capable to reproducing noticeable low end punch (and thus yielding a much fuller range of sound) whereas the Beolab 3500 has virtually no low end by comparison. Also, I find the sound stage far superior with the BeoSound 35. In short, I would consider using the BeoSound 35 as a main audio setup where I wouldn't prefer to use the Beolab 3500 for the same. I've previously owned a Beolab 3500 and I presently own three BeoSound 35s. All that said, the Beolab 3500 is not a bad speaker by any means and is attractive at its current price point for a speaker with the BeoSound 35/Beolab 3500 form factor. I would certainly recommend the Beolab 3500 where its being integrated into a masterlink only environment, where it is to be used for passive listening (music on in the background), or where one primarily listens to music that doesn't benefit from a speaker with notable low end capabilities. However, the right choice for myself is the BeoSound 35, but everyone will certainly have different opinions on this.