Hi

I see. Well I have listened to BL 4 and from my memory of that session was that I doubted they would beat my iMac in sound performance.  BL 3 are about the same in size, but the sound...

Show your wife BL 3.

Clakke

hotknife wrote:

Maybe we will get some more information from guys using/have used both speakers (BL4000 vs BL3) regarding the difference.

Every day I see my polished BL4000 (placed as rear speaker behind my sofa), I say to myself what a beautuful speaker it is, but always ask myself if the BL3 would deliver a much better sound.

Hi Hotknife

I think the BL 4000 would be excellent as rear speakers, probably even overkill. The problem is that I think the performance as a stereo speaker is not what could be expected from the price. They look good, no doubt.

Clakke

Guys,

on the label of the BL4000 speaker is always the mark l for left and right for right. But I have placed each speaker visa versa and have switched the small key of the backside of the speaker to its right/left position. Thats because otherwise the speaker would "blast" not proper to my head.

Do you think it makes a difference regarding sound quality, if my right BL4000 is not placed right? We should there otherwise the switcher left/right?

Take care

Hi Stuart

Sorry you don't seem to be impressed.  I can not offer an opinion on the BL4000, but I do have a Beosound 3000 and love the looks and quality of the BS3000.  However, the reason I'm replying is because I wanted to mention another option for you.  I have a Detoma power amp (D102) which drives some budget Eltax speakers.  The Detoma is incredibly sweet and has B & O friendly plug sockets.  This way I enjoy the best of both worlds - the beauty of the BS3000 and benefits of another manufacturers speakers which would mean spending £1000's to replicate with B & O ones.  I have auditioned Beolab 8000's and Beolab 3's, 9's and 5's.  I thought the 3's were very good (but the design didn't agree with me), the 9's were disappointing, the 5's STUPENDOUS (I can still remember the tingles that went through me when Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon played through them!!!) and the BL8000 distintly average.  I went with the intention of buying either BL3 or BL8000 but came away with nothing - my £150 1999 Eltax liberty 3+ surpassed them.

Hope you find the above useful - and I point out that speaker choice is VERY personal!

Regards

Jonathan

Rikarde,

Thanks for that and I have studied these speakers at all angles.

Tech wise the BL3 would be better because of the hardware it has and it does look better, the BL4 is advertised a lot beside a laptop so we know what market that's for.

Thing is if I'm disappointed at the 4000 I have a dread that the others will disappoint too and as the money goes up it gets stupid.

I don't like going to hifi places as I have a lot of knowledge on the subject but some how It disappears and I listen to a lot of rubbish from the sales people and I of course I say nothing.

At a B&O place I think I would be worse in that I would feel intimidated (but that's me not the sales people) I mean knowing I could not afford what I really or what my ears really wanted and buying something I could afford but not to my satisfaction. 

think it may have struck me that the B & O's are probably out my league.

Stuart.

Hi Jon,

Yes this maybe the way.

I had thought of this but what to pair it up with.

As with everything as you go up a range the price does to and steep in some company's.

B&O are prime example but with amazing build quality and looks but my ears want the big ones....oh the sound lol.

An amp and speakers as I would be keeping the 3000 is something to think of because if I  were to go the BL3 way that's another £2000 ish for 2nd hand ones plus stands.

I really must think carefully.

Has anyone else been in this situation, if so what did you end up doing.

Stuart.

Stuartk1164 wrote:

Rikarde,

Thanks for that and I have studied these speakers at all angles.

Tech wise the BL3 would be better because of the hardware it has and it does look better, the BL4 is advertised a lot beside a laptop so we know what market that's for.

Thing is if I'm disappointed at the 4000 I have a dread that the others will disappoint too and as the money goes up it gets stupid.

I don't like going to hifi places as I have a lot of knowledge on the subject but some how It disappears and I listen to a lot of rubbish from the sales people and I of course I say nothing.

At a B&O place I think I would be worse in that I would feel intimidated (but that's me not the sales people) I mean knowing I could not afford what I really or what my ears really wanted and buying something I could afford but not to my satisfaction. 

think it may have struck me that the B & O's are probably out my league.

Stuart.

Go to a dealer and tell him that U have the BL4000 and are on the market for new speakers and that you want to listen to the BL3 and compare them to the BL4000 in the store. They will gladly help you out. Then if you buy them new or used in the store or elseware is nothing you have to tell.. Often the B&O dealers give the customers time. I was in the store alot of times before I got my BC2/BL3, not to mention the BV10.. 

Go in and listen, take your time and after that make up your mind :) 

B&O is quite expensive, but they last very long time. So over time I dont think they are so expensive :) 

Thanks,

That is a very valid point they do last a very long time.

Thats what I will do, go into the Glasgow store for a demo of each pair and if it's not what that impressive then Iwill look at the amp and passive speakers route.

Stuart.

Hi Stuart

I think my Detoma A102 was about £300 (have a look at their website - the unit is very beo-looking and turns on and off with the Beo4) and look no further than What Hi-Fi for award winning speakers for any price bracket - even £150 will get you fantastic sound.  I have my eye on the Acoustic Energy Aelite 1's (under £300). 

Lots of luck with your conundrum..

Jon

Please don't give up on B&O and certainly not the Glasgow dealer - I lived there for 5 years and was always very impressed by their enthusiasm, despite the fact that I spent very little money in the store (most of my B&O kit is second hand).

So go and explain the problems to them, ask them for a demo of their BL4000s and ask them to match the price you've been given on stands.  It's in their interest to help as they know you will be back for more...

Top Tip:  Nip to Vroni's in W.Nile St first for a couple of cheeky tipples and you'll certainly not feel intimidated - never shop totally sober!