Stage as a BL3500 replacement?

11 replies
ST
Stan
Bronze
1791 posts
Posted January 15, 2021 at 20:43 GMT
#2150185

I have a BL3500 mounted high on a wall (over some cabinets) in my kitchen.  As more and more of my house moves to newer equipment, the idea has crossed my mind that maybe a Stage could replace the BL3500.  Most music for the kitchen is currently played from a Chromecast Audio -> BS9000 -> BL3500, and I've found the whole setup to be a bit fiddly.  The Chromecast is a bit flakey.  Need to find the Beo4, remember a.tape vs. a.mem, etc.  Not a big issue for me, but my wife has never really caught on.

My main questions are:

1) Is the Stage a proper NL device so I could send audio from my Eclipse to it, similar to a Bs2 or Essence? 

2) Could there potentially be sound quality issues with being mounted close to the ceiling.  Not sure about how the Atmos stuff might come into play.  The BL3500 is currently mounted  ~6 in from the ceiling and ~8 ft from the floor.  Granted, it's in the kitchen so the sound doesn't have to be outstanding.  I don't want an M3, M5, BS1 or BS2 because counter space is at a premium.

PE
petermc
GoldFounder
158 posts
Posted January 15, 2021 at 22:33 GMT
#2150186
Another option might be a BeoSound 35. We replaced our kitchen BL 3500 with the 35 and it is brilliant. Sounds much better. Also can control it with a Beo4 which is a bonus. We picked ours up for roughly a quarter of the original retail price. I know it’s discontinued but you might be able to source one. If you go this route make sure you get the high wall mount so the 35 is angled down.

Another thing to consider is what streaming services you use and how you use it. If you use Spotify Connect I don’t think the Stage has this so you can’t Multiroom it. You can probably get around this by using Airplay or Chromecast.
B(
beolion (archived2)
Bronze
499 posts
Posted January 15, 2021 at 23:58 GMT
#2150187
Agree. I would also go for the BS35.

It is a nice piece with a good sound.

RRP was just too high (as so often seen) so I think it was never a great success.

But it definitely had the potential.
ST
Stan
Bronze
1791 posts
Posted January 16, 2021 at 13:32 GMT
#2150188

The BS35 definitely makes more sense (supporting a remote control, 2nd hand pricing, not paying for unused surround sound capabilities), but I have rarely seen them for sale in the US.  I suppose I'm not in a hurry so I can patiently wait for one to show up somewhere for sale.

 

Update:  Internet sellers seem to feel it is a rare and desirable piece.  The only 2 I found are both more expensive than a Stage. Must be all that aluminum.

B(
Bebs (archived2)
Bronze
232 posts
Posted January 16, 2021 at 16:21 GMT
#2150189

I have a spare BS35 if you’re interested Stan. Barely been used, as new condition. 

B(
Bebs (archived2)
Bronze
232 posts
Posted January 16, 2021 at 16:21 GMT
#2150190

I have a spare BS35 if you’re interested Stan. Barely been used, as new condition. 

ST
Stan
Bronze
1791 posts
Posted January 16, 2021 at 18:10 GMT
#2150191

I think you're located on the wrong continent 🙁.  Not sure if this will work given shipping, customs and voltage differences (maybe the BS35 is new enough to be a single 120/240 volt model?).

 

PE
petermc
GoldFounder
158 posts
Posted January 16, 2021 at 23:09 GMT
#2150192
Try a dealer too. They may have one in stock.

We got our BS35’s from a dealer; all at the discounted price. Have one in the kitchen and one in bathroom. Were cheaper than a Core.
ST
Stan
Bronze
1791 posts
Posted January 23, 2021 at 01:01 GMT
#2150193

Can anyone compare the BS35 to the BS2 soundwise?  I've located one, but am still a bit on the fence about it vs the Stage. I never paid much attention to the BS35 when it was at the dealer because I was happy with my bs3500.  I know the bs35 will be an improvement over the 3500, but how much? I have a bs2 so if anyone has both and can compare/contrast, I'd be grateful. 

B(
Bebs (archived2)
Bronze
232 posts
Posted January 23, 2021 at 15:06 GMT
#2150194

I have both BS2 and several BS35. I prefer the soundstage that the 35 gives. Don’t think the BS2 can compete at all. 

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