I have a 7.2 setup with BeoLab 1 speakers providing the front left and right channels and two pairs of Beolab 8000 speakers providing the rear and surround channels. I find the BeoLab 4000 speakers to sound better than the BeoLab 6000 speakers. However, I think it really depends on what is practical for your room. The BeoLab 4000 speakers have the benefit of being wall-mounted and can be directed toward the listening position. The BeoLab 6000 speakers are great floor-standing speakers and almost disappear with any decor.

I have the Beovox 3000 as well and find that the sound is not up to par with the 4000s. A disadvantage of the 3000 speakers is that you are limited with your ability to direct the sound toward the listening position.

I agree with beojeff and would go with either 4000s or 6000s.

The 6000s would mirror nicely the shape and aesthetics of your BL1s whilst being much smaller and easier to accommodate, but it really does depend on what space you have available.

My cinema room is small - less than 4m x 4m and I have two doors in one of the rear corners so floor standing surround speakers are not an option for me. I mounted a pair of 4000s horizontally, on the side walls near the rear of the room (above door height) and aimed them slightly downwards towards the listening position. They have performed admirably as surround speakers, both previously in conjunction with a pair of BL8000s at the front, and more recently with a pair of BL9s at the front.

Martin.

With BL1's front I have already had several rear configurations. 

-BL 1's. A bit of overkill but nice with movies.

-BL 3's. Precise. Recommendable. 

-BL 6000. Warm sound, recommendable. 

You can also tweak listening distances in the setup to achieve a front or rear bias. 

BL 6000s are designwise matching to your BL1. However, I still would go for BL4000s because I've never found 6000s soundwise satisfiying. (personal oppinion)

BeoLab 6000.

Match the BeoLab 1 aesthetically and are fine as surrounds.

Lee

9 LEE wrote:

BeoLab 6000.

Match the BeoLab 1 aesthetically and are fine as surrounds.

Lee

And if you prefer, can be wall mounted as well as floor stood.  This could raise them a bit further to enhance the sound if like us you have a high backed sofa which cab otherwise block a lot of the sound.

Dave.

Thanks guys.

Based on info provided Ive now disregarded the beovox.

im not keen on the look of the 4000 so That leaves me looking at 6000s & 8000s

8000s were what I wanted orginally (because of the pointy bottom) but 6000s do match the 1s much better.

both seem to be dropping in price on a well known auction site so it going to be down to what comes up within budget.

looking at 6000s there appears to be a vertical port on the front near the top.

some of those being advertised have what looks like neatly applied black mastic holding this on whilst others have a yellowish mess. Is this normal or is this a poor repair/service?

apart from speaker foam deterioration is there anything else to watch out for?

which ever option is chosen i will be looking to wall mount so thats something else to look at soon.