Beolab 4000s completely outperform 2500s. The larger volume means that the bass response is much less dependent on changing the characteristic of the amplifiers. The tweeter is also a better quality item. The bald figures show why it is important to listen to speakers! 🙂

For the 4th or 5th time in the last 5 minutes I'll echo Peter here that the proof of the pudding is in the eating! Whatever the spec sheet says your ears will tell the final story. No listening test would ever place the 2500s above or near the 4000s.

Why bother with a listening test then if it is as you state?  Some people may prefer the 2500's to 4000's, are they to feel they are wrong in some way?  People tell me that 5's are better than 9's, I differ.  The general consensus is not to have a Beolab 2 with 9's, I differ there as well.

The sound.

Years ago I had the same question. My initial attraction to the BL 4000 was the design and shape.  My B&O salesman (long since moved on) gave me a demonstration of the BL 4000 which was impressive. I then asked how the BL 2500 speakers compared.

Not saying a word, but raisiing his eyebrows, he motioned me over to another system with BL 2500. The sound was not as full, and not as clear, and set of gold BL 4000 were ordered from Danemark. They later arrived with covers for some reason, which I gave to the store. I've changed the outside colours twice, and even now I continue to use them today.

The BL4000 MKI, in my opinion are the greatest active speaker B&O have ever done in terms of sound quality, tone, value and beautiful design... Only surpassed by BL5

I feel like a broken record touting the BL4000's, but everyone should have a pair!

Its very interesting so far to read the responses. I have been my self a strong beleiver in listen and judge rather than decide on credentials. However, its so fascinating to see how staunchly many support the 4000's specially MK1. For some reason MKII do not have the same following. I guess upgrade is not always improvement in performance!!

Now the real question is what makes them sound so better than 2500. Is it the shape of speaker or increase in net volume or better electronics inside the speaker. This might be a bit more to ask.

Keep your posts coming

Notice Dave it quite into BL4000's...😁. Must say that of all the B&O speakers I have owned and listened to the BL4000's have surprised me the most. The reason they do so is they just work anywhere. Not sure if its the components, size of the cabinet or magic elsewhere, I can just listen to them next to my computer, 50cm's away, on a roof as surround speakers, in front as primary speakers in a party, jammed against a wall, one in a bookcase and at very soft volumes the sound is stll full and complete... Versatility personified.

...

The 2500's do sound pretty good in a well designed setup, not so well in a less perfect enviornment.

beoaus.

Having had both, I enjoyed them both, but as others said, the Lab 4000 sounds better than the 2500.

I've always been a fan of tech specs, but in this case, believe me, there is little difference on the spec sheet, but a much wider difference when listening.

The 2500 were a little revolution when launched, but the 4000 were launched later on, so had to be more advanced in every way:

- bass is deeper (55 Hz is quoted on both spec sheets, but so is Lab 6000, which actually goes down to 70 Hz only)

- treble is much more detailed

- same for midrange (the 2500 have a more loudness-type sound, so you lose on the medium)

- the 4000 is shielded, the 2500 is not

- the 4000 has numerous placement options, the 2500 has one

- the 4000 has a metal finish, the 2500 is all plastics

- phono & 2 Powerlink inputs, the 2500 only has 1 Powerlink input

- the 4000 has 4 liters volume, the 2500 has less

In theory, if you want to compare the 2500 to something else nowadays, it has to be BeoLab 4.😕

Chrisreunion wrote:

In theory, if you want to compare the 2500 to something else nowadays, it has to be BeoLab 4.

Good point!

I am a 4000 fan too! Best bang for the buck in the modern active range. Modern S45's if you like... 🙂