Just out of interest, how do people rate these two models against each other? My guess is there isn't much in it.

Jon

This will get you a whole host of answers. Judging by the treble/bass/loudness settings on the majority of Beocenters/Beosounds that I buy in, most users would appear to be tone deaf anyway!!

The only answer is to listen and make your own mind up, they are your ears after all.

I agree with Graham - nothing beats listening for yourself. I prefer 4000s - I think the bass is better and they are more convenient. I don't think either are great speakers though. The 4000 is good value (for B&O).

If you are after good sound from a small speaker, the Beolab 3 is very nice but I would suggest that for a big room, I would look elsewhere. Get your dealer to give you a good demo - I am sure he will be happy to do so.

Doesn't the 4000 have a better midrange than the 3's? But the 3 does sonically disappear more than the 4000 perhaps.

The 4000 not such a good speaker? On this site (product section) they are described as "the hidden gem"..

It is great value - I have two pairs! But it is not an outstanding speaker - but it is a good one. In my view it does everything well but nothing outstandingly. There again, most speakers don't even manage that! I think I wrote the hidden gem line and I would stick with it - I think the 4000 is a good compact all rounder and if called upon to recommend one of the lower priced Beolabs, this is the one.