On the B&O site I noticed in the specifications of the Beolink Wireless 1 the following sentence:

"We have also updated the beolab 3500, giving it a power link socket, whick makes it compatable with beolink wireless 1". 

On the specification page of the beolab 3500 I could not find this info (they do mention a W1 link, that might be a powerlink?), therefore 3 questions:

- Is it correct that the latest version of the beolab 3500 is equipped with a powerlink socket?

- If yes: Would this also mean that the beolab 3500 can be used as center speaker? 

- If yes: How well would the beolab 3500 in a 5.1 setup together with 2xBL1, BL2 and 2xBL4000 (compared to a BL7.1)?

Thanks for your info!

Bieele

BTW: A dealer told me yesterday that I can not order 1 BL3, is this correct? Are there smart ways to order 1 BL3? 

There was a company that could modify a Beolab3500 for use a centre speaker in a 5.1 setup. Pretty sure they were based somewher in France. maybe someone has a link.

Craig

The latest BL3500 does have a powerlink socket.  However, it's still a 2 channel speaker, and the center speaker is a single channel.  I suppose you could customize a cable to send the one center channel down both L and R of the powerlink.

Stan

I've not used them, but here's the link to the French company mentioned above.

beo-ap:

I've not used them, but here's the link to the French company mentioned above.

 

 

Thats the one, I knew someone would be able to post a link.

Craig

Stan:

The latest BL3500 does have a powerlink socket.  However, it's still a 2 channel speaker, and the center speaker is a single channel.  I suppose you could customize a cable to send the one center channel down both L and R of the powerlink.

Stan

I am aware of the French company to connect it; but would like to know if this is still needed since there is already a powerlink available.

Stan, Could you clarify this. I would expect this cable change to be quite easy (just make sure the left and right signal are equal?

Also I am curious about the expectations about sound quality.

Bieele 

Stan:

The latest BL3500 does have a powerlink socket.  However, it's still a 2 channel speaker, and the center speaker is a single channel.  I suppose you could customize a cable to send the one center channel down both L and R of the powerlink.

Stan

The 'BeoLab 7-1' or '7-2' setting should send sound down both left and right of the PL.

Alex:

Stan:

The latest BL3500 does have a powerlink socket.  However, it's still a 2 channel speaker, and the center speaker is a single channel.  I suppose you could customize a cable to send the one center channel down both L and R of the powerlink.

Stan

The 'BeoLab 7-1' or '7-2' setting should send sound down both left and right of the PL.

There is no issues with L-R, instead there is an big issue in the sound the BL3500 can reproduce. BL3500 is like BL6000  and BL 7-1/2 is like BL9. the problem is that the TV sends the low freq. sound to does speakers in the surround setup thats can reproduce them. BL 7 can BL3500 can NOT, but on BV7 and BS3 you can choose BL6000 as center speaker wish is the best choice if not BL4 is even better.

To demonstrated this:

If you have a BV7 and a BL2, then set your front speaker to BL5 and see haw BL2 stops playing.

I love the BL3500. I think it is a great B&O design statement. I listen to mine almost every day - morning radio. However, I must agree with The Stig: BL 3500 would no be my choice for a center channel from a sound point of view. If aesthetics is what you want, then it's ok.

I would also choose the 4000's for a center channel. Before B&O had dedicated center channels this was the specified speaker. Two 4000's will blow a 3500 away any day.

I have also seen, though not heard a single 6000 as a center channel. Once upon a time, my dealer in Tysons Corner was able to fit an cap on the end of the 6000 where the stand goes. I don't actually remember how the 6000 was suspended to the wall.

To my ear, a single 6000 sounds better than a 3500. Is it just me?

The new center channel speakers are great performers, but design wise they just don't do it for me.

beo-ap:

I have also seen, though not heard a single 6000 as a center channel. Once upon a time, my dealer in Tysons Corner was able to fit an cap on the end of the 6000 where the stand goes. I don't actually remember how the 6000 was suspended to the wall.

To my ear, a single 6000 sounds better than a 3500. Is it just me?

 

I have seen and heard a center BL6000 mounted on the wall bracket from a BL3500, very disappointing flat sound. Think BL3500 will do a better job.