i intend to make purchase one of the active speakers - my consideration set is:

1. a preowned (mint) condition beolab 1
2. Beolab 6000 - new
3. Beolab 8000 -- new 

keeping economics aside does beolab 1 has an edge over 6000/8000 despite it having first generation ICE technology; i hope one of the many deemed tonnmeister rendering zealous service to this portal would help me making a wise division to a dummy in the indian sub-continent.

warm regards

a pregnant B lover

Has to be your decision but the Beolab 1 is the best speaker by some margin. However you need to listen to them. The Beolab 1 can sound a bit bright almost cold to some ears and is not the most relaxing speaker to listen to. It is however powerful and accurate. The chassis is basically the same as that found in the Beolab 9.

The 8000 is the most beautiful to my eyes but doesn't sound good enough for the price for me - I really want a pair in some ways but could not justify the expense for the sound quality. 

6000s are good as surround speakers but I don't find that they light my fire when listening to music on them.

I had since now   Beovox/Beolab Penta, BL 4,Bl 3,  Beolab2000, BL 2, Beovox 3000, BL 8000, BL 6000, BL 4000, BL 1 and BL 5.

Beolab 5 was sold last week!      Lab 3 last month!     

I decided to keep only my beloved BL 1 and BL 4000(all black). I really love the design and the sound. The black color is really stunning.

IMHO BL 6000 does not worth it. BL 8000 could be a solution for you, however you have to listen this speaker: you may find that it sounds metallic.

So, go for BL1. It is IMHO the most beautiful speaker made by B&O. It does not sound like BL5, but it is not far for it.  

Just my 2 c.

An interesting thread, but clearly no comparison between these columns. All very different uses.

I agree with Peter regarding the 8000's sound versus the price. I Have not yet heard the BL1. YET. ;) It says something really when someone sells their BEOLAB 5'S in favour of their BL1 and BL4000 combo... different, don't of know anyone who would do that... nice! The BL1's design is a clear winner for me. I would buy them in a heart beat even if they don't sound all that special. Gorgeous design.

The end advice from me, is take your time with this decision and explore all avenues before committing to buy. 

Dave:

It says something really when someone sells their BEOLAB 5'S in favour of their BL1 and BL4000 combo... different, don't of know anyone who would do that... nice

Beolab 5 is a very good speaker. I was very excited last month when I bought them.  However, I did not get used with the design.  I preferred   my black BL1.

I had the same feeling when I bought BL3 to replace my BL4000 in my room. After 2 months, I sold them and replaced them with the former BL4000 black.

The BeoLab 1 is head and shoulders above the 8000s and 6000s in terms of outright sound performance. They were stunning speakers, although sadly just not to everyone's taste. They didn't fit with 'the B&O sound' so much, very forward and detailed in comparison to other speakers like the 8000, 6000 and 4000 which sound much 'smoother' and more laid back. I would choose the 1s over 8000s or 6000s any day...

I have 4 Beolab 1's In a Surround System connected to a Bv 7mk3 sound is fantastic and they look great in the blue finish and soon to have a Lab 10 in blue for the centre as well.

There great speakers but go hear the others that you may like then decide,also try to hear the speakers in a surround set up with a tv or with the model of the tv that you may have at a dealers.Good luck.

Hi, as some said before, you can listen to them (using different A/V configurations) and make your own decision, as it is a matter of personal taste.

According to the BL8000, are the newer models worth the price, the ones that have the Ice Power amplification integrated in them ?

Enjoy your future pair of Beolab 

Guy

GuyHui :

the BL8000 [...] that have the Ice Power amplification integrated in them

I know the MkII version benefits from some bass improvement, but I am not aware of a IcePower version. Could you please confirm?

Cheers, js