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This is the first Archived Forum which was active between 17th April 2007 and 1st March February 2012

 

Latest post 09-16-2011 3:41 PM by Jeff. 51 replies.
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  • 04-24-2010 6:05 PM

    • jjcox
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    • Midden-Brabant, the Netherlands
    • Posts 61
    • Bronze Member

    BeoLab 11 hands-on

    Hi all,

    Today I dropped by my B&O dealer and low and behold, the BL11 was just in! The dealer was kind enough to hand one over to me so I could test it at home. I'll have to return it on Tuesday, but I guess I won't. The only thing he's going to get on Tuesday is my payment, because WOW what an improvement this is!

    For your information, I'm using a BV7 with BL7.1, BL6000's as front speakers an BL4000's as rears.

    The first thing I noticed was that I didn't really notice the sub at all. But what I DID notice was that my BL6000's sounded like they never, ever did before. I never knew their midrange and their highs were so good. In fact, they never were, until I connected the BL11. The soundstage has improved a lot as well: instead of one wall of sound, which the 6000's usually produce, all instruments seem much better placed  now and much better to discern from each other.

    I expected a sub to be a huge improvement on the lowend, but the greatest improvement seems to be on the mid and high. Weird.

    But now, about the lowend. The BL11 definitely is not a vicious thunder cloud. But... what it IS, in my opinion, is a bass producer with laser precision. Bass tended to be kind of a mess on the BL6000 (on some songs, like George Michael's Freeek, it was just a bunch of rumble). The BL11 does a much, much better job. Bass really is razor sharp, but not thunder strong.

    I also watched one movie tonight, James Bond's Casino Royale, and in this mode (speaker 5) effects where the same as in speaker 2 for music. Much better placement of all sounds, bullets flying through the room with a lot more precision than ever before.

    The overall feel of the addition of the BL11 to the set described above is, that the music just flows out a lot more naturally. The BL6000's seem to be tired to play the music, while with the added BL11 they're a lot more happy, and so am I Smile.

    Finally, a test I did was the following. Sometimes I used to switch from speaker 2 to speaker 1 (so using the BL7.1 instead of the BL6000) and sound always was a huge improvement on the high-end. No doubt at all. Now, with the added BL11, this is not the case anymore, by far. The highs are comparable. But the BL6000+BL11 combination does sound a lot better on the mid and low-end.

    So, to summarize: the BL11 breaths an incredible lot of new life in the BL6000's. It won't add the big thunder boom, but it does improve sound on the complete spectrum to a level which I never thought possible with the BL6000's.

    And even the wife likes its looks!

    100% recommended for 'smaller' speaker owners.

  • 04-24-2010 6:27 PM In reply to

    • Craig
    • Top 10 Contributor
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    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    jjcox:

     

    And even the wife likes its looks!

     

    Always a good thing.Wink

     

    CraigSmile

    For millions of years, mankind lived just like the animals. Then something happened which unleashed the power of our imagination. We learned to talk and we learned to listen..

  • 04-24-2010 8:35 PM In reply to

    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    Thanks for the nice write-up! The BL11 sounds like a winner!

    • B&o bottle opener
  • 04-25-2010 2:26 AM In reply to

    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    Hi,

    I'm from France and I would like to buy the beolab 11, for completing my beosound 4 and the beolab 3. Do you think it's the good way ?

     

    Mon système:Beosound 4, Beolab 3, Beolab 11

  • 04-25-2010 4:35 AM In reply to

    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    If your room is not to big a say go for it..Smile

  • 04-25-2010 5:16 AM In reply to

    • TWG
    • Top 75 Contributor
    • Joined on 04-17-2007
    • Germany
    • Posts 950
    • Gold Member

    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    An interesting review, thanks!

    You say that the Beolab 6000 play "lighter and happier" with the Beolab 11 connected, to: 

    Is there a crossover in the Beolab 11 which cuts out the low Bass-Frequencies from the Beolab 6000?

    If "yes" I'm finaly gonna invest in a digital crossover from "Behringer" Studio Equipment to adapt my active subwoofer to the Beolab 6000. Actualy I'm using it with a Powerlink-RCA-Connector from the 2nd Beolab 6000 to the Subwoofermodule and that means that there's no electronicaly cutoff for the 6000.

    That would be good news :-)

  • 04-25-2010 10:48 AM In reply to

    • jjcox
    • Not Ranked
    • Joined on 05-31-2009
    • Midden-Brabant, the Netherlands
    • Posts 61
    • Bronze Member

    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    Well, mine is connected to the subwoofer out on the BV7. So the BV7 handles the frequencies. In the BV7 menu I select 'subwoofer: yes' and I guess that then the BV7 decides to send the low frequencies to the subwoofer and not to the BL6000 anymore.

    After a day I'm still extremely happy with this setup BTW Big Smile.

  • 04-25-2010 12:49 PM In reply to

    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    I would be interested to hear what it is like with music - and in particular, is it directional? Can you hear where the Beolab 11 is? The upper frequency is very high for a sub-woofer, quite a bit higher than even the Beovox Cona which certainly is directional and requires careful placement.

  • 04-25-2010 3:56 PM In reply to

    • BeoNut1
    • Top 500 Contributor
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    • Mobile, AL (USA)
    • Posts 226
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    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    I've got a question for the group:

     

    I'm about to get a BV-7 55" (I've been waiting to redo some cabinets to fit the TV first).  I'm going to get the BL 7.6 with it.  My only regret is that while I'm going through the expense of redoing the cabinets and paying for an expensive TV, I sure wish I was upping the ante in terms of my speakers which are BL3s.  I've decided to probably not use the BL3s as the BL 7.6 seems pretty equivocal to me and I probably can't afford BL 9s or figure a way to incorporate them in to my cabinetry.

    Here's the question for the person with a BL 11 hooked up to a BV 7:  When listening to music, would BL 3s with a BL 11 be a significant bump up from the BL 7.6 (i.e. if I had this speaker arrangement hooked up in addition to the BL 7.6 but just used the arrangement for playing music)?

    TIA,

    Mark

    Mark D
  • 04-25-2010 5:20 PM In reply to

    • jjcox
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    • Midden-Brabant, the Netherlands
    • Posts 61
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    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    @Peter: I don't notice where it's located. At least, not with my eyes closed Wink. But I guess in the end that's something you really will have to test for yourself in your own home.

    @Mark: Personally I found the BL7.1 (which I guess is more or less equal to the BL7.6 except for size?) not capable of producing great music, except for electronic music. I've never heard the BL3's, but I guess that even without the BL11 connected to them, they should be better for playing general music compared to the BL7.6? I know my BL6000's are, and they're supposed to be of lower quality than the BL3.

    I don't know if the BL11 will add much to the BL3 because, again, I never listened to the 3's. I can only judge my own arrangement and while listening to it tonight, I got all kind of metaphors in my head... but let's just say the BL11 reminds me of anything that's good and tight Stick out tongue. Really, I absolutely completely love this little egg...

  • 04-25-2010 10:21 PM In reply to

    • BeoNut1
    • Top 500 Contributor
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    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    JJ, thank you for your response.

     

    Anyone else out there with BL3s and a BL 7.1/7.2/7.6 that could offer an opinion on how much of a difference there'd be between a BL 7.6 versus a BL3 / BL11 combo as it pertains to listening to music?

    M

    Mark D
  • 04-26-2010 2:35 AM In reply to

    • moxxey
    • Top 25 Contributor
    • Joined on 04-14-2007
    • South West, UK
    • Posts 2,360
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    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    BeoNut1:

    Anyone else out there with BL3s and a BL 7.1/7.2/7.6 that could offer an opinion on how much of a difference there'd be between a BL 7.6 versus a BL3 / BL11 combo as it pertains to listening to music?

    I had the 7.1 (later 7.2) for years, before swapping out for a 7.4 + BL9s. Made a big difference. The 7.1/7.2 was a good all-round sound, but no way near as impressive as separate speakers, with the 7.4.

    Can you use te 7.4 with the BV7-55? You need a centre speaker, whatever option you go for.

  • 04-26-2010 9:03 AM In reply to

    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    Thanks for the detailed review! Do we know what these sonic eggs cost?

    Cheers

    C

  • 04-26-2010 9:54 AM In reply to

    • jjcox
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    • Midden-Brabant, the Netherlands
    • Posts 61
    • Bronze Member

    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    Sonic eggs... Stick out tongue

    Anyway, I don't remember exactly (going to pay for it tomorrow Smile), but the polished aluminium one is about € 1645,- I think and the white one (which I have) is close to € 1500,-. In the Netherlands, that is.

  • 04-27-2010 12:20 AM In reply to

    • BeoNut1
    • Top 500 Contributor
    • Joined on 08-19-2007
    • Mobile, AL (USA)
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    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    Moxxey, I don't think I have the room to have the tall stand with the BL 7.4 and I don't have the space or money for the BL 9s (though I'd love to have those speakers - in fact, I've been admiring your posts about how good your set-up is).

     

    Anyone else out there with BL3s and a BL 7.1/7.2/7.6 that could offer an opinion on how much of a difference there'd be between a BL 7.6 versus a BL3 / BL11 combo as it pertains to simply listening to music?  I'm considering getting a BL 7.6 with the BV 7 for strictly watching TV, but if there's a big enough sonic difference, I'd consider adding a pair of BL 3s with a BL 11 for strictly listening to music.

    M

    Mark D
  • 04-27-2010 9:44 AM In reply to

    • jjcox
    • Not Ranked
    • Joined on 05-31-2009
    • Midden-Brabant, the Netherlands
    • Posts 61
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    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    Well, I paid and now it's MINE Devil. Setback for the white one was € 1490,- in the Netherlands, for those interested.

  • 05-08-2010 7:36 PM In reply to

    • BeoNut1
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    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    I've got another BL-11 question for the group:

    In talking with one of the B&O dealerships on this side of the pond, I get the impression that B&O is marketing the BL-11 as a good sub for the BL-4s and BL-6000 class of speakers, and suggesting that the BL-3s probably deserve the more powerful BL-2.  Thoughts?  I'd been thinking about getting a BL-11 to go with BL-3s, but now I'm questioning this decision.

    M

    Mark D
  • 05-08-2010 8:36 PM In reply to

    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    BeoNut1,

    You're right about the marketing direction. But the BeoLab 3s can definately benefit. You'll be hard pressed to find that setup in stores for a little while (and it's not like you're down the block from one in Mobile anyways!), but as they fully integrate into the showroom I'm sure the majority will wind up with 3s. The result is the same, using the internal crossover to "release" the mids & tweeters from heaving those lower tones so it will add both weight and lightness to 3s as well. I say pull that trigger and don't worry about the BeoLab 2. It has problems of its own.

    There is scarcely anything in this world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little more cheaply. The person who buys on price alone is this man's lawful prey. - John Ruskin

  • 05-08-2010 9:10 PM In reply to

    • BeoNut1
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    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    TripEnglish,

    Thank you for taking the time to respond.  I find that reassuring as I would like a little more bass from the BL3s, but I don't like some of the issues expressed on this forum about the BL2 (which in addition to maybe being slower, just seems too bass-y to me).

    BTW, do you have an opinion on how much of a jump the BL3 / BL11 combo would be, quality-wise, over a BL7.6 for simply listening to music in a relatively small to medium sized room?

     

    Mark

    Mark D
  • 05-08-2010 11:50 PM In reply to

    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    BeoNut1:

    TripEnglish,

    Thank you for taking the time to respond.  I find that reassuring as I would like a little more bass from the BL3s, but I don't like some of the issues expressed on this forum about the BL2 (which in addition to maybe being slower, just seems too bass-y to me).

    BTW, do you have an opinion on how much of a jump the BL3 / BL11 combo would be, quality-wise, over a BL7.6 for simply listening to music in a relatively small to medium sized room?

     

    Mark

    The BeoLab 2 is more of a video subwoofer. It's great for explosions, but not so good for bass plucks. 

    The musicality of the BeoLab 3s (with or without a BeoLab 11) is vastly superior to the BeoLab 7-6. The 7-6 is an outstanding center channel, but as a stereo speaker set goes, it's a compromise. The BeoLab 3s both have acoustic lenses and allow more ideal placement. Adding a BeoLab 11 will make the perfect setup.

    There is scarcely anything in this world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little more cheaply. The person who buys on price alone is this man's lawful prey. - John Ruskin

  • 05-09-2010 12:57 AM In reply to

    • Rob
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    • Joined on 04-18-2009
    • Germany
    • Posts 35
    • Gold Member

    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    I too am very satisfied. For me very versatile and a nice design. I will not keep it linked to my BL5000 panels, it will probably move to a 10-46 set-up if the Avant blows up :-). Time will tell. With normal placement it will be difficult to source the position. Even with the BL5000's hanging 3 meters up in the gallery and the BL11 on the ground it added spectrum without becoming too dominant (I have not listened to Rammstein yet :-), so it will probably depend on the CD). I forgot that I would loose the function of the displays, but I suppose i will have to live with that for the time being (I hope this cant break the displays?) In white it looks super next to my white BS9000. I think a typical B&O product - design that puts a smile to my face.

    Rob

    BS9000 Ltd Ed., BV5 HD Ready, AVANT DVD, BL5000, BL8000, BL11, Beovox 2500 Cubes, Beovox 3000

  • 05-09-2010 10:10 PM In reply to

    • Russ
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    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    BeoNut1:

    I've got another BL-11 question for the group:

    In talking with one of the B&O dealerships on this side of the pond, I get the impression that B&O is marketing the BL-11 as a good sub for the BL-4s and BL-6000 class of speakers, and suggesting that the BL-3s probably deserve the more powerful BL-2.  Thoughts?  I'd been thinking about getting a BL-11 to go with BL-3s, but now I'm questioning this decision.

    M

    Hi Mark,

    as Trip implies, the BL-11 has yet to appear in stores on our side of the pond, a situation which will begin to change this week.  As such, I can't really offer an opinion just yet, but I am really looking forward to the chance.  For music, the BL-3's will, because of placement among other considerations, offer a much more convincing soundstage than the 7-6, with a cleaner, more detailed sound to boot.  the BL-11 brings total power even with the 7-6, and should give the 3's the freedom to really 'sing' while it provides the support they need.

    I have only heard the 11 in a rather large, open room paired with 6000's (which is what I have), and I am convinced.

     

    Russ

    We kid because we love.

     

    Bang & Olufsen Tysons Galleria

    McLean, VA USA

  • 05-10-2010 1:03 AM In reply to

    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    I can't help to think that people getting a subwoofer made by B&O now are making serious compromises for design.  The specs on this (33-300Hz???, 6.5" drivers, 200W) are strange, and performance is probably blown away by subs 1/4 of the cost.  

  • 05-10-2010 2:47 AM In reply to

    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    macjonny1:

    I can't help to think that people getting a subwoofer made by B&O now are making serious compromises for design.  The specs on this (33-300Hz???, 6.5" drivers, 200W) are strange, and performance is probably blown away by subs 1/4 of the cost.  

    Maybe, but can you stand watching them day after day? And there's always BL2 if you want to live in a disco... BL11 seems more suited (and targeted) to adding some extra depth to watching TV without a full blown home theatre setup.

    -mika

  • 05-10-2010 5:04 AM In reply to

    • Alex
    • Top 25 Contributor
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    Re: BeoLab 11 hands-on

    macjonny1:

    I can't help to think that people getting a subwoofer made by B&O now are making serious compromises for design.  The specs on this (33-300Hz???, 6.5" drivers, 200W) are strange, and performance is probably blown away by subs 1/4 of the cost.  

    Volume isn't about everything. I was planning on fairly soon buying a pair of 7" subwoofers with 150w amps to augment my monitor speakers.

    You should never 'hear' a subwoofer; they only exist to make up for the shortcomings in your full-range speakers. There are many speakers which simply don't need a subwoofer because they go so low (the BeoLab 5 being an example).

    When you add in a sub, it should 'integrate' with the main speakers, simply helping them along, not booming away constantly. If you can actually hear your subwoofer, the system is set up wrong.

    I had a listen to BeoLab 4000s + BeoLab 11 back in the Bath store the other day and I was really quite impressed - it's very well controlled, it's smooth, it's subtle (which all music subwoofers should be) and it surprisingly compact. If they made it bigger, they would've been able to get more volume out of it, but I tested it out with some Erykah Badu at a decent volume, and it sounded fantastic! Really allowed the 4000s to open up.

    Oh and 33Hz is plenty deep enough for almost any kind of music.

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