General Forum

Re: subwoofer needed?

Steve at Sounds Heavenly — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 06:48:32 GMT

I love this sort of topic - sound quality is partly about perception, hence all the different views....

Basically, I would suggest that you try to arrange a loan of both a Beolab 2 and a non-B&O sub (eg. Miller and Kreisel, B&W, etc.) Compare the sound of each set up with both music and movies. Also try different settings on the positioning switches, both on the Beolab 9's and the Beolab 2. The instructions on these are really meant as a starting point, as every listening room is different.

More bass is not always better bass, although if you like action movies you may disagree! The Beolab 9 produces a lovely tight, deep bass that feels like it is part of the music when the speakers are set up right, whereas in some rooms a separate sub can often seem to be detatched from the rest of the sound. Also bear in mind that the Beolab 2 does not have many of the controls that are fitted to other subs, eg. phase, depth, cross-over point, etc, which often help with integrating a sub into your listening room properly. Don't get me wrong, the Lab 2 is a good sub, but I think it's lack of controls can make it less suitable for some listening rooms.

Basically, try all the options and let your ears make the final decision!

Best regards,

Steve.

Re: subwoofer needed?

kawo — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:28:34 GMT

From my point of view the performance of beolab 2 is not good enough to support a lab 9. Not in regards to deepnes of the bass or size. When I owned a lab 2 I found it quite hard to setup the subwoofer with the very limited options given by B&O. So I sold it.

I would (if you think a sub is needed) consider a subwoofer like the Velodyne's, they can be adjusted to the room like a Beolab5.

Karsten

Re: subwoofer needed?

Alex — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:38:32 GMT

Don't just go by numbers! B&O states the BeoLab 2 'starts' at 23 Hz, and the BeoLab 9s at 30 Hz, but they don't state what the tolerance is on the readings. This also doesn't tell you anything about the 'definition' of the bass and it's linearity (something you could only really tell from waterfall plots).

Re: subwoofer needed?

Westlander — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:21:45 GMT

Beolab 2 starts at 20 Hz, Beolab 9 starts at 25 Hz I thought.

To me I find it not worth paying € 3000,00 for a Beolab 2, knowing the difference in sound experience between Beolabs 9 with BL2 / Beolabs 9 without BL2

Paul

Re: subwoofer needed?

aweicc — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 07:42:17 GMT

I have bought a lab 2 to go with my lab 9s, but after one week I decided to move the lab 2 up stairs with lab 6000s.

Even though it does enhance the bass during playback, but I found it unnecessary due to the size of my living room, and I actually prefer the sound experience of the 9s without the 2.

You should ask your dealer to lend u a lab 2 and try it out before buying.

Cheers,

Re: subwoofer needed?

Tom — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:52:17 GMT

I have heard the BL9 at my dealer's with and without BL2. To me, they sound better with BL2, especially with movies. Ask your dealer to lend you a BL2 for a couple of days, so you can compare the setup at home.

Re: subwoofer needed?

Craig — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:14:39 GMT

nmartin771:

One question:
Is there any alternative to BeoLab2 ? Maybe some other manufacturer who will fit in to beolink system ? Of course active woofer .

There are few members who use a B&W PV1 I believe.

Craig

Re: subwoofer needed?

nmartin771 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:17:28 GMT

One question:

Is there any alternative to BeoLab2 ? Maybe some other manufacturer who will fit in to beolink system ? Of course active woofer .

Re: subwoofer needed?

Alex — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:12:28 GMT

Sonically I prefer the BeoLab 9s without the BeoLab 2. The BeoLab 2 performs well, but the BeoLab 9s are so stunningly good across the complete frequency range that IMO the BeoLab 2 tends to confuse things sonically.

Re: subwoofer needed?

BMGHB — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:47:18 GMT

There is a big difference with or without the Beolab 2. There is a profound deep sound in BeoLab 9 but with a BeoLab 2 they sound even better.

It sounds like youre having a surround setup and in this configuration its important with a good center speaker(BeoLab 7-4/BeoLab 10) and a subwoofer(BeoLab2)

Go to a Bang & Olufsen who has the setup connected so you can choose first to hear it without the BL2 and then with.. I am sure you will buy the BeoLab 2 on the spot..

Re: subwoofer needed?

ChrDH — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 04:43:16 GMT

Although I havent heard the beolab 9 in a sourround setup, I would say no. The beolab 9 has a nice amount of bass in my oppinion, you would only hear a (small) differense in some action-movies with alot of explosions ect.

Christian

subwoofer needed?

Scud — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:52:36 GMT

Hi guys;

just wanting to get your thoughts... would you recommend a subwoofer, something like the beolab 2 if i were using 2 BeoLab 9's, 2 BeoVox 1's and had it all connected to a beovision 7? Would i notice any difference with/without the beolab 2?

thanks in advance!