Hi guys,

would you think a pair of BL3 could/should be an improvement as rear speakers in comparision to a pair of BL4000 in speaker 4 mode?

At the moment I`m using the BL4000 MKII rear speaker together with a pair of BL9 front speaker connected to the DSS of the BV8-40. A BS4 is also connected via Masterlink to the BV8-40. I always listen to music in speaker 4 mode (classic rock), watch TV mainly in speaker 3 mode, if a movie is dolby 5.1, the telly switches itself into speaker 5 mode. Because the pair of BL4000 is placed near my couch, they are running only on 30-40% (setup DSS). The BL9 are round 60%. More than 60% of the BL9 in the DSS sound strange, because the center of the BV8-40 is not able to keep up with the BL9.

I have the possiblilty to "snap" a pair of BL MII, not used very much for round 1.5k. I´ve already listend to a pair of BL3 as rear speakers a view weeks ago in my living room, but was not sure if it is worth the upgrade. Even because of the money.

- Designwise not, because I like the BL4000. They are like a painting.

- Soundwise in video mode not, because there is not much of information for the rear speakers.

- Soundwise in audio mode speaker 4?

I`ve to trade in my BL4000 for lets say 800 bucks and have to invest around € 700 for the upgrade to the BL3. I like the round, warm sound of the BL4000, but I`m not sure if there will be a big advancement because of the ALT of the BL3 together with the BL9.

Yes, time and some pocket money is always a very dangerous combination.

tough question.

I agree the 4000s look nice, and since they will be positioned more in the furniture space of the room their aesthetics may be the best reason for keeping them.

I love my BL 3a, but they are ugly children that only a parent would love :-) whereas the 4000 are se*y !

But perhaps the real determinant is how much background/"behind you" treble in the movies you watch/listen to.  If it is just bangs and booms then perhaps the wonder/cost of the acoustic lens will be wasted