Has anyone done comparisons? I have heard the BeoLab 5s and I dont care what people say about B&O being like "high priced Bose" the BeoLab 5s sound great. 22,5k is to much for me. What B&Ws do you think i could buy which would give me better sound for less money? Lets assume the amp is Rotel 1077. That would make it fare I think. The other reason I am asking is becuase a friend just bought the B&Os and thinks they are better then 800Ds. I have heard both and hink the 800Ds are far better. IMHO.

You post absoutely no criteria in what you think is lacking with your speakers. It's impossible to comment on your question without more details.

You post absoutely no criteria in what you think is lacking with your speakers. It's impossible to comment on your question without more details.


Not sure what you want. I could answer my question with two different speakers being substitued.

Let me word it different.

Which B&W speaker is = or > the B&O Beolab 5 in terms of sound quality.

I still say you're being too vague, and let me explain why.

First off though, I'll discredit myself by saying I've never heard the B&O speakers, I've only seen a website photo of them 2 minutes ago when I googled them.

The problem is though, the speaker choice that you will pick could be completely different from whatever I or any other forum member would choose. It will depend on what you listen to music genre wise, for example someone listening to rap will pick a different speaker than someone listening to classical or jazz. How a speaker sounds will also depend on the room acoustics and speaker placements.

Also, if you've read online that people refer to them as being Bose like, then to me that would be a speaker that's greatly lacking in lower mids or upper bass.

So again I ask, give more details. How about a budget, what you listen to, etc. That really will give us a better idea of what you're looking for.

I still say you're being too vague, and let me explain why.

First off though, I'll discredit myself by saying I've never heard the B&O speakers, I've only seen a website photo of them 2 minutes ago when I googled them.

The problem is though, the speaker choice that you will pick could be completely different from whatever I or any other forum member would choose. It will depend on what you listen to music genre wise, for example someone listening to rap will pick a different speaker than someone listening to classical or jazz. How a speaker sounds will also depend on the room acoustics and speaker placements.

Also, if you've read online that people refer to them as being Bose like, then to me that would be a speaker that's greatly lacking in lower mids or upper bass.

So again I ask, give more details. How about a budget, what you listen to, etc. That really will give us a better idea of what you're looking for.


Honestly...forget budget I am only asking which speakers are equal to or better in the B&W range regardless of price. I will also disagree with anyone who says the Beolab 5s are "Bose Like". That would be a very poor comaprision and no one who did an audition would agree.

Perhaps you misread or I didn't ask right from the beggining. If someone asks which speakers are better or equal too "A" or "B" you can find the answer or at least good arguments for opinions. Thats all I am asking for here, and I'm even trying to make it easier by saying price is not an option becuase some of what you pay for in B&O goes to looks. So for price aside, an performance only...which B&W speaker is equal to or better then the Beolab 5.

Curt...no offence to you but if you haven't listened to B&O speakers let alone seen the Beolab 5s then I doubt you will be able to give an opinion on this question. I notice you are from Vancouver so if you are interested and have the time head over to commercial electronics on Burrard and give them a listen. That are very good.

I 'hear' you, pun intended, but I don't think you're hearing me. It will be interesting to see if anyone else agrees with me hear, I mean here..:)

Let me give you an analogy that might state my point better.

You own a Chevy, say a Malibu. You ask: Which Ford is better than the Chevy. That's all the info you give.

I come back with: the F 150. I base it on cargo carrying ability alone, because that's important... to me.

You blow me off, because you are specifically looking for a luxury interior with heated seats and lumbar support. You don't care about speed or handling or even cargo carrying capability. You want a comfy ride to and from work only because you have back issues. The problem is, you didn't state that up front.

So while the analog between cars and speakers is full of holes, what I'm saying is that WHAT do you want to be better? Thus my questions about the room they are in and the type of music you're listening to. Heck, you're not even saying whether this is for 2 channel use or 5.1/7.1 or a combination thereof.

What Curt is trying to say (i think) is that speakers have many different qualities to them. Different people have different "checklists" that they check off within their heads in order to tally up (instantly) to determine if something is "good".

Audio engineers still have a tough time deciding on "what" makes a speaker "good". Is it excellent dispersion? Uniform Frequency response? Cabinet finish? Overall looks? Small size vs. large size? etc...

The beolab5 uses totally different setup than any of the B&W lines. It creates its sound in a different way than the B&W presents the sound.

Additionally, there are better speakers than B&W in the price range that you would be interested in. Dynaudio, Thiel, comes to my mind immediately, there are many others.

If you don't like disperse sound, any speaker of the conventional box design would appeal to you better (subjectively better sound quality to you). If you really desire the disperse sound, electrostatic speakers would appeal to you and perhaps you would want to look there rather than B&W for a comparison for sound quality.

I heard the beolab5 for 5 minutes in the past, and i didn't like it. The disperse sound was unnerving and to my ears, unrealistic.

"Different strokes for different folks"

Audio engineers still have a tough time deciding on "what" makes a speaker "good". Is it excellent dispersion? Uniform Frequency response? Cabinet finish? Overall looks? Small size vs. large size? etc...


In addition to what Jonomega mentioned:

easily measurable / objective:
- freq response (how low can it go, how high can it go)
- flatness of freq response
- bass (distortion, roll off)
- power handling
- efficiency

more subjective:
- imaging / soundstage
- detail
- placement options

As Jonomega mentioned you may want a more disperse sound and electrostatics fit the bill as do planar magnetics (eg Magnepan) or some "conventional" dynamic speakers that are dipoles / bipoles where they have drivers on the back as well as the front. The older Mirage M1's come to mind.

Thanks guys, you were being far more succinct than I was...

I think those one B@Ws would be a step down, but the OTHER B@Ws would be a huge step UP!
NOW, which ones do you like?
I choose neither, but that is only because I dont like the sound of either one.



Hows that for vague?

Which variety of apple is equal to or better than which variety of orange?

I don't know, but if value and performance is the objective, why B&W? They're both mass market "high-end". Even if the B&O sounds amazing to you, it seems like Mirage would be the target for a more affordable version if it's the dispersion you like. Or NHT's Xd if it's the digital part you like. The Xd will kick 801Ds and 802Ds in the gonies and skip away.

IOW, what about the B&Os do you like so much? And, if the B&Os are better than the 800D, B&W's best speaker by far, why are you asking what appears to be a really silly question? "The Lamborghini Diablo blows away the Corvette, so which other Chevy will give me better performance than the Diablo?" :confused:

Or is this just an ad for the Beolabs?

Has anyone done comparisons? I have heard the BeoLab 5s and I dont care what people say about B&O being like "high priced Bose" the BeoLab 5s sound great. 22,5k is to much for me. What B&Ws do you think i could buy which would give me better sound for less money? Lets assume the amp is Rotel 1077. That would make it fare I think. The other reason I am asking is becuase a friend just bought the B&Os and thinks they are better then 800Ds. I have heard both and hink the 800Ds are far better. IMHO.

Hi,

Never heard or seen the B&O but I did own a Pair of 808 B&W's. They were Bi-Amp. That was a very long time ago.

I liked them but I had 4-Amps to drive them, see below:

1-Tweeters
1-Mids
1-Bass Spkrs. Left Side: 2-12" per Spkr.
1-Bass Spkrs. Right Side: 2-12" per Spkr.

Well this probably does not really answer your question but at least these were B&W's and they worked and (To-Me) sounded just fine. They were part of a Home Theatre a very long time ago.

Good-Luck in your search for the True-Comparison:

Terry Honaker

BTW; Have you considered the JMLab Spkrs. ?? I have then now and I think they sound great for Music or H/T.

The thing about the B&O BeoLab5 is that they are not B&O's!

The speaker is designed, developed and patented by Sausalito Audio Works and licensed to Bang & Olufsen. B&O just dressed it.

It sounds quite good IMO, but it's not a speaker for every one. The technology might be compared to the Ohm Walsh driver. It's not a Mirage type bi-pole sound at all.

I have heard the Beolab 5 quite a few times in several different cities. I HATE it. I think all of the B&W 800 series sound better. I think it is the worst sounding speaker by a wide margin around that price point. I was so disgusted the last time that I just got up and walked directly out of the store. Ugly too. How's that?

The technology might be compared to the Ohm Walsh driver. It's not a Mirage type bi-pole sound at all.

You haven't seen too many Mirages lately, have you?

I have heard the Beolab 5 quite a few times in several different cities. I HATE it. I think all of the B&W 800 series sound better. I think it is the worst sounding speaker by a wide margin around that price point. I was so disgusted the last time that I just got up and walked directly out of the store. Ugly too. How's that?

That's nice........

Originally Posted by Alimentall
You haven't seen too many Mirages lately, have you?
Yes I have, and I think they are doing a marvelous job of moving backward in time. The drivers are no doubt better, but they're building the Zenith Omni speaker from the 1970's.

Got that cute little donut thing setting on top of the speaker and all...

For their next trick, an updated Bose 901 with on board EQ maybe?

Some of you guys are something else. The guy asked what B&W speaker in peoples opinion is better than the B&O BL5 and gets a dissertation how the question can't be answered blah blah blah. I thought that's what the forum is for, to offer opinions.

To the thread starter I'd be happy to offer an opinion...unfortunately I am not familiar enough with the current offerings from either company to do so. I can tell you that I think very highly of the JMlab Electra BE series which I believe you can find in Canada, and I would put on your audition list.

Has anyone done comparisons? I have heard the BeoLab 5s and I dont care what people say about B&O being like "high priced Bose" the BeoLab 5s sound great. 22,5k is to much for me. What B&Ws do you think i could buy which would give me better sound for less money? Lets assume the amp is Rotel 1077. That would make it fare I think. The other reason I am asking is becuase a friend just bought the B&Os and thinks they are better then 800Ds. I have heard both and hink the 800Ds are far better. IMHO.

Hi Vancouver,

I did an earlier Post and mentioned that I had the B&W 808's many yrs. back. I made the suggestion that you might want to listen to the JMLab Spkrs. Here is a Link to the JM. Lab Front Mezzo Utopia Pair:

I realize you ask about the B&W's but since I have owned Both I thought you might want to take a look at these as well as the B&W's. I'm along ways away from the members here that are the Experts but I can tell you that the JM. Lab Spkrs. really sound Great (IMHO) for what ever that is worth.

http://www.absoluteaudiovideo.com/JMLAB-MEZZO-UTOPIA-PAIR-P20919C3333.aspx

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/JM_Lab_Mezzo_Speakers.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/JM_Lab_Mezzo.jpg

JM.LAB MEZZO UTOPIA (PAIR)

PRICE: 12,495.00


JM.LAB MEZZO UTOPIA (PAIR) Description
JMlab Mezzo Utopia 3-Way Floor Speakers The Mezzo Utopia is a three way system using three distinct drivers, with a slightly different configuration using only one 6" mid unit instead of two, while the bass range is given over to a superb long throw 11" woofer. These speakers come from the heart of the Utopia concept: the tweeter, a key to the masterful performance of the entire line, is made from an extremely pure form of metal known as Telar 57, the only one capable of magnetically conducting the extreme flux of the Neodymium magnet, without incurring saturation or loss. The unbelievably high cost of these materials is matched by the precision machining required to develop this exceptional unit, one by one, using numerically controlled machinery followed by meticulous hand assembly. The point to point wiring used in the crossover assembly eliminates any need for bi-wiring, which is often used in an attempt to overcome the limitations imposed by inferior crossover assemblies and circuit boards. The magnificent three part enclosure is a jewel finished in its entirety with precious woods and piano gloss lacquers... what more can be said? The performance of the Mezzo Utopia comprises equal levels of transparency and energy, bringing together the most subtle timbre and the ability to transcribe the most refined inner detail of the mid and treble range along with the power of an extended deep bass range which provides an excellent foundation for the whole. The Mezzo Utopia puts your dream within reach by providing performance similar to its larger brethren in a model which is much smaller and financially accommodating. Specifications: Description: 3-way bass reflex system floor standing speaker Drivers: 1 x 11" W-type cone woofer, 1-1/2" flat wire coil, 12 x 2-7/8" magnets 1 x 6-1/2" W-type cone midrange, 1-1/2" flat wire coil, phase plug, 4" magnet 1 x Tioxid inverted dome tweeter, 3/4" coil, 2" Neodynium magnet, Telar 57 polar piece structure Frequency response (+/- 3 dB): 30Hz - 25kHz Efficiency (2,8 V / 1 m): 92.5dB Nominal impedance (EN 60065): 4 ohms Minimum impedance: 3.8 ohms Crossover frequencies: 350Hz / 2.8kHz Maximal power handling with musical program: 250W Recommended amplifier: 50-200W only mono wiring Dimensions (HxWxD): 45.25"x13.75"x18.25" (115.0x35.0x46.5cm) Net weight each: 138 lbs. (63kg) Cabinet finishes • Center: Black shining lacquer • Sides: Natural Anigré veneer • Tweeter baffle: Solid Tauari Front grille: 2 x Tauari wooden front covers Port: 1 x front circular port Positioning and accessories: Floor standing (4 spikes and cups included)

I think you will find this review of the JM. Lab interesting and the Comparison that he makes to the choice between the JM. Lab & B&W 801.

Here is a Review of the Mezzo Utopia, I arranged to borrow a pair when I returned to England, and reviewed them for Hi-Fi Choice in a mini group test alongside the B&W Nautilus 801.

http://www.stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/953/



Terry

As was just (Pointed-Out) by another Member. The JM. Lab Mezzo Speakers have been replaced by Newer Models. I purchased these with a Complete H/T 4-Yrs. ago. However, one might do a Google Search and find some at a more affordable price. If not you can go to JM. Labs Home Site and find the New Models.

http://www.focal.tm.fr/accueil_en.htm

Mezzos are replaced and are like $18K+ at the moment. Great musical speaker though. Not perfect, but gorgeous midrange.

Some of you guys are something else. The guy asked what B&W speaker in peoples opinion is better than the B&O BL5 and gets a dissertation how the question can't be answered blah blah blah. I thought that's what the forum is for, to offer opinions.


i agree totally. yet another thread on this forum where someone is looking for an honest opinion and "dissection" occurs. geez, what is up with this forum lately? all of the latest threads always steer away from what the OP cares to hear and it always becomes a waste of time to read. if the OP wants to change speakers why, oh why, must he/she always be asked .... what's wrong with the ones you have, what do you want to accomplish, blah, blah, blah. it seems one can't get a straight answer from here anymore. as for me, i find more helpful info from audioasylum and audiocircle.


not bashing or trolling, i just think a lot of people here should lighten up a bit and allow OP's to get a straight answer for a question they have. if there is nothing good to say, well... you know what i'm saying.

anyways, IMO, i think the b&w's 703/704 are good speakers and if you like the b&w sound, these would most likely be the "ones" for you. if you can squeeze the budget up a bit, then the 800 series is a notch better, especially resolution. i find the b&w speakers to have good layering and their details don't pop out at you... everything is there but the details are obscured just a tad and are thus portaying as being "in the background". other than that, they are quite musical and great all around performers. if you are seeking something else, their are so many choices available. i just bought a pair of JAS ODIN speakers that i love. they use a ribbon tweeter and 2 ceramic drivers (same as ones found on kharma speakers). the resolution is on par with the martin logan electrostatics i used to own but the midrange of the ceramics are breathtaking. it has a down-ported bass, and i don't find any need for a sub in 2 channel. like i said, so many choices out there if you're stuck on b&w then go to one of their many dealers and listen to as many of them as you can. if you just want new speakers, go to every delaer in your area and ask for auditions. you might be surprised to how different a lot of speakers sound.

Hi

I agree with QQQ and Anthony A.

I will add however that we are talking about 2 different kind of speakers, one of them active, the B&O and the others NOT. We should keep this in mind. The B&O only require a preamp or maybe a passive attenuator. I do not know what kind of connectors or the specs of the input signals they accept. So that is not a complete apple to apple comparison..

I am not a huge B&W or B&O fan so count me out from that point on

if the OP wants to change speakers why, oh why, must he/she always be asked .... what's wrong with the ones you have, what do you want to accomplish, blah, blah, blah.If the OP is asked the above questions and responds that his current speakers sound a little rolled off to him and he's looking for something more detailed, then responders at least know what direction to point him in and what type of speakers to suggests auditioning. Without asking those questions, how would anyone know what to recommend? It may turn out that the sound he's looking for can be found outside the B&W brand.

At the very least, those questions help keep the replies from being completely arbitrary. Is that so unreasonable?

Sanjay

Sanjay,

Read the thread and the initial responses and let's not go off on another unneeded tangent/debate by you trying to reframe things to create a debate about nothing. He stated that he heard one B&O speaker and even stated which B&W speaker he heard that he liked better and asked what other B&W speakers were better. THAT WAS THE QUESTION. About as simple as you can get.
It may turn out that the sound he's looking for can be found outside the B&W brand.
I have a sneaking suspicion that the thread starter knows there are other lines than B&W yet THAT is what HE chose to ask about. I also suspect that if people just answered his question that as a natural progression a larger discussion including other brands might take place.

Sorry for the sarcasm, but when people ask for an opinion this just gets really tiring. It's all about the context of this thread, no one was arguing that it's bad to ask questions or have more info.

He stated that he heard one B&O speaker and even stated which B&W speaker he heard that he liked better and asked what other B&W speakers were better.So what's wrong with asking questions about the particular qualities he liked about those speakers in order to give him a more qualified recommendation? let's not go off on another unneeded tangent/debate by you trying to reframe things to create a debate about nothingIf you feel I'm trying to create a debate about nothing, then ignore my post and/or complain to the moderator.

Sanjay

Here we go again. I just said there was nothing wrong with asking some questions and it was about context.

To the thread starter, good luck :)!

Has anyone done comparisons? I have heard the BeoLab 5s and I dont care what people say about B&O being like "high priced Bose" the BeoLab 5s sound great. 22,5k is to much for me. What B&Ws do you think i could buy which would give me better sound for less money? Lets assume the amp is Rotel 1077. That would make it fare I think. The other reason I am asking is becuase a friend just bought the B&Os and thinks they are better then 800Ds. I have heard both and hink the 800Ds are far better. IMHO.
I heard the BeoLab 5s last year and was underwhelmed. I didn't find them awful as such but there was certainly nothing about them that made me want to buy them.

Do they really cost 22.5K? Holy cow. Really? In that price range you'll be able to find dozens of speakers that are better sounding IMO and if you're just talking B&W's then the 800 series or even the 700 series are better - I wouldn't be surprised if the CM and new 600's are too but I haven't heard them to say for sure.

I think they're more like $16K US, unless they've gone up a lot. Still a lot for a speaker that is tremendously ugly. It may sound that good, but I bet it varies greatly from room to room because of the dispersion.

chalk another one up to disliking the Beo5s...in fact, i think setup in the B&O store must have been wrong or something it was so bad. on Rodeo drive you would think they would do it correctly.

i chose the Wilson Sophia over the JM Lab Alto fwiw. i have always loved the older Mezzos in particular with tube gear and used to do a ton of auditioning at Sound by Singer in nyc on them. dynamics typically aren't as good on JM Lab in general.

as far as the B&Ws, i actually think the 804S sounded pretty good. i may look into 803Ds at some point in the future, but not really much of an audiophile anymore.

So what's wrong with asking questions about the particular qualities he liked about those speakers in order to give him a more qualified recommendation?

Exactly. To the detractors of me trying to ask some specifics, here's one for you:

What's the best car?

Bugatti Veyron! :)

Bugatti Veyron! :)

:)

Hi,

Never heard or seen the B&O but I did own a Pair of 808 B&W's. They were Bi-Amp. That was a very long time ago.

I liked them but I had 4-Amps to drive them, see below:

1-Tweeters
1-Mids
1-Bass Spkrs. Left Side: 2-12" per Spkr.
1-Bass Spkrs. Right Side: 2-12" per Spkr.

Well this probably does not really answer your question but at least these were B&W's and they worked and (To-Me) sounded just fine. They were part of a Home Theatre a very long time ago.

Good-Luck in your search for the True-Comparison:

Terry Honaker

BTW; Have you considered the JMLab Spkrs. ?? I have then now and I think they sound great for Music or H/T.

I currently own a pair of B&W 808s and they are a fun speaker. Don't use them much now since buying ATC Signature 100 towers. Haven't heard the B&O but can say that the B&W 802d and 800d are great speakers when set up properly.

Have heard the 802ds many times and thought they were fine. Heard them once and they were set up perfectly and I was wowed. The 800d is very dynamic and has great overall balance to me.

Sorry I can't help the OP by comparing the B&O to the B&W but I can tell you the B&Ws are nice speakers with some great qualities.

Can't imagine why you'd want anyone else's opinion though, because it's your ears that will tell you if you like any of the B&Ws better than the B&O.

Time I chime in.
Thank you for those who gave honest opinions and tried to give input to my question as best possible. I am sorry if it was a bit vague. I will say that I posted this same question on a different AV forum (not AVS) and got 16 responses and all of which were people trying to give their input as best as they could.

I didnt know before I posted my question the differences i.e. dispersed sound vs a direct sound which I now undertand, and I didnt take into consideration one was active and one was not. Ultimately I am lucky to have the chance to lisen to them myself in the near future.

I have to admit when I post on many (not all) forums on AVS i have come to expect responses which bash my question more then try and help.

Just how much licker did you consoom between the begining of the post and the end?

:D