Beolab 9 Speaker Review and Sound Test vs mystery Danish floorstanders + Wide / Narrow Sound Modes!

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Steve from Sounds Heavenly reviews Beolab 9 - the compact but powerful active loudspeakers from Bang & Olufsen. This video lets you hear the speakers for yourself alongside a mystery Danish floorstanding speaker and gives you helpful advice so that you can get the best from your Beolab 9 speakers.
Steve has not been paid to make this video, so you will always hear Steve's own opinions on this channel. The Beolab 9 speakers featured in this video were provided on short term loan for review by Llewelyn from the Ultimate B&O Facebook group and no payment or inducement was given to feature the speakers or mention the seller. Please visit the Ultimate B&O Facebook group here (this is a private group, but free to join): / beovintage
You can see these speakers for sale on Llewelyn's webpage here: / ultimatebeo Thanks to Wailing Badger for letting me feature their great music, please check out Wailing Badger's KZbin page here: • Wailing Badger
Steve is proud to sponsor beoworld.org - the World's largest independent Bang and Olufsen enthusiast website. If you have any questions about getting the best from your Bang and Olufsen system, please ask Steve via the contact page at soundsheavenly.com
Steve has not been paid to make this video, so you will always hear Steve's own opinions on this channel.
The full range of cables mentioned in the video can be seen on Steve's website here: soundsheavenly.com
If these videos have helped you to enjoy your Bang and Olufsen products, please consider buying Steve a coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/soundshe... - many thanks!
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[@soundsheavenly]

Steve from Sounds Heavenly reviews Beolab 9 - the compact but powerful active loudspeakers from Bang & Olufsen. Every cable you will ever need for your Bang & Olufsen speakers can be seen on Steve's website here: soundsheavenly.com If these videos have helped you to enjoy your Bang and Olufsen products, please consider buying Steve a coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/soundsheavenly - many thanks!

[@TheXtremesoundz]

Great video Steve, thank you! Your explanation of the difference in sound of toe in vs toe out was really useful to me. I have enjoyed my Beolab 9s for just over a year now but struggled a little as my room tends to make the detail of the Beolab 9s a bit overpowering. After watching your video I placed my speakers straight with no toe in and I’m so much happier with them now. Shortly after I got my Beolab 9s I invested in a Chord Qutest DAC and the difference in sound quality is sensational, I’ve never looked back.

[@soundsheavenly]

Thanks, glad to hear my video was helpful! These are great speakers!

[@geraldf.8860]

Thank you Steve for the great review! Your descriptions confirms my own conclusions about Beolab 9 :). Especially the perfect reproduction of the stage is also for me a major reason for Beolab 9. I will try also the wide sound stage "mode" Thank you for the hint. One thing I would suggest - especially when using a non-B&O System as source. Try to use a USB DAC. On all devices headphone outputs I had artefacts when they are changing some internal power mode especially when the sound output was very quite. I have now connected the BeoLab 9 to a Cambridge Audio Cambridge Audio DACMagic 200M, which is a perfect match. I am looking already forward to your second review. Best regards from Austria Gerald

[@soundsheavenly]

Thanks Gerald! That is interesting to hear, I will look at setting up a good quality DAC to drive the speakers and see how it sounds. Another review will follow very soon!

[@EgonSpengler1977]

Love to see a home tour of all your b&o gear Steve 👍🏻

[@soundsheavenly]

Thanks, that is a great idea! I will plan that for the new year, once all the Christmas decorations have gone!

[@simonduncan8327]

Thanks Steve for another informative video One of my Beolabs are a pair of 3s and although less powerful than the 9s they do have a very wide soundstage and if my move them diagonally to a sweet spot the high end certainly is more concentrated I also use a Beosound 2 on a pole in between the Beolab 3s 2 x 180 accoustic lens and 1 x 360 degree acoustic lens at work it works very well with a Beolab 11 for bass I use Airplay 2 on this system and it works great with the Beolab 3 and 11 connected to a Beosound Overture which is hooked up with Beosound core It’s a tidy little system Great products and built to last a long long time 💪😊

[@soundsheavenly]

Thanks Simon, that sounds like a great setup!

[@simonduncan8327]

@@soundsheavenly it’s connected by cables from a chap called Steve Marriott 😊

[@Auto_Funk]

Great video Steve!! Glad you’re enjoying the mighty Lab 9’s! You’re welcome to borrow them for a while longer if it means we get to see some more great Sounds Heavenly KZbin vids! :-)

[@soundsheavenly]

Thank you! These are great speakers! It will be great to get another speaker comparison video done while they are here, lets see which other Beolabs people want to hear them compared against...

[@Auto_Funk]

@@soundsheavenly Pentas would be a great "opponent"!

[@soundsheavenly]

Thanks, great suggestion!

[@Beoliving]

@@soundsheavenly I would like to beolab 20's to go head to head against the 9's.....

[@soundsheavenly]

Thanks, that is a great idea! I will see what I can do...

[@blauebazille8530]

I sold the Beolab 9 after only 3 months and am glad that I kept my old Beolab 8000. Unbeatable together with my Beolab 2.

[@soundsheavenly]

Beolab 8000 work really well with Beolab 2 for extra bass, a great and very stylish combination!

[@tonyberetta6989]

Hi! Thanks Steve for your interesting videos. My father owned a B&O store for many years in Spain. I was a hifi freak before that, and used to think that It was easy to build a much better sounding system for half the price. Three months ago I bought a pair of beolab 9s from a second hand B&O dealer in Belgium. Made in 2009 with dark grey fabric. I ended up with brand new white covers for 250 plus. They are now in an apartment in Madrid. Hooked up with a Urei 1620e mixer as pre amp and a 1200 with a hifi shure cardtrige. In my opinion the sound is very special, different from all other B&O speakers and even from any other speaker. I can really understand critics about these speakers, they sound amazing but not in the audiophile way. As Steve says, moving them around is fun. I think they don't have a perfect listening spot. They just sound different as you move them around. It is impressive how detail is always there independently of the speakers position or the listener's. Listening to Bob Marley's "Running Away" is even scary through these beolabs. For me is a buy in the 1800-2500 range but as always, listen to them first.

[@soundsheavenly]

Thanks Tony, that is interesting to hear. I agree that these are great speakers, they give an amazing sound but it is not to every taste. Always best to listen to speakers before buying, for the right person these could be just the speakers they need...

[@tonyberetta6989]

@@soundsheavenly YES! it was my case

[@242Evangelion]

Amazing to see them in action and that you finally get to experience them. The "Toe in" position is great. Use my 20's that way. Cool that you can have speakers so far apart yet feel so close.

[@soundsheavenly]

Yes, I am really glad to have finally got to try these great speakers at home, I love the sound!

[@AlexGullichsen]

Hi! Hopefully my comment can be seen even though the video is now ~1 year old. I actually have a question for both Steve and Erik: I'm trying to decide between a par of BL 9, 20 and 17 as speakers for my living room (for music listening purpose, no TV here). If you have experience of listening all of these, what do you think would be best for my need? I should mention that I don't think I need very bass heavy speakers as I don't really listen to electronic or similar but rahter music with real instruments and vocals. My living room is relatively large, maybe 50 sqm and we listen to music both "seriously" and as easy background music. I could put the spekers roughly 3 meters apart from each other in the spot where I've planned to put them (if it matters). Br, Alex

[@AlexGullichsen]

And follow-up question: Do BL8000 or 8002 sound too thin/weak compared to the ones mentioned earlier? Or could they be an alternative as well?

[@242Evangelion]

@@AlexGullichsen Still think in this case that the BL20 is the best for you. 20s have better an modern tweeter that makes vocals sound more "airy" and clean. Hope you find a pair and let us know here how it went.

[@soundsheavenly]

I agree with Erik!

[@springy-2112]

I am conflicted. Obviously they sound amazing . But I'm stuck in an era of slim polished billet elegance and tiny drivers creating beautiful sound. Last time I visited a b&o shop I found my era of equipment in a " museum " corner ! " that's the old stuff we rip out and upgrade " .. I promptly bought most of it to add to my 90's b&o collection . I don't think the salesman understood you needed cables to get the sound from the unit to the speaker ! 👍🏻☮♥️ .. Luckily I get my cables from you Steve ..... I'm so old! Peace and love brother 👍🏻🌝

[@soundsheavenly]

Thank you sir! Don't worry, I also head straight to the "museum corner" of every B&O store I visit! Wireless can be convenient, but cables always give the best sound ;-)

[@davidplon9215]

Hi Steve. Great review as always! I have owned the Beolab 9' and a beosound 9000 for a long time and truly still love them as much today as when I purchased them. I'm currently thinking about purchasing a pair of beolab 28's and wondered how you feel the two sets of speakers compare in sound quality and bass power. Thanks.

[@soundsheavenly]

Thank you! That is an interesting question, as I haven't had a chance to hear these two speakers side by side. I suspect that Beolab 9 will have more outright bass power due to that 10 inch subwoofer, but Beolab 28 does sound amazing. Well worth asking your local dealer if they can demo the 28s for you in your home?

[@markiedizz4155]

Always liked the Beolab 9 and Beolab 5 Enjoyed this video. A very comprehensive review.👌🏾

[@soundsheavenly]

Thanks!

[@Beoliving]

The 5's are incredible!!!!!

[@maartendv86]

Thank you for this review Steve! I like your view on the wide and narrow modes. Haven’t thought of this before. May I ask what your measurements show of their bass capability?

[@soundsheavenly]

Thanks! I am hoping to do some more detailed measurements in my next video

[@Mikipedia]

I always thought Beolab 9's looked a bit like bulldogs :p They sound good though but I'd still rather have Beolab 1's personally, great video none the less!

[@soundsheavenly]

Thank you! I would go for Beolab 9 over Beolab 1, but either way you can't go wrong!

[@8000Time]

Super !

[@soundsheavenly]

Thank you!

[@gadgetland]

i have a pair of beolab 9 and never tried to place them perpendicularly to the wall. I will try tomorrow: I want to try that WIDE feeling that you are telling us! I bought these two years ago after watching nearly all of your videos... One question too: I have the beo CORE connected via optical to my OLED LG. the CORE is than connected to both my beolab 9. if I would like to add a central speaker like the beolab 10, should I connect it directly to one of my beolab 9 daisy chain output and will it work flawlessly as a central speaker? or will it repeat the left/right sound of the speaker I connected it to? many thanks in advance!

[@soundsheavenly]

Please let me know you it sounds once you have tried turning the speakers! Core only gives stereo sound, so there is no benefit in adding a third speaker as it won't play centre channel sound, just a copy of the left or right speaker audio.

[@andreasisrael6880]

love to see your passion for b&o products. you can really feel it. at the moment I have this setup: front: 7-1, 8000 BL2. rear: 6000. I'm thinking about upgrading the 8000 with bl9 and put the 8000 as rearspeaker. do you think it's worth the upgrade? most of the work is done by the center 7-1 anyway so I'm wondering if there will be a big difference.

[@soundsheavenly]

Thanks! Yes, this is a good upgrade, especially for music and action movies. For more gentle movies with lots of conversation, the upgrade won’t have as much effect

[@robbertdehaan651]

I am saving to switch my bl9 for beolab5. If the difference is not that great I save some money. Would like to see a comparison

[@soundsheavenly]

Thanks, I think I would struggle to get a pair of Beolab 5s set up in my home for a review (especially near to Christmas when all the decorations are up!) However, I think you will find Beolab 5 to be a significant upgrade from the 9s, well worth the extra cost.

[@user-bw9sn9bd3y]

Great review! I have a pair of beovox penta. How better are the B9 in comparison? Definitely much better sound quality?

[@soundsheavenly]

Please check out my Penta vs Beolab 9 review video here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4XGdnqurKd7otk

[@beomille509]

This means that you ideally would have to have these on some sort of turntables in order to change the position according to how you want to listen. Would make it easier - they are quite heavy.

[@soundsheavenly]

That is certainly an interesting idea!

[@beomille509]

@@soundsheavenly ……a motorized and remote controlled turntable then 🤣

[@soundsheavenly]

🤣👍

[@philippeannet]

Nice video... thanks for that !! Just bought a pair of BL9's (21167xxx serials), but I've got a "practical" (/cosmetic) question... : the black rubberish coating that covers the backside of both speakers is getting somewhat sticky (not much, but somewhat)... do you know if something can be done against that ?

[@soundsheavenly]

Thanks, glad you liked the video! Sorry I don't know about how to deal with the rubber coating, I just make cables.

[@philippeannet]

@@soundsheavenly thanks anyway, keep the good work !! Definitely one of the very best B&O related channels !! 👍

[@soundsheavenly]

@@philippeannet Thank you!

[@bjornterhorst6897]

Can you perform the same trick with the 8000 ? I have them towed in, and my seat is spot on but my girlfriend spot is just dramatic, she hears al the sound from practically one speaker

[@soundsheavenly]

Unfortunately Beolab 8000 doesn’t have the acoustic lens, so the sound will be focused in one position, maybe you both should sit closer together 😉

[@simonduncan8327]

Steve in a few years I think I will look at Beolab 5 is there a huge difference in the sound quality of Beolab 5 and Beolab 50 ? I think I remember from a previous video you said the 50s were more versatile than the 5s the 5s are like a trusty gutsy Porsche 911 !! Im very happy with 8000 mk2 Beolab 19 and Townshend audio super tweeters but the design and I imagine the sound of Beolab 5s will be something else I remember reading an old post on an audiophile forum and one guy is stating that for what Beolab 5 offered at brand new price was very good value compared to much of the similar prices competition I think B n O offer a great deal yes it’s expensive but it’s built to last forever and nothing else looks like Bang and Olufsen let alone sounds like it 😊

[@soundsheavenly]

For most people, Beolab 5 is all the speaker they will ever want or need. They are still superb. Well worth having a listen if you get the chance, but beware - nothing else will ever sound good enough after you hear them! ;-)

[@simonduncan8327]

@@soundsheavenly ha ha ha thanks for the warning I think I might listen to them in a few years when the piggy bank is fat 💰

[@ttrrooyyttrrootteerr]

I usually toe the speakers in ‘very slightly’ so that you get the best of both worlds (i.e. large soundstage + image focus)

[@soundsheavenly]

That is a good idea, but I found the image focus to be best when they are fully toe in.

[@ttrrooyyttrrootteerr]

@@soundsheavenly Agreed that maximum focus happens with ‘full toe in’ , which comes with the downside of a smaller soundstage. However, I just settle with a ‘very slight toe in’ so that you can get a bit of both worlds. Basically; I suppose you could call it a compromise.

[@soundsheavenly]

I’ve just tried that setup and it stills sounds great!

[@jamescorrigan2777]

Toe in for music. Toe out for movies. I use an additional BL2 which is probably OTT but I like it.

[@soundsheavenly]

Good call! Beolab 2 is an amazing subwoofer, especially for movies

[@Smog104]

I’ve seen plenty of Beolab 9 used online they seem like the 4000 and 6000 very good value for money second hand , how do they compare to Beolab 20 Steve ,? Cheers Simon

[@soundsheavenly]

Good question! That is a topic for a forthcoming video (as soon as I can get both speakers side by side!). In the meantime I should say that they are both great speakers but with very different sounds, you need to hear them both before making your decision

[@eriksen6702]

Hi Steve. If i were to buy a set of Beolab 8000 speakers and mabye a Beolab 2. How would i then connect it to both my tv and bluetooth/spotify-connect the cheapest and easiest possible way? I would love if the soulution was expandable, so i later on can add 2 back speakers. Thanks!

[@soundsheavenly]

Yes, I can help! Basically, you have three options if you wish to use the speakers with a non-B&O TV or Bluetooth device:- 1) Connect two Beolab speakers to the headphone socket of the TV or music player for stereo sound, with volume control from the TV remote, or 2) Connect the TV and all of the Beolab speakers to a Beosound music system, B&O Connection Hub or Core (if you have one) for stereo sound through all speakers, with volume control from the B&O remote, or 3) Add an external AV receiver with pre-out sockets (expect to pay from around £500 GBP in the UK) to allow all of the speakers to be connected for full surround sound with control from the receiver remote control. I can (of course!) provide cables for any of the above options - if you are looking for an expandable solution then number 3 (AV receiver) is the one to go for. If you can please let me know your preferred option, I will be pleased to advise on the cabling required.

[@eriksen6702]

@@soundsheavenly Thanks! I've concidered the B&O Core, but also heard alot about the Sonos Port. What would the difference between those 2 be?

[@soundsheavenly]

These are both good music streamers, th main difference is which app you would use to control your music. It makes sense to keep the same brand of streamer across your home, then they are easier to control. I can help with cables for either option!

[@nemeshperera2126]

Hi Steve, in your opinion do the 9’s sound better than a pair of Beolab 1’s with a Beolab 2?

[@soundsheavenly]

Hi Nemesh, yes - absolutely! I would choose the Beolab 9s without hesitation.

[@nemeshperera2126]

@@soundsheavenly Thanks Steve, that’s the answer I was hoping for :-) Keep up the great work.

[@ElderPinto254]

i realy was thinking that the beolabs 9 where more exspensive thats a nice speaker for a good price

[@soundsheavenly]

Yes they are a superb speaker and great value for money

[@jamescorrigan2777]

The only thing that lets BL9 down is tweeter failure? If you play them loud all of the time you will know what I’m talking about. BL5 too but less often.

[@soundsheavenly]

I had heard about this but not sure how common the issue is?

[@jamescorrigan2777]

@@soundsheavenly I service Bang and Olufsen. I can tell you that this is the most common cause of repair on the BL9 speaker. Otherwise very reliable.

[@soundsheavenly]

Thanks for clarifying this

[@MoonSystem1111]

Beolab sounds like in studio an the others sounds more like it is a live recording......i dont know where the song is recording....live or a studio..?

[@soundsheavenly]

That is interesting, this was a studio recording so I guess the Beolabs have given the more accurate sound in that case…

[@MoonSystem1111]

@@soundsheavenly I have Beolab 9 my self...and i love these little penguines...both in sound and looks :)

[@mortenaakjer]

I did not like the design of the 'penguins' when they were introduced. Still don't. I do like the BeoLab 20's though. Still the same design idea/concept ... But for me it makes the whole difference. With the BeoLab 20 design the clumsiness of 9's is gone. The design has more 'edge'. The 20's are really nice looking 'penguins'. Should you come across a pair of 20's I look forward to hearing your review and learn how they can be used with e.g chrome cast audio.

[@soundsheavenly]

Thanks, I also prefer the design of the Beolab 20. I may struggle to get access to a pair to review until the new year, but I will see what can he done!

[@Auto_Funk]

I am going to be controversial here and say I prefer the style of the 9's ... They are softer and more "whimsical" and I think they look friendlier in an ordinary house that is not super modern or industrial in style... :) Just my opinion of course!

[@soundsheavenly]

Interesting! They are such great sounding speakers that I just ignore their looks but they are certainly distinctive

[@vikramanenden]

Has anyone come across a review of the Beolab 20, or perhaps Steve has released one?

[@soundsheavenly]

I haven’t reviewed them yet, but they are on my list to cover in a future video!

[@henriksange5935]

Steve. I'm very disappointed with this video. You choose one of the cheapest in dali's line. Take opticon 6mk2 instead.

[@soundsheavenly]

Fair comment, but these are the speakers I use at home. I prefer them to the more expensive Opticon, as I find the treble on the Opticon too harsh.

[@jeyiflosfarms]

Audio wizadry

[@soundsheavenly]

I agree!