Hi :) In short Theatre's bass management uses all defined outputs to maximise the system's bass performance, based on each speakers individual capability. And you've selected a VERY capable set of front speakers, and regardless of whether you pick BL28's or BL8's, the gap between them and the BL50's will be quite large. Here you can see some quick examples of the default redirection-values Theatre will set: Setup 1: Theatre + BL50 + BL28 Theatre: -10dB BL50 (each speaker): 0dB BL28 (each speaker) -11dB Setup 2: Theatre + BL50 + BL8 Theatre: -10dB BL50 (each speaker): 0dB BL8 (each speaker) -13dB 0dB means that the speaker is getting 100% of the incoming audiosignal below (default) 120hz. BL28 can output a little more bass than BL8, but I definitely would not let THAT difference be the deciding factor for what to choose. I would pick the solution that fits your home. The effects of the surrounds will have a much larger impact than the 2db bass performance difference you see above. Also, remember that the measurements that these valued are calculated from, are based on precise measurements in a controlled environment (the cube). That may not translate to your likings or your room, and if you feel that you need more bass, you can always edit the redirection levels e.g. 1dB up (see example below). Now all of the speakers play a little more bass, but you've stole that one dB from "the maximum volume". So you may not be able to go to (I'm just saying a number here) volume 82, before the ABL kicks in, now it's 80 or 81. I personally do not see that as an issue, remember to protect your ears :) Example based on a Theatre+BL50+BL8 setup, where you need a little more bass: Theatre: -9dB BL50 (each speaker): 1dB BL8 (each speaker) -12dB Hope this helps.

My understanding is that from Beovision 11 to Beovision Harmony, the default Bass Management settings would send all low end below the crossover threshhold to the MOST capable speakers in the system - meaning your 50s would get all of the bass (and rightly so). The Theatre's updated Bass Management however will send every speaker the amount of bass that is is capable of producing, providing a slight increase in bass performance overall compared to previous sets. The technical comparison between BL8 and BL28 is interesting because they are both three-way, and the 28s while significantly larger only have a 6.5 inch woofer compared to the 8s 5.25 inch woofer - PLUS the 8s are rated to go as low as 28hz, while the 28s are rated for 27hz. My point being the THREE 10 inch woofers PER BL50 (and 15hz rating) are massively more powerful than both the 8s and 28s, and the two are shockingly close in bass performance anyway - pick the one that looks better in your space, you will be happier.