Spangle, let's see if I can answer all your questions here...

If you only need 4 satellites (front and rear), you will save quite a bit of money by purchasing 2 S8's (and you will get a second subwoofer at the same time). This will also be cheaper than hoping you get a S8 with all the amps built in, and purchasing additional satellites separately.

No matter how you connect your S8, the B&O amps within the subwoofer will be powering the system. If you connect the S8 using the VGA cable (Multi-Cable), the subwoofer will attenuate the speaker level of the AVR to line level, in which the B&O amps will take over amplifying the signal. 

From what I understand the VGA cable is not included with the S8 and has a cost of $85USD - in which case, you may need two. The S8 does include the necessary connections if your AVR has pre-outs.

Basically, if you will be content using a third party centre channel, you're probably better off purchasing two S8's.

As for your bonus question, everything BeoLab 14 is backwards compatible with the S8. So yes, the covers are interchangeable.

Good Luck! 🤒

I don't know that I have the authorative answer to your questions, but I did buy the BeoLab 14 5.1 and later a BeoLab 14 2.1 which I added additional satellites.

I know that the initial production run of the BeoPlayS8 had amplifiers for 5 satellites, from what I read here, but later it was reported that it was changed with only 2 amplifiers.  This knowledge is only from what I read here.

The "VGA" cable that comes with the BeoLab 14 4.1/5.1 has 5 pairs of stripped leads that connect to the speaker terminals on your receiver, and 1 rca plug for the subwoofer.

You could connect all but the center channel speaker and use your own center channel that is powered by your receiver.

I did not get this cable with my BeoLab 14 2.1 system, and it does not show it in the included parts instructions.

I am fairly positive that all the accessories for the BeoLab 14 will work with the S8, including the grills and stands.  I don't know if the "VGA" cable would be an option for the S8, but the connection hub has been introduced for the S8 that may give you other options, like optical.  If you want 4 satellites your only option may be the 14 though.

Good point, Mark... Now that I think about it, the VGA Multi-Cable is probably a toss-up regarding the S8's capability to use it. 

BL14 (4.1) may be the better way to go, with the least amount of issues/unknowns. But keep in mind, BL14 is discontinued and B&O are ridding themselves of stock, so strike now, or you may be left with only one option, and that's to get two S8's.

I agree, if you can figure out how to use 2 S8's with your receiver that would be an interesting solution! It's hard to quantify the sound difference using 2 subwoofers, but I like it.

Hi all! Thanks for such inform replies, it's very appreciated!

As far as I can tell, the s8 sub has the VGA / Multi-cable on the underside, therefore I should be able to use one of these cables to connect to my AV receiver? While looking through the s8 manual, it looks like the speakers take standard speaker wire, and therefore could connect the satellites directly to my receiver? This would leave the sub(s) connected via VGA - would this sound OK, the speakers not being controlled by the B&O sub?

As far as the connection hub goes, it looks like I'll be stuck in 2.1 mode, unless I luck out and get an s8 that has all 5 amps. 

Thanks for the bonus question answer too, it's got me thinking!

Theoretically it would work.  I believe the sub passes all the frequencies above 120 Hz to the satellites, but... the sub also contains all the DSP for the satellites to remove the problems they couldn't fix otherwise.  There was a lot of work tuning the BeoLab 14 / S8 so I would imagine that this system works best and give the greatest performance as a package.  My information is derived from watching the videos about the BeoLab 14 so certainly not the last word in the matter! 🙂

Hmmm..... Personally, I wouldn't connect the satellites directly to the AVR. For starters, without opening the unit, you can't tell the frequency response of the satellite, so you'd have to guess the crossover setting for the AVR - you might be able to just 'listen' in the setting, but that's not for me. The frequency response noted in the Technical Specs is for the whole system, as I believe it was intended to be treated as one full-range speaker. And as Mark mentioned, you'd basically be throwing away all of Geoff Martin's hard work in tuning the system.

Also, just because the D-SUB (VGA) connection exists, doesn't mean it works. Remember, users report the 'newer' S8's not having the 5 (satellite) amps, and yet all the connections are still there - it's just cheaper (Tue Mantoni) to not have to produce a new panel with less ports. So, just like I said, going with the S8 might be a gamble in hoping it has all 5 amps and that the D-SUB socket is functional.

Lastly, yes, the Connection Hub only has connection as 2.1, but you'd be connecting one set as the front, and the other as the back - would have to be done via a pre-amp connection

Basically, if budget is your concern, here are your options (in USD):

Beloab 14 (4.1) $3395 + Floor Stands (x4) $780

Beoplay S8 (x2) $2798 + Floor Stands (x4) $780

D-SUB (VGA) $85 - depending on what your configuration is, you may need more than one.

Thanks again everyone, it's been a great help! I think the Beolab 14 might just be the safer choice - it really feels like I'm trying to fit the S8 into something that will just be more hassle than it's worth. 

Those USD prices sound ideal, but unfortunately I'm in the UK and the price difference is greater than ~ 25%, it's actually closer to a 50% price increase! This is due to the S8 generally being way below RRP wheras the Beolab is fixed. 

I think the final question is, can I buy extra Beolab satellites later on, or do I have to buy the full system now? Otherwise I'm forced to double up on subs and spend the extra money!

I think you'd be better off with the 14, based on what you're trying to do,... but it's certainly also achievable with the S8's depending on the configuration.

To answer your question, yes, you can add satellites later on... HOWEVER, the BL14 is discontinued, and may no longer be offered as production has ceased. All that's left is what is left, unless you scour eBay and the like (LifeStyle AV), but usually they are for full sets. Also, adding satellites later on is not the most economical solution as individual satellites are steeply priced.