It really depends on what you are expecting - on how you want to use the setup.

As I have understood, you plan to use it with the tv (through the 7000 system) - probably for watching movies.

I'd consider the S8 - you get a very good set of speakers for the money there.

If you prefer the white version with stands etc (and you can get it at a fair price) go for the 14.2.

These are the modern versions of the CX100/Cona.

Tip: you can use the CX100/Cona in another room - just connect it to a MLC2A, which is connected to the 7000 master unit through a MCL cable. Nice for a kitchen or a second smaller livingroom/work space....

P.S. You can't go wrong with a pair of used BL8000 - but be sure, that they are not too old and do check the condition of the drivers, before you buy.

MM

I have a set of older (Mk1) BL8000 recently purchased. No experience of any other B&O speakers. All I can say about them is that to my ears they sound great playing music. You can actually 'feel' the sound , even at lower volumes .

I have them connected up to the tv as well for when I fancy a bit more umph than the tv itself provides and they do a good job there, not surround sound but a great improvement for films etc.

Plus they look quite nice and 'iconic' , the wife likes the look so a win/win for me :-)

Just for interest :

Millemissen wrote:

P.S. You can't go wrong with a pair of used BL8000 - but be sure, that they are not too old and do check the condition of the drivers, before you buy.

As mine are older (1997 I believe), what should I be looking for to check the condition of the drivers? I bought them a bit blind on ebay so didn't really do anything other than check they worked and no funny 'I'm broken' sounds. Maybe that's enough but I'd be interested to know for future reference.

DJ

Hi Dave,

that is quite easy - just pull off the frets and have a look at the drivers.

They must look 'fresh' - I am sure another Beoworlder could post pictures of 'fresh' and 'bad' looking drivers.

If everything works and they sound good - be happy, enjoy!

Thanks, so its the actual speaker cones to look at  (the paper/fibre part) got it.

Just need to be brave enough to pull off the frets, although as they are currently undamaged bar a tiny scuff on one corner I think I may leave that until another day.

At least I know what I'm looking at now!

DJ

apologies for the slight thread hijack

Dave Hutton wrote:

Just need to be brave enough to pull off the frets, although as they are currently undamaged bar a tiny scuff on one corner I think I may leave that until another day.

It isn't actually that easy to remove them (and put them back!) especially for a first timer. It is a bit fiddly and the top edge may never fit as good as new again. If you don't hear anything wrong with the sound, I suggest you leave the frets alone and enjoy the speakers!

You push them/slide them upwards with one hand at the buttom and one hand to push.

Ok - a bit tricky, but that is how you do it.

I'd never buy a set of speakers from 1997 without having a peak at condition of the drivers.

MM

Millemissen wrote:

I'd never buy a set of speakers from 1997 without having a peak at condition of the drivers.

MM

Thats probably why I got them for £490 on ebay ! I never considered there might be something wrong with them, but I guess a few other bidders might have thought of that. The ones I replaced them with (mordant short bookshelf speakers) were perfect condition (same age) so didn't think the B&O would be any different.

Fortunately I was able to check them  sound wise before I handed over the cash, so fingers crossed they are good. Sound good to me so thats the main thing, if they start sounding ragged I'll know where to look and how to get the covers off - Thanks

DJ

Millemissen wrote:

You push them/slide them upwards with one hand at the buttom and one hand to push.

Ok - a bit tricky, but that is how you do it.

You must be talking about Beolab 6000. Beolab 8000 frets are not going to move anywhere with a simple push.

*edit: And the Beolab 6000s are susceptible to split bass driver surrounds, so there's plenty of reason to check them when buying!

tournedos wrote:

Millemissen wrote:

You push them/slide them upwards with one hand at the buttom and one hand to push.

Ok - a bit tricky, but that is how you do it.

You must be talking about Beolab 6000. Beolab 8000 frets are not going to move anywhere with a simple push.

*edit: And the Beolab 6000s are susceptible to split bass driver surrounds, so there's plenty of reason to check them when buying!

I'm talking about BL8000 🙂 

Apologies for taking this thread off topic.

DJ