I was thinking more downmarket ~£70 for an EMU 0202.

Look for CutePDF . Its free, there's no adverts and it appears as a printer so is easy to convert any open document to a pdf. I've used it for ages and it works fine

I don't think this is a particularly good idea if it is meant to be a "listening" environment. If it is just to fill the room with sound without concern for imaging or tonal balance then go ahead. btw - how big is the room, I'm surprised the Pentas can't hadle it on their own.

Lab 5 performance for Lab 4 prices - but here's the thing, if B&O ever knew how to do this would they put them into production

I'd certainly be interested to hear the difference. A decent "cheap" DAC can be had for ~£70 - if you don't like it bung it on ebay and get your back (alternatively I'll give you £35 for it)

Re the change to MKII From January 2003, BeoLab 8000 was obtainable with new driver units giving extra bass at low levels. While not delivering as much as a BeoLab 2 (dedicated sub-woofer) the bass drivers with the newer BeoLab 8000 have a marked improvement over their predecessors. The upgrade involved new frequency equalization and improved ABL system

I've paid up - I've now a whole 12 extra chances not to win something in the Prize Draw

BeoNut1: Puncher, I realize that the BL3s don't have a digital input with onboard DAC, but what are your thoughts on my proposed AV set up (i.e. the HDMI from the Apple TV coming in to the BV8 and going out to the BL3s via PL connectors)? TIA, Mark Sorry Mark but I'm going to have to stand down on this one - I don't know enough about the

BL3's definitely don't have an digital input/onboard DAC - need to fork out for BL5's if you want that

Greg: When I was working at Apple, which was recently, most panels used were from Chi Mei, or LG. This is partly due to increased Mac sales, meaning additional suppliers are needed, but I suspect mostly to increase margin - Chi Mei panels are almost certainly cheaper than Samsung - even taking into account Apple's relationship with Samsung. Sadly