MCL2As do not have independent volume control. You need active speakers and MCL2AVs for that. You should be able to just switch off a link room by a short press of the Stand By button. A long press turns off the whole system.

I don't think B&O are indifferent at all! Their ad agency clearly feels they get better exposure in other places though. Also I am not sure the present campaign lends itself to the musical press. Another good review in Gramaphone I notice. I would say that the press are even more enthusiastic about the 9s than the 5s. I suppose they are more

What sort of linked? MCL or ML? Active or Passive speakers?

But it doesn't have Powerlink sockets and is 500W as opposed to 850. Have you heard the two compared? I would love to see a side by side comparison.

Very specialised. The normal method of fixing is to replace modules - the service manual is on site (I think!) but is not very helpful. I believe Ridax fixes these - or can - though I have not seen him on site yet. This is definitely not one to just have a go at fixing yourself.

They don't seem to advertise in the UK Hi-Fi press at all. So I wouldn't take it personally! More the Sunday Times etc. I suppose the average Hi-Fi magazine buyer will be more into audiophile tweaks and cables - sorry, it just slipped out!

They are very tactile and the dial is very good to use once you get used to it. Also very nice size. But too expensive and they chickened out and put a camera on!

The PV1 was the one I was thinking of. It uses a B&O ICE amplifier but is supposed to be more musical. I cannot comment on this as I have not heard it. I have a BL2 and am very happy with it.

Less sure of this! The advantage of putting things through the 2 before the 8000s is that the 8000s don't have to deal with the lowest frequencies and they sound better as a result. Have you thought of a different sub-woofer if you are unhappy with the BL2? Or maybe BL9s as the end cost will not be that different. Seems a lot of money to spend on

They sound different! Both have strengths and weaknesses. In an AV set up with a BL2, I think the 3s are the ones to have. If you are listening to music and you like it loud, I would probably get the 8000s. I have dithered in exactly the same way myself and bought the 3s due to where they were going. I also dithered between Pentas (when new) and 8000s