I would be astonished if anyone got the BeoLab 3500 to operate as a speaker. The main problem is that it has onboard "intelligence" that would have to be bypassed and simply putting a wrong head on the other end of an ML cable would simply not work, let along alter the functionality. After all the times this has come up, if someone had accomplished such a task we'd probably know about it. At the very least it would take significant alteration to the internal hardware. Just leave it alone would be my advice. 

As for your Bang & Olufsen alternatives, the BeoLab 4000s served as center channel speakers quite well for years before Bang & Olufsen developed a purpose built solution. If you use 8000s in the front and 6000s in the rear, you would likely be happy with this setup.

However, if the BeoLab 7-1 is an option for you, it would put on an incredible performance for you. I wouldn't agree that that you need a more able speaker to compliment it. In multichannel video up to 80% of what you hear in the front is dialog, making your center speaker arguably more important when in video mode. Most of us still seem to invest more in our front right & left out of service to our integrated audio systems. I would say a BeoLab 7-4 or BeoLab 10 (a little tighter in the low end from my experience, likely due to cabinet design) would be even better, though a bit more expensive.  

Hi

Thanks for the very quick response, as mentioned the comment about the Beolab 3500 being used as a centre speaker was from a friend of a friend so had no idea if it was true or not, so I can guess from your response it is highly unlikely.

For what I am calling my second hand system I guess I will stick with the 4000’s and will save getting the Beolab 7.1 for when I buy a new system.

Do you have any thoughts about what would be the best option for me to set up a surround system based as already mentioned very few if any second hand B&O TV’s on the market here in Taiwan and it makes no economical sense to import one.

So I am left with the thinking to pick up a second hand Beosystem 1, 2, 3 are there any other alternatives I have missed.

All the best

Barry

If the BeoSystem 1 is available in Taiwan, I would say this, combined with a Zektor box for managing up to 4 HD inputs, would serve you quite well. I'm not sure a BeoSystem 3 would really be available as a bargain yet. (If it is, though, absolutely go for it!)

barryrose:

Thanks for the very quick response, as mentioned the comment about the Beolab 3500 being used as a centre speaker was from a friend of a friend so had no idea if it was true or not, so I can guess from your response it is highly unlikely.

first, welcome to beoworld!

second, yes the bl3500 CAN be used as a center with a powerlink connection. look here

the company that sells the kit is: madsystemes / 136 rue championnet / paris

If you do decide to use 4000s for the center, I would think one would suffice.

Jandyt:

If you do decide to use 4000s for the center, I would think one would suffice.

here here... what screen are you thinking of?

If you do have the $$$$, definitely recommended that you go for a BeoLab 7-1 or 2

Thanks for your comments

I think I will explore the possibility to use a Beolab 3500 as a centre speaker further, as I really like the look.

Also think I will peruse the option to find a second-hand Beosystem 1 either in Taiwan or USA that I can import (110v here in Taiwan)

Regarding the TV I am still considering this as maybe the only option is to buy new from B&O in Taiwan as I have yet to see a second-hand B&O TV for sale in Taiwan.

I did not really want to go to the expense of new TV for what is effectively a second system.

I thought about just using another brand but I guess that basically defeats the objective if you have all B&O and then but a non B&O TV

Barry