B&W 801 series 80 batteries?

Does the whole speaker have to come apart to access the battery? Also in the end should I just leave well enough alone or is it really worth it soundwise to either replace the batteries or disconnect the circuit, or just leave well enough alone?

I just got some of these to. Do you need to replace the batteries at all? Mine are dead also but they sound fine. Hope you can get an answer and if I find out I will let you know. Tom.

Thanks for the great info. Do you think bypassing the circuit is worth doing soundwise? Or would it not be noticeable enough to be worth it? I had one B+W rep tell me yes and one tell me no so I am interested in your take on it.