The Tannoy DC8s were new, as the dealer ordered a pair just for my demo.
The B&W PM1s had a good 100 hours run in.
Thinking of it, I may slightly prefer the Tannoy DC8s. Even though they don't sound as natural, and they are not as dynamic, and guitars or pianos don't have the same impact, the eerie silky sound has an irresistible charm. It is just so different from my initial wish list, as I was more looking for a speaker that would sound dynamic and "true".
Funny thing is, the B&W dealer had a listen at the Tannoys when he came to pick up his speakers. Even though he argued the B&W PM1s sounded more real, he "understood" the charm the Tannoys could have.
Floorstanding are not really an option due to... Esthetics!
I like discreet speakers and they need to have a certain WAF factor (Or else I would have gone for the Spendors SP2/3 which are the best sounding speakers I have auditionned and have the right size.)