Had exactly this decision some years ago when both were available new. I bought Penta 3s new. Still have them. 8000s are inredibly beautiful, but Pentas offer in my view a better balanced sound.

I was under pressure to replace Pentas in the living room by newly acquired 8000s by the SWMBO. To sort the issue I organised a side by side comparison. Soundwise Pentas won 6-0. Designwise it is the other way around. The Pentas are still in place (waiting for bargain deal with 5s).

Dave0280 wrote:

After having dribbled over the Penta 3s in last months prize draw and kept everything crossed to win them (didnt work!!) i was wondering what pair of speakers would offer the better/best sound. I have some 8000s and think they are great but i did the unthinkable and sold my Penta 1s a while back and i still think they sounded better then my 8000s. I like my music with a bit of depth and the 8000s just dont deliver - although they look amazing. Anyone else have a pair of each to offer their opinion as i may be asking Santa for some Mk3s......

Penta's all the way!!!😕

100% -  no question..

I agree with all thats been said - hope Santa has been working out this year 😁

Is there a noticable difference between the mk3's and mk1's?

I'm a bit in the same position.

Beovision AV9000 being the main thing so its for surround.

The rest and general music is handled by 2 other systems. One is linked to the AV9000 from another room.