B&W 802D vs Focal Kanta 3

Had the Kanta 3’s and now have the 802D3’s.  The Kanta 3 speakers were ok but just not involving upon extended play.  On some classical music it sounded ok but overall it imparted a dry, slightly greyish presentation without the air/sparkle, dynamics, low level detail and accurate tonality that the B&W’s give me.  Soundstaging on the 802D3’s is also far more layered and spacious...tremendous lateral spread and depth.  A live recording becomes full of energy, punch and presence with exquisite low level cues to add excitement which allows you to suspend belief that your not in front of a live band!  If you like a tame, more laid back sound, then go Kanta:)

There are a lot of great speakers with different designs which cover a wide array of listener sensibilities.  How each are utilized and matched with the end users equipment and room add yet another level of sonic variability to the equation.  Knowing how best to utilize any given transducer for maximum benefit to any particular audiophile is the key!  Far too many brands get labels from certain sectors of the audio community as sounding a particular way, under any circumstance.  Most speakers require appropriately matched gear and environments.  Having actually owned quite a variety of speakers with a broad range of electronics gives me a slight edge in identifying some key aspects of certain brands, but results and expectations are always a moving target.