B&W 802D1 - How can I tame the brightness?

Onehorsepony, at 8:26am you posted ’set up could be an issue’. Yet you seem to imply that it is a problem you don’t care to deal with.

There are several people on this site who could help you with the entire set up issue if you choose not to do some independent research yourself. To get this input you need to describe, with specificity, your room dimensions, placement of windows and other openings, and wall furnishings, ceiling, and floor coverings. You then need to identify the present location of your speakers and listening chair in inches so folks can tell where they are and how they are canted. This information could start a meaningful dialogue which might solve your problems, or at least, minimize them.

Or in the alternative you can take the advice of posters who own, owned in the past, or make a living off selling what they recommend, without any of them knowing what causes your issue other than your generic description, or you knowing as much about their system as they do about yours. Your choice. 

Before you sell them at a loss, try facing them straight ahead (no toe-in).

I did that with my 803 D3 and was very happy with the sound.

It might work for you too.

Of all the advice, getting an EQ is the worst.

Your room is a big part of the sound. Look into ways to incorporate soft items into the room. Rugs if you have hard floor coverings, etc. I’ve had luck with well placed plants like you see at audio shows.

Are you only on digital sources?  Consider adding analog.

Are you all solid state?  Consider getting a tube based preamp. 
I have friends with McIntosh gear that is warmer sounding driving 802s with diamond tweeters.  Great sound. 
 

Also note that most advice you receive here boils down to “buy what I’ve got”. Use your ears.  Investigate, try stuff. This is the fun part of the hobby. 

I agree with @dishman442 about the room.

My room is acoustically treated with panels on all four walls and the ceiling.

Also, the floor has a large area rug over the wood flooring.

With my 803 D3 toed-in (per the manufacturer) it was too bright.

Facing them straight ahead worked wonders. Also made soundstage larger.

@soix +1

Mike