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

@onehorsepony, 

I had the same issue with the entire B&W 800 series line and ended up purchasing Aerial Acoustics some 30 years back and been there ever since.

I would check into other speaker lines and if possible check in room for audition.

Good luck and happy listening!

DeeCee

Did you ever consider contacting PS Audio: Since you own their premiere product, I am sure Paul & his customer service  dept would be most happy to help you.
 

I am not sure how long you have owned the 802D1’s, but it could be you just don’t like them and the issue is not fixable, PS Audio and B&W may not be a good match. your room maybe overly bright. Like everything in audio, there are too many variables.

You don’t say what the rest of your gear is. 
 

b&w’s are highly revealing of components that add noise and distort highs. 

you likely need better gear especially better cables. 

EQ. Acoustic treatments. But different speakers.

@ghdprentice   I have a newly purchased pair of 22 year old Sonus Faber Cremonas and with my McIntosh 2200 amp they can still screech when fed certain cds (vinyl seems to not be a problem). The older models may have a warmer tone, but they're still honest & occasionally unforgiving, depending on the amp you've paired them with.

I can't listen to B&W diamond series at all. The tweeter's natural resonance is 35khz, breakup frequency is 17.5khz so playing anything with cymbals or bells I'll get ear fatigue (if not intense ringing) in less than 10 minutes' time.