KEF Blade 2

Odds are if you've had the 802d's awhile you're used to their tonal balance changing brands will probably sound off regardless of the brand.

That is total bullcrap.  I’ve listened to B&Ws and Joseph Audio speakers in the same system, and the B&Ws sound broken next to the JAs.  It’s not even close.  My guess is B&W don’t know how to design a crossover, but that’s just my guess cause the rest of their parts are great.  Once you hear JA speakers you’d NEVER buy B&W.  Just my personal experience. 

Where the hell did the Sopra 3 thing come from, and why didn’t u include that in ur original post??? Joseph Audio speakers kick the crap outta B&Ws. I’ve heard them head to head. No comparison. Do what u will.  I’m out. 

Well, I worked for Magnolia a short bit and got to hear the Blade 2s, but unfortunately they were hooked up to McIntosh electronics, which, to me, is like throwing a wet blanket over the speakers so I don’t think I heard them at their best. That said, I did get to hear the original Blades at a show hooked up to I think Coda electronics and they sounded really good. But, and this is only based on my tastes and opinion, I’d take the Joseph Audio Pearls or Vandy Quatros any day over Blades. Just my $0.02 FWIW.