A good while back I got to directly compare the original Nautilus 803 to Joseph Audio RM25, Soliloquy 6.2, and a ProAc pair I can’t recall. What I do recall very clearly is that there wasn’t a single area I preferred the 803s to any of the other speakers, and the 803s were considerably more expensive if memory serves. The other speakers had clear advantages in imaging, soundstaging, midrange palpability, disappearing as a sound source, and sounding more coherent. I can’t imagine the 802s from two generations prior would fare better.
I’d stay away from brands out of business since blowing a driver could be a big problem. Anything used from JA or ProAc in the $2500 price range (or even considerably less) would get my vote, and if you’re lucky enough to find a pair of original Sonatas near that price I’d jump on them. Heck, you could even get the Silverline Prelude Plus for 2 grand new or even less used that I'd bet dollars to doughnuts would run rings around old 802s. FWIW and best of luck.
I’d stay away from brands out of business since blowing a driver could be a big problem. Anything used from JA or ProAc in the $2500 price range (or even considerably less) would get my vote, and if you’re lucky enough to find a pair of original Sonatas near that price I’d jump on them. Heck, you could even get the Silverline Prelude Plus for 2 grand new or even less used that I'd bet dollars to doughnuts would run rings around old 802s. FWIW and best of luck.