Replacement for 802 D3s


Hey all,

After living with them for a few months, I'm looking to replace my B&W 802 D3s. While they offer great detail and soundstage, the sound is too bright and thin for our space. My room is fairly large (roughly 20'x30') and the speakers are on the long wall. The rest of the system includes...

Mac c2700 & MA 462
Aurender ACS100
VPI Prime Signature

The speakers I'm considering (and about to start auditioning) include...

KEF Blades
Paradigm Persona 9H
Wilson Audio Sasha DAW

I'm also considering Revel & Harbeth from a local dealer and am trying to find a dealer to demo Sonus Faber Amati Traditions and Il Cremonese.

I would be interested in any perspective from people who have owned any of these speakers and lived with them in their system for some time. Whatever we end up with has to not only sound great, but also look fantastic in a contemporary aesthetic.

Many thanks for any feedback...


beach2mtn
Glad to hear the B&W's will work out.  I did audition about 14 different speakers including a good percentage of the ones recommended.  If you do decide to make a change the Joseph Audio and Rockports would be a fine place to start and probably end.
I've enjoyed a pair of Focal Sopra No2's since they first arrived stateside and they pair very well with my McIntosh C2500 & MC452.  They did take a bit of time to "settle down", but they are now "keepers" probably for life.

I use a pair of JL Audio V113V2 sub woofers, as the bass from the Sopra No2's is good, but not very deep.

Focal has a Sopra No3 model with larger bass drivers, so you might opt for those.