Great thread. I am in the process of researching the speakers I want to keep into retirement (about 7 yrs from now). I started upgrading about 6 months ago buying a pair of McIntosh 501s, a one terabyte music server, Squeezebox Duet, Benchmark DAC1 Pre. Currently drive 15 year old B&W 803 Matrix. The new gear really enlivened the 803s but well you know.......must have new speakers!
I decided to stay with B&W and will choose between the 800D, 801D, and 802D. I currently have a pair of 801 series three matrix as short-term loaners. The 801s are so good they'll make you cry! Their only problem is the wife doesn't like their looks as much as the 802s or 800s. I tried telling her they make her bottom look smaller; she was unamused. I'm leaning toward the 800s at this point but will not decide until in-home audition of all three.
I decided to stay with B&W and will choose between the 800D, 801D, and 802D. I currently have a pair of 801 series three matrix as short-term loaners. The 801s are so good they'll make you cry! Their only problem is the wife doesn't like their looks as much as the 802s or 800s. I tried telling her they make her bottom look smaller; she was unamused. I'm leaning toward the 800s at this point but will not decide until in-home audition of all three.