I auditioned both. I had option to buy great condition Alto Utopia for $5,500. Too bad that they would be too big in my room (20x20x9 but with back wall open to living room / foyer).
So, I ended up buying the 1038Be instead.
The main difference is in the bass. 1038Be is sufficient for my room but the Alto generates fantastic, weighty bass sound. In fact, I preferred the Alto to the B&W 802D (demoed in same room with same equipment).
So, I ended up buying the 1038Be instead.
The main difference is in the bass. 1038Be is sufficient for my room but the Alto generates fantastic, weighty bass sound. In fact, I preferred the Alto to the B&W 802D (demoed in same room with same equipment).