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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
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,385 posts
 
Have you heard Vandersteens?
beach2mtn OP
50 posts
 
Many thanks @soix ...definitely agree on the aesthetics of Sonus Faber. I just lined up a demo for next week. I'll give the Rockport a look.
beach2mtn OP
50 posts
 
@stringreen I have not heard Vandersteens...I like the aesthetics and will do some research. Many thanks!
arch2
308 posts
 
If you’re not that crazy about the 802 d3’s sound I think you will be less happy with the Personas. Fine speakers but probably not what you’re looking for. Of the speakers you mention the Harbeth’s will move you in a different direction than the b&w’s. Harbeth 40.2’s are fantastic but I’ve only heard them in show conditions. No experience with the SF. Good luck! Great problem to have!
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 
Not to get off course but I think your Mac gear is holding you back. If you want to keep the Mac (and it's certainly quality gear) you will want speakers that are lively. That will perk up your whole system. Maybe one of the Triangle Magellan series would work. A little harder to find but worth the effort. 
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