Canton reference 1.2 DC

I might be able to help…..

I have had the Vento Ref 809's, Ref 3.2's, and Wilson Sasha W/P's all in my system for months plus each.

The Ref 3.2's are a warmer speaker than the Sasha's, they have more depth to the bottom end, and (up to high levels) have just slightly less dynamic range, but not by much. I suspect the 1.2's would significantly outdo the Sasha's in dynamics, and especially in the bottom end. The Ref's also have some of the finest finish work you will ever see on a speaker, the wood is gorgeous! The older Vento Ref's are slightly less open than the Ref's.

I have not had the 800 Diamonds in my system, and when I have heard them, they just were not very involving to me, but it could have been system dependent. I will not comment further as I never had them in my rig.

Hope that helps!

very helpful
also considering used Wilson Maxx 3
Cantons are only for sale by having them shipped from east coast.I listen to classical symphonic music and feel that a larger speaker will produce a larger orchestral sound

Either way you go, both will need big amps. While Wilson lists their speakers as dome 95 dB sensitive, they drop to sick low impedance and need really powerful amps, Canton's need it for the inefficiency. I suspect you are right and the larger speaker will improve your dynamics. Maxx 3's are a nice speaker, lot of coin, tough call the Ref 1.2's v Maxx 3's….. I would suspect the Ref 1.2's might be more dynamic. For true live dynamics in the Wilson line you now need the XLF.

You might be able to find a nice pair of Alexandria X2S2 used though…..