Another comparison

[Cruxis]

Hi guys,
In sticking with the recent theme, I'm strongly considering upgrading from the 803D to the 802Di or comparable speakers in that price range. (Wilson Sophia 3 and Vandersteen 5A). While I really love the 803D's, I knew when I bought them , that there was 1 more signpost up ahead that pointed to one more final upgrade in the speaker department. Age and finances has its limits..sigh. Anyway, while I will obviously demo these speakers in the near future, I just wanted to get some feedback from those that have made that leap or have auditioned the 802's. What I really would like to know is, for those that have an informed opinion, is it a significant upgrade, or not so much. Some background: I have a smallish listening room, but it opens up to two other rooms. I listen to 100% 2 channel music. In current setup there is 76 inches separation between speakers and I sit about 91 inches
from them. Plenty of power with 500w bel canto monoblocks. Really value your guys opinions, thanks.

[Skyblue]

They are all very good speakers. I had the 802di's and I thought they were great.

Things to note: They do take time to break in. 3 months or so. I think they sounded muchbetter at home than at the dealers place. Other owners thought so too. So get a home audition.

Also, as finances are limited (and when arent they), consider where in the world you are. Here in Denmark, a pair of Wilson Sophia 3 costs the same as a pair of 800di's. Ie. pricewise they are not competitors with the 802s at all due to import taxes. In your country the reverse situation might be the case.

[Cruxis]

Thank you for your thoughts, Sky. I live in the U.S. so pricewise they're in the same ballpark albeit more expensive. As far as the home audition, that would be ideal if its possible. I love the B&W sound so I'm already leaning that way, but I figure it would be kind of foolish not to at least compare a couple other brands, especially at this price point. The Vandersteens are intriguing to me because they can be upgraded. Uh-oh, did I just use that word?

[Antus]

u will definately hear a difference between 803D and 802Di. on 802D or Di, the speaker seems disappear from the room. on 803D, u will still feel the sound are from the speaker more or less. 802 will sound more effortless and relexing.