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Persona 3f vs B&W 802D2s

I am in the market for new pair of floor standers, I am starting with the speakers and then will decide on how to drive them.  I listen to everything from classic rock, country, easy listening, classical, musicals, opera, and jazz.  The majority would be in the classic rock category.

My listening room is 14'x18' with 9' ceilings, carpet and untreated.  I also have a 24'x24'x20' family room that this system may get re-purposed if the wife lets me put floor standers in there (it is a Florida home with built in cabinets so I currently have KEF R300, R center with LS50 rear and it is not enough for the room).

My speaker budget is around $10k and really like the Persona 3f (and my wife likes the look) for $10k or a demo pair of B&W 802D2s for $9k.  Was just wondering how the community would compare these two speakers.  Unfortunately I cannot listen to them side by side.
mobiusmu
mobiusmu OP
19 posts
 
Thank you all very much for all of the replies and helpful feedback.

I have decided to order the Persona 3f's with a dedicated 2 channel preamp processor and 2 channel amp.  If I add a center and rears later I will get the Anthem AVM60 and put the 2 channel preamp as pass through.  I have a blue sound Node 2 that I will use to stream music from Tidal and an Oppo blue ray player for CD's.  Given this setup which amp and preamp would you recommend?

Thanks again, it is much appreciated!
bigkidz
3,381 posts
 
Not sure why you have to buy something that may require warmer cables, preamp, etc.  I have not heard those speakers personally but know the guys in NJ are good people.  I have not heard B&W's in a long time since my matrix days.  They always seemed to have a beautiful mid-range but to me lacked high frequency refinement and openness.  It has been a long time though.  I don't think you can go wrong either way and then you will have to do some electronics matching for optimal sound it seems like either way.  IMO WAF can be a big plus!  HA!  Happy Listening.
analogluvr
859 posts
 
With speakers it's very subjective so you should try to audition above all. Barring that I would say that the previous poster james_w514 has probably auditioned more high end speakers in his own home than all of us other posters combined. I would definitely give his opinion some weight. 
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,780 posts
 
We just set up a set of Persona 9H on the weekend and boy did they sound natural.

We compared them to the playback of a real Steinway and it was very close.

Talked with a guy from South Africa who is leaning towards the Personas.

Heard a big set of Magicos & Solution at the Capitol Audio Fest again no contest

You made a wise decison on the Personas the biggest issue is the flak that they continue to get when compared to many of the legacy brands.

You are going to love them.

Dave owner
Audio Doctor



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