B&W 802 N vs. D

owned WP 3/2 for many years. Have to say I think the 802N are better. Haven't listened to Wilson recently, but newer version would be much more expensive

I sure hope so ,The 3/2 is trash IMO..On the used market for what the 802d cost you can get watt/puppy7 and real soon the 8s..Confidence C4 with cash in pocket,Kharma 3.2 with cash in pocket etc etc...look around and listen,thats all I suggest

I've heard both the 800D, 802D, and 803D. I've also heard the 800N and 801N. To my mind, the re-design incorporating the diamond tweeter makes the newer 'D' versions a considerably better speaker. I found the overall sound presentation to be more of a piece with the D than its predecessor, and the upper frequencies are incredibly clean and distortion free, so much so that I didn't hear the tweeters at all (this is very rare and the sign of a really good tweeter IMO). I found the music has an added sense of naturalness and realism with the D version. The presentation also sounded less strained to me.

Make sure you here the D version after proper break-in. After having the 'before' and 'after' results with the 800D specifically, I found it really does make a difference.

I would have to disagree with Missioncoonery. I find that the 800D is a superb loudspeaker.

I would have to disagree with Missioncoonery. I find that the 800D is a superb loudspeaker

I thought we were talking about the 802D/802N????

Actually I currently have 5 803N's in my system, and am thinking about upgrading the front 3. Hence the question about comparing 802N and 802D. I could get either in red cherry to match my rear speakers.

Not that I am permanently wedded to B&W, but to change manufacturers totally would probably require eventual replacement of all 5 speakers for additional expense. Not to mention that all the speakers you mentioned are on sale in all sorts of bizarro color combinations (at least currently on Agon), making it difficult to match even just the front 3!

Since I doubt anyone will sell me a single 802D (or 3), we are probably talking about 2 pair. So the cost differential between the 802N and 802D mounts up. I am curious about the direct comparison, for those who are familiar with both...

DIW, if it matters to YOU, then it will be worth the money. All of this is baseless without knowing how you listen, the gear involved, the music you prefer, the room design and your overall priorities for sound reproduction. Since you have B&W and seem to like them, go for the D's in the front/Mains position...absolutely no need for D's in the rear.