KEF Reference 5 vs. B&W 802 D3 speakers - which one better? your knowledges & opinions

If those are your choices, I would probably lean towards the KEF.  The McIntosh sound is very laid back on the attack and the B&W D3 have a soft attack in the midrange (due to their woven midrange design).  It's a soft flexible cone that is designed to dampen itself (it has no surround).  The combination of McIntosh and B&W will likely lead to a "too boring" sound.  That being said, I would not choose KEF speakers either.  I have heard them at RMAF and, like every other speaker with metal dome tweeters, they have a slightly bright edge to the highs that takes away from the realness.  My own personal opinion.  I think they are much faster responding speakers than the B&W.

i have the KEF Reference 5s and really like them.  I listen mostly to classical music and they are like musical instruments to me. They took a long break in time and lots of setup adjustments. I considered B and W at the time I bought the KEFs but obviously preferred the Kefs. My equipment is different and so are my ears, but that’s my opinion.  I believe kef is still offering the Ref 5 in piano black, rosewood and walnut finishes for a big ($6000) discount..$13,999. 

@fast 
yes, the sale is why im drawn to buy the kef.  So i am like u, contemplating on which one to buy.   The 802 i can get used for $15k.