B&W 802D vs Focal Kanta 3

Well, the Kanta uses Focal's flax drivers, while the Sopra employs their W cone drivers.  From what I understand, the flax drivers are fast as all get out, but the W cones have more impact.  Also, the Sopra has a different and supposedly superior implementation of the beryllium tweeter. 

Had the Kanta 3’s and now have the 802D3’s.  The Kanta 3 speakers were ok but just not involving upon extended play.  On some classical music it sounded ok but overall it imparted a dry, slightly greyish presentation without the air/sparkle, dynamics, low level detail and accurate tonality that the B&W’s give me.  Soundstaging on the 802D3’s is also far more layered and spacious...tremendous lateral spread and depth.  A live recording becomes full of energy, punch and presence with exquisite low level cues to add excitement which allows you to suspend belief that your not in front of a live band!  If you like a tame, more laid back sound, then go Kanta:)

I brought home the kanta 3 store demo's and got no bass below 80 hz in my room, a huge 10 db peak at 100 hz then bass dropped like a rock. They say bass below 2-300 hz is room dependant, but all the other 'full range' speakers i've had down here reach at least 60 hz. 

I brought the kanta 3 home because I really liked the mid and high fq's smooth and detailed presentation and their ability to play old rock recordings without harsh highs I used to expect from focal speakers. If you're using a sub or have a bass friendly room they're great.

I have 802 D3’s and can say that everything dave_b said about them is 100% true. Funny how you really can describe how a speaker sounds in words.