B&W 800 DIAMOND-COMPARABLE SPEAKERS

Spend the extra money and get what you really want. It's the cheapest way in the end. Otherwise, you buy something else, sell it at a loss and then buy the B&Ws anyway, but by then, the price went up. Just get it over with and enjoy. I only say this as you mentioned it was only slightly over budget. We should never spend recklessly.

KEF Model 207/2 seems to me similar to B&W 800 Diamonds, but cheaper.

I've decided to take Chayro's advice and am going ahead with the Diamonds!!
Thanks all.

I wish you many years of good listening. They are beautiful speakers.

There are a large number of speakers just as good (and better) for less money. Keep shopping.