Now you heard what I was talking about when you heard the 402 with 803D. I guess now you know why I'm not much of a 402 fan.
I see this situation reversed. Having owned 802D's with the MC402, and other amps, I agree that it isn't best case scenario. Numerous people, including those here, have said that the 501's sound much better with the D series. The MC402 is a fine amp, it is too bad the B&W's don't sound good without massive amps.