B&W 802D1 - How can I tame the brightness?

@onehorsepony Wrote:

I’m looking for a retirement system, so i’m in the price range of around 20-25 thousand.

Look here 

Mike

There are so many speakers out there that aren’t as bright as yours (Sonus Faber, for one).  Sorry, you’ve just got to do the research and figure this one out for yourself, as this situation requires in-person/in-home/in-store auditioning for you to know for sure what’s best to your eras.  Personally, I love the sparkle and natural tone that you get with Diamond/ Beryllium tweeters when implemented properly.  My Revel Salon 2 speakers have one of the most brilliant, yet smooth, detailed and transparent, musical, non-fatiguing, tweeters I’ve ever heard (Beryllium), and I’ve heard quite a few.  Go listen to as many speakers that you can, even if you have to travel to get to hear them in person.  That’s the best (only) way.  Also, you can always try to tone down the tweeters of the B&W's by trying to power them with tubes, experimenting with cables, components, etc..  If I were in your shoes, I’d ditch the speakers.  Happy listening.   

If you like the clarity you're getting but the brightness is too intense, perhaps something with a ribbon tweeter? 

I was very impressed with these and in your price range – you might consider the one up, too: https://apertura-audio.com/en/products/edena-evolution/

Yeah.  Stop fighting the bear and just sell them.  Plenty of other great options out there. 

listen to Vandersteen......sounds like music