B&W 805D alternatives

The better Focal speakers also have better crossovers compared to B&W.

I've auditioned Sonus Faber in a shop that used a MC275 for the power plant and it sounded REAL NICE. I auditioned the Cremona Auditor, but think the SF Olympica I would be a nice step up from the 805Ds.

FWIW I just sold my 805Ds, which had been in a Linn System. I upgraded from the B&Ws to Harbeths. I then sold the 805Ds because the Ayre Ax-7e in my media room second system didn't provide enough power. Essentially, decided to keep the Ayre & sell the 805Ds. I'm currently running the Ayre with some profoundly inexpensive Pioneer SP-BS41LRs as I plan my next move.

I don't recommend Harbeths with your Mcintosh MC275, but the Sonus Fabers might be a good way to go.

I've never heard the 805D (only the 805 and 805 Sig), but I can tell you you're under-powering them, so not surprised you're itching to do something else. My Proacs would probably pair great with your McIntosh, but I think the 805D needs lots more power.

@Zd542, congrats, you win idiot statement of the week.

B&W is a brand you love or hate. When I owned the B&W 802N and 800S even B&W haters said often at my home; This is the best demo I ever heard from a B&W.

You need to understand the properties first of a speaker before you can use them the right way.

I drive my 804S with a 275, a Lamm LL2, and a heavily optimized computer front end, plus two Rythmik subwoofers. I'm pretty happy with the setup, especially after I implemented an active crossover to avoid the 275 and 804S from going down deep.

Even though I'm happy, I sometimes think about upgrading speakers. Some I would look at would be Reference 3a Grand Veenas, Daedalus Audio Athena (might be too large for your room). And I would be intrigued by the Emminent Technology LFT-8b that was recently discussed on an Absolute Sound mailing/issue.

Let us know what you end up doing and how it works for you.
Good luck!