~$10K speaker budget - Focal Kanta 2/3s or choose something else?

[Jean-Marie]

The responses are phenomenal! keep them coming.

So I went to a couple of hifi shops today:
The Kanta 2 was out of stock, but auditioned the Kanta 3s. Loved the image - very nice mid-range and the tweeter sings! The bass was a bit muddy and thin which seems weird, but based on what I've heard from other reviewers, am pretty sure that the speakers can generate good bass. It must have been something in the room set up. Am getting a 25% off - coming to approx ~$11K.

Then I went to another shop and they told me to come in tomorrow and try out:
B&W 804d3
Wilson Sabrinas (used)
Asked me to get my devialet as well - that ways it'll basically be my actual setup!

I've seen a few of you have been quite happy with the 804 d3s .... any quirks I should be aware of? I probably need to check efficiency of these speakers and whether my 220pro can drive them well as well as how low the bass goes ... some homework to be done I guess

I haven't seen any overt mention of the Wilson Sabrinas - anyone have these and can point me on what to expect?

What was the amplifier driving the Kanta 3s? 

If I remember correctly they have a pair of 21cm woofers, which if not controlled properly by the amplifier could explain the muddiness.
Control being definitely a forte of the Devialet, I would fully expect your D220 not to have this kind of problem.

Best is to listen to them with your own D220 or if the dealer can put a D220 in front of them.

Jean-Marie