Kef Blade and Kef Reference models.
 

I have previous generation reference 205/2 for L/R. It seems the sweet spots are the Blade2 and Ref 1s for the newer lines. Stereophile put the Reference 5 as class B full range but the 802/D3 as class A full range. Either the D3 series was a big a jump as touted or the Ref 3 or 5 needs something like perhaps the blade UniQ? Would like to see Kef in the Manufacturer sections.

Of the speakers you mention, I've only heard the KEF Reference 3's, and I would easily give them a Class A rating. The only thing they lack is the ultra-deep bass frequencies. If I could shop in their price range they would be my first choice.

KEFs have traditionally had a darker sound to B&W.

I do like the 803D3 and for my money (in Australia), I would probably choose the 803D3 to the KEF Reference 3.

I was very impressed with the original Blade at CES a few years back.

I place the Blade and Blade 2 in my personal top 10 of speakers I've heard.
The Reference series not so much.

At shows only
 

I have heard the blade, blade2 and Kef reference 1 and 3 at shows only. The reference1 and 3 are wonderful as are the blades. I think the blade2 and blade MAY surpass the reference in a large room. However, the side firing drivers in the blades (and deeper bass) may limit them to large rooms. I think all of the reference models sound great. Right near the top of speakers in the 'real world' ultimate level.
I can tell you that there was a little 'funniness' to the blade at one show that seemed to me to be related to the side woofer interacting with the room. As for the comparison to B+W I would agree that the sound is 'different' slightly than Kef. However, I have heard that Kef is easier to place in the real world do to the uni -Q. I don't own them to confirm this though. YET.

The Kef reference is really easy to place. I’ve had in a few places in my house from close to back walls, side walls and further away and always able to make them work. I have the Ref 3 and yes they do lack in the deep bass, but the bass they do play is very tight and fast. I’m contemplating trading in for the Ref 5’s or just adding a pair of Rel subs to my 3’s and call it a day

The new KEF R series lineup looks like a winner. I have fond memories of my 104/2 speakers.

http://us.kef.com/hi-fi-speakers/hi-...series/rseries

Yes they do look nice. Getting closer to the Ref Series. Last year they updated the Q Series, this year the R. A dealer told me he heard the Refs are ready for an update in 2020.

I have a pair of Ref 1s, and have been playing with low-pass to a pair of Velodyne HGS-10s using an SMS-1 bass manager that also does room correction. I'm at 40 Hz with 6 dB/octave, trying to convince myself the supplemented Ref 1s can sound as good as my Ref 107/2s. I'm pretty sure that's true from lower mid to HF, but I haven't matched the LF ability of the 107/2s.

db