Hi Budt
It is interesting to hear your thoughts on the 800 Series,the 802D in particular.
You mention the 802D being veiled.I too, when I A/B them, (Get this) against this my Sony Bookshelf speakers that are 15 years old,when playing Tightrope by The Electric Light Orchestra was really taken back when I had to strain to hear how low in the mix the cello and Violins were berried on the 80d's compare with the meager sony speakers.Veiled,you betcha.But to their credit the 802D are more open in some other ways.
I too feel that spectacular isn't the word I would use to describe the 802's.Maybe in their next revision they will deal with these issues.I have heard they will be using stronger magnets for starters.That might help with the attack you mention.
My over all impression of the 802D, regardless if a CD is recorded well or not, appears to me if certain frequencies excite the speaker then your in luck,it will come through,if not it just sits there.Is it all bad,of course not,but given the nature of B&W's mantra of,"loosing the least" to me is Clearly not the case at all.I would imagine they know they can do much better with the 802D.And soon the new 802D will roll out,It Will be very interesting to compare I'm sure.