Speaker alternatives

Well that's certainly a tough act to follow, and you've got a couple good options there already (obviously moving down the Revel line would be a no brainer).  Have you heard time/phase-coherent speakers before?  I had the Thiel CS1.6es in my system for a bit and I can certainly appreciate the allure.  Only thing I'd mention is I found even those smaller speakers to open up and sound better with a beefier 200 wpc amp than my 125 wpc amp (although mine doesn't quite double into 4 Ohms as yours does, but still...).  They certainly sounded great even with my amp, but just something to noodle over with the 2.4s.  Thiel owners would obviously have better info on this.

For other options with a smaller footprint I'd certainly put the Joseph Audio Perspectives on the must audition list as well as something from the ProAc Response series (if the K series is too much).   Although it's new and so an unknown, I'd think the Magico A3 would give the Salons a good run for the money in a smaller size.  Given Magico's reputation for detail, on paper this might actually be the best potential substitute for a Revel-type sound.  Anyway, FWIW...

Not sure where you are located, but you should try to go to an audio show like Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in Colorado, or Axpona coming up next month in Chicago, and identify speakers that really knock you out.  Keeping in mind 1) the room you're going to have and 2) the importance of the amp/speaker interface.

Soix, I have owned and enjoyed Thiels, but I have not heard the 2.4’s.  I recall a number of folks on the Gon saying that they thought the 2.4 was their favorite Thiel.  Just as both you and Keith have suggested, I am trying to be mindful of compatibility with my Ayre, which I intend to keep.  That was the main reason I thought to post this.  I appreciate you both taking the time to reply and for any other suggestions you might have.

Vandersteen Treo CTs match extremely well with Ayre and are easy with Closer wall placement. This pairing, especially with live recorded music, is superb and at all volumes yet still very cohesive at lower volumes.
 Best,
 JohnnyR
 dealer for Ayre /Vandersteen

Thanks, Johnny, that's exactly the kind of insight I was looking for.

Try ATC if you want more dynamics and resolution. Frankly what you have is a hard act to follow and must obviously be a good fit for you already.

Thanks for the suggestion, Shadorne.  Yes, I probably would not be thinking of alternatives if I wasn't looking at a move in the near future.