Thiel 3.6 to Eggleston Andras II

Thanks Kurt_Tank

Thanks Ozzy, I think I spiked mine too soon, I may move them out a little tonight.

What are audioprism ground controls?

Nice Gtb, Maggies are another speaker that has always fascinated me. I haven't spent alot of time with them but plan to some day. I'm still hot on Andra's...

Unsound I have definitely thought about 7.2's and spent a lot of time with 3.7'es a couple of years ago...almost bought them.

looking for something a little different and the Andra's have peaked my interest and sound like they might offer a more interesting midrange, smoother highs, and possibly deeper bass when driven with high power SS. I will keep my Thiels however since they have kept me happy for many years.

Thanks Rwwear and rockadanny for your insight!

Anyone else would be greatly appreciated!

I don't know a thing about Dunlavy's, aren't they OB?

Thanks guys, interesting Unsound. Bill, you know my system what would you change? More music is easy, but I already have 2 dozen albums I haven't washed yet because I don't enjoy that! Thanks...

Thanks French fries, I am definitely a rocker, mostly new and classic - no metal.

Thanks for the sound advice Unsound. The cs5 is an incredible speaker system from what I have heard! I just get nervous with components out of production, especially that long but I probably shouldn't as long as the company is in bus.

Probably the best advice, especially since I am so used to the house sound - which I love.

Thanks Kurt_Tank and thanks for the insight when I e-mailed you privately for advice!

Thanks James for an incredible comparison and perspective! As a Thiel owner you obviously understand the house sound which I have enjoyed for many years. I am 95% happy to stay put but like you listen to primarily rock music and looking for just a little more slam/dynamics but not at the expense of the incredible Thiel transparency.

I spent a lot of time auditioning the 3.7's. They are great speakers - however, I felt they offered only a marginal improvement over my 3.6 so I couldn't see dropping 12 to 14K (new) on a pair at the time.

Have you ever tried anything from the Zu line? From what I have read they are rockers!

Thanks Dev, why do you feel I will have to change my amplification? Using Mac 501's...

Thanks Ozzy, nice system btw...

Thanks Erik

Thanks French Fries, great insight! And everyone else who contributed to help make my decision which I did! I got a pair of Andra II's yesterday, have spent only spent a few hours with them but am thrilled!

What an improvement over the Thiels! I think I almost have them dialed in on placement, they definitely like to be closer to the back wall than the Thiels. Mcintosh 501's drive them with ease which is good news for now.

First impressions versus the Thiels: more and deeper bass, much more refined midrange and smoother highs. No strain when cranked or with high demands, where the thiels would seem to be at the very top, like a smaller engine running full speed versus a BMW purring along at 90 mph. Giving the soundscape just a little "edge" to it with the thiels. Overall, just a very relaxing, refined, and totally resolving presentation. They are more transparent, completely disappear, like Paul Bolin mentioned in his s'phile review, you cannot stare down the speakers.

Thanks again to everyone who contributed!

James63 the tonal balance on both speakers is very good, the Andra's have more heft in the midrange which is great on voice - which the Thiels are no slouch. The highs are smoother, more transparant, with a longer decay. The Thiels by comparison just a slight edge and decay much faster, like on cymbols for example.

Knghifi thanks for the info on your placement, coincidentally I found 38" from the rear wall works best for me, I have them 9ft apart center to center and toed in firing just behind by ears I can still see the side panels. They aren't nearly as fussy as the Thiels.

Jayctoy - you obviously know the Andras, I can't believe you don't like them for rock - maybe the II's do a better job?

Dev - I see what you mean, I can imagine how these speakers sound with really top shelf amplification!

Dev, they are used so I think they are broken in, if they get any better I may have to my smile surgically removed. :/)

Dev, you are right on - there is no comparison between the Andra II and Thiel 3.6!!!

Unsound, your right but I think Thiel has always had "real market" pricing on all their products and perform much better than their price point. The 3.6 certainly did IMHO. As a Thiel guy my bet is you agree. :)

Well chalk me up as another Thiel owner who strayed and came back! I think I was warned by Stevecham, Unsound, and others. Having used 3.6's for 10+ years I just can't live without the coherency and clarity - there is just so much there. That is one reason I did not sell them...

I just finished my build out of an acoustically designed room - they are even better sounding than before. The Thiels are back on the stage!