Thiel cs 2.3 or B&W N803,804?

What was missing for me with the 803s was life in the midrange. Those Kevlar midrange drivers sound a little dry and sterile to my ears, and maybe that's what was missing for you too. Haven't heard the 2.3s, but unless you're willing to do what it takes in the equipment matching game to get the desired results they may prove frustrating. I found the CS1.6 to be surprisingly good and not quite as given to brightness as some other Thiel models. If you haven't heard them they might surprise you.

In this price range there are lots of other worthy competitors such as Silverline, Soliloquy, Triangle, Merlin, Audio Physic, Sonus Faber, Coincident Tech., etc. If the 803s or 2.3s aren't doing it for you, my guess is one of the above will. I'd personally recommend hearing the Silverline Sonatina II and the Soliloquy 6.2 if you can find a dealer in your area. Best of luck.

If you think you like the N803's but think something may be missing, try tubes for the top end at least if you are bi-amping. I too thought the kevlar mids were dry at times. I was right. They can be dry with certain music inncertain setups. But then I began using my tubed pre and playing around with different means of isolation. That experience gave me a new-found respect for the nautilus series B&W's.

I wuld not limit your choice to these two brands, there are plenty more to seek out. lus you need to review your component balance and cable matching, as well as power cabling and mains purification.
Look at the Von Schweikert VR5 (www.vonschweikert.com).

Forget about both of them and audition AUDIO PHYSIC TEMPOS

I am not familiar with Thiel, but I do own a set of BW N804's. I know they need the right electronics. I have a Classe 300 Watt amp that does it justice. However, I have heard them sound better with better electronics. But if I had my choice (and cash), I would spend the extra "g" and get the N803's. For the price they give a good return on the investment. more depth and just a more "musical" speaker. But again, the right componenets make all the difference.
JB