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Thiel CS2.4 to what?

I'm getting the itch to upgrade my speakers (Thiel CS2.4). Nothing really wrong with them, they image like crazy, is like a clear window into the music, but I sometimes feel they are a bit too "reserved" and missing the joie de vivre. Looking for something that instills more life.

Rest of the system is PS Audio DirectStream Dac driving a pair of Bel Canto Ref500M. Front end includes a PS Audio PerfectStream Transport, a Auralic Aries streamer, Clearaudio turntable with PS Audio NuWave phono. All cables are Cardas.

My room is a semi-dedicated room (sharing it with my office, which is in an alcove off the listening room). I do have a sloped ceiling on the front wall (it's a finished attic), about 16' wide and 14' deep. Some acoustic panels to tame reflections.

Budget would be in the range of $4-6000 above what I can get for the Thiels (thinking about $2k as they are in awesome condition and has the upgraded maple finish). Basically, what would you recommend that is similar to the Thiel, but has more dynamics and a bit less sterile.
128x128audiojan

Showing 5 responses by mcreyn

mcreyn
293 posts
 
"Interesting you said Vandersteen... always loved the sound from the 5's at Audio Connection (when we lived in NJ). Was thinking Quatro. I don't think the room can handle the 5's."

Your room can handle the 5s just fine.  As long as your listening position is far enough away that the drivers integrate (about 8 feet), the room is big enough.  I went through this with a set of 3A Sigs, where people said they would be too large for my then 11x14 room.  I spoke with Richard Vandersteen who confirmed this was not true.  

In addition, the 5 has the fully adjustable integrated subwoofer, so you can adjust both its level and use the parametric to help address any room modes.  
mcreyn
293 posts
 
There are literally dozens of good choices.  If it were me, Vandersteen 3a sigs new, or Treo used, or Revel Performa, or used gets you into their higher line.  
mcreyn
293 posts
 
I have to agree with soix on just about everything.  Here is where I differ:

1)  I believe the DSP-8033 would be more appropriate and less expensive.  

2)  I would skip the SVS subs.  A pair of Rythmik F12-300 subs can be had for the same price an are much more of a "tight" music sub.  Alternatively, a pair of HSU ULS-15s (Dual Drive) is the same price.  The regular Rythmik F12 is as good as any sub out there, at $1000 per sub.    The 2wq would be great, and as you note, they may start popping up left and right on the used market soon.  

3)  I would go and re-evaluate the room treatments and see if their placement and or additional would help.  


mcreyn
293 posts
 
I think JL Audio, while good, is expensive for what you get.  If possible, two small subs are better than one large for your use, as it will help to minimize room modes.  There is a great deal of information available about the benefit of multiple subs, as well optimizing setup.  

Depending on your ability to place subwoofers, the Audio Kenesis Swarm may be a good option and in your price range.  

http://www.audiokinesis.com/the-swarm-subwoofer-system-1.html
mcreyn
293 posts
 
"Sunfire would be a close second to REL. Happy Listening!"

I love Bob Carver and use a Sunfire amp, but their subs are far from great.  If you have no room for anything larger, they can serve a purpose, otherwise they are best avoided.  High distortion, poor response curve (QTC), and poor group delay.  Thiel Small parameters didn't change for Sunfire, they just shrunk the box and the efficiency and then used power to try and compensate.  
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