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.
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Showing 1 response by soix

Since you like a lot of what your speakers are doing and given what you're looking for, I also think subs are well worth exploring.  Two subs is better than one, but two high-end subs new would cost about as much or more than your Thiels, which seems kinda silly to me.  Buying a couple used Vandersteen 2Wq subs might be a good idea since Vandy just came out with a new sub so there may be a good supply of the older model soon.  But another way to go would be to get a couple SB2000 subs from SVS.  They offer a totally risk-free, 45-day trial so you can see if the subs do what you're looking for.  They're only about $1400 for a pair, and they'll get you down to 19Hz.  If they work I'd invest $600 in a used DSpeaker anti-mode dual core processor to help really dial them in.  Anyway, best of luck in whatever you decide.