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 2 responses by tweak1

Emerald Physics speakers play way above their price point, especially if wired with WireWorld (a $500 upgrade on my KCIIs) . Some are available without DSP. I am so amazed with the bass performance that I am selling my 2 SVS Subs (Ultra & Plus)
I hope you weren't implying that I make money for doing so. They are incredible speakers for the money.

This was made even more evident of late.

I replaced my Emerald Physics 100.2SE power amps, and a Parasound P5 with built-in dac. I owned these for a couple years. I replaced them with  Audio Alchemy DP-1 amp/dac-pre, stereo amp. The Oppo 105 was the lone holdover. When listening to Red Book I used it as a transport via toslink.

First I did the amp/dac-pre with the Oppo Weeks later, I decided to insert a decade+ old Pioneer PD 65- inverted platter (for red books) . It was modded by Musical Concepts with an outboard power supply

Each and every time I replaced gear with better gear, the KCIIs sounded better and by a cavernously wide margin.

Sorry, I just though someone would like to know