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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
pops
2,273 posts
 
I have both 7.2's and 3.6's and the only thing I'd ever think about replacing them with are Tidal Contriva G2's or Agoria's. They're that good.

Thats a big statement 3090 and I agree, I have spent some time with Tidals.  I have 3.6 (my favorite) and CS6.  Mcintosh 501’s drive them good, Classe CA200 drives them better.  

I ventured off track a few years ago with Egglestons Andra II’s because I admired them years ago but I could never keep the Thiels out of the system.  Hard to switch speakers when you are so accustomed to the sound and performance.
3090
24 posts
 
Pops,

I agree. I power my 7.2 's with a pair of Mac MC7300's in mono parallel. Music pours out them. The 3.6's are in my theater. They're getting the step-child treatment until I get a proper amp. 
johnvourtsis's avatar
johnvourtsis
2 posts
 
Keep the Thiels.  You'll miss them if you don't.
harrylavo's avatar
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harrylavo
344 posts
 
As the owner of six Thiel speakers, I will add my vote for keeping the Thiels and adding a sub.  Just make sure that you add one that 1) has lots of options as to phase and crossover frequency, and 2) is "quick and tight" to match the Thiels.  Flat to 32hz is just fine for music.
audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
402 posts
 
@harrylavo, I think that's exactly what I'm going to do. I listened to a few other speakers during last week (some much more expensive than the Thiel's) and I was underwhelmed, just didn't have that "window into music" quality.

The goal is to find a Thiel subwoofer (or a pair would be ideal, but I'll settle for one for now). I already have the Integrator.
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