I am that fellow Audiogoner to whom Zaikesman refers. The Thiel 1.6 is extraordinary. It may not be what you are looking for, but I think his suggestion to look at the current Thiel line is an excellent one.
To offer a little perspective on my enthusiasm for the little Thiels, my history with speakers has been not unlike my dating history: I want what I don't have. After two years with the ProAc 2.5's, the resolution, transparency, and greater focus and clarity of the Thiels are a real turn-on (just to keep the analogy going). In the same way, after my failed "relationship" with the Avalon Eclipse, I sought a more forgiving safe harbor and wound up with a pair of Spendors. So I certainly understand why anyone would feel the urge for something completely different from what they currently have.
Back to the 1.6, it is lacking in bass and the treble is tilted up a bit too much for me, but in important ways it is the most musical and satisfying speaker I have had in the house (I haven't had that many, and maybe that's the problem). What I find fascinating is that, even with its bass deficiencies, it is better with rock music than anything else I've had in the house. In fact, it is remarkably adept at handling all kinds of music (which is my taste) and delivering the goods even at low listening volumes (which is my common practice). I haven't yet decided to buy a pair, but I suspect the ProAcs are history.
To offer a little perspective on my enthusiasm for the little Thiels, my history with speakers has been not unlike my dating history: I want what I don't have. After two years with the ProAc 2.5's, the resolution, transparency, and greater focus and clarity of the Thiels are a real turn-on (just to keep the analogy going). In the same way, after my failed "relationship" with the Avalon Eclipse, I sought a more forgiving safe harbor and wound up with a pair of Spendors. So I certainly understand why anyone would feel the urge for something completely different from what they currently have.
Back to the 1.6, it is lacking in bass and the treble is tilted up a bit too much for me, but in important ways it is the most musical and satisfying speaker I have had in the house (I haven't had that many, and maybe that's the problem). What I find fascinating is that, even with its bass deficiencies, it is better with rock music than anything else I've had in the house. In fact, it is remarkably adept at handling all kinds of music (which is my taste) and delivering the goods even at low listening volumes (which is my common practice). I haven't yet decided to buy a pair, but I suspect the ProAcs are history.