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Which allround speaker ?

I listened to a pair of Thiel CS2.4 yesterday, linked up to some fine gear (Pass Labs pre and poweramps and Musical Fidelity DAC and CD player), but I found them harsh and too revealing. But I loved their imaging, their punch/slam and detail.
But I'm looking for a speaker that would have me listen to all my cd's, and with the Thiels I'm afraid I won't be able to listen to 80% of my collection anymore.

Any suggestions for a speaker that would be more up my alley? I want an allround wonder that is fast, direct, detailed, with lots of bass punch, slam, but a little on the warm side, not too revealing and definitely not too bright/harsh.

P.s. I know lots of you don't find Thiels to be harsh, esp. when linked to first rate gear. But let's not get into that discussion. They're just too bright for me, and even if they're just nutral, the fact remains that many cd's could be tossed out the window, since I wouldn't be able to listen to them anymore...

Thanks.
hulskof
gsm18439
895 posts
 
I have a pair of Zu Definition 2s and like them a lot. (I listen to rock, jazz, and every imaginable type of classical music.) Def 2s do what you want, and they are sold in Europe. But they are 11,000 USD. The smaller Zu Presence is 8,000 USD, but I have not heard them. Assuming that the sound of the Zu Presence is similar, they would be worth a listen. A European speaker that I liked was Audio Note AN/E; one of the "entry level" versions would fit your budget.
lightminer
164 posts
 
No problem. As punishment, at least listen to the 20.1s - if they won't work, fine, but just find out what the 'planar' thing is and why people keep raving about them like madmen even if they won't fit. It will be fun!
foehn's avatar
foehn
3 posts
 
I agree with Lightminer about listening to the Magnepan speakers. Although I have not heard the 20.1's nor can afford them, I can vouch for the fact that having owned the 1.6's (paid new for $1700) and currently owning the 3.3's (bought used "refurbished from Magnepan" for $1500) that the Magnepans are a real treat to listen to. If I ever get another speaker it will only be to go to the next level in the Magnepan design i.e. the 20.1's.
hulskof OP
70 posts
 
Well, the Thiels are definitely off the list. Too harsh, too bright, too agressive in the higher frequencies.

Next I will try the Sonus Faber Cremona (old and new model) with solid state and with tube gear. What will be the biggest changes with the Thiels? My biggest fear: the Cremona doesnt like rock...
hulskof OP
70 posts
 
Well, I heard both the old and new Cremona's today on various amps and cd-players and I still haven't found what I'm looking for. The new Cremona is quite good, I love it's warmth and smoothness. It's totally without aggressive highs, no harshness whatsoever. But it's not as dynamic as the Thiels and it's bass response is way worse. It has no punch, no bite and the bass is a bit less detailed too. If only it were possible to compare the low end, dynamics and detail of the Thiels with the smoothness and warmth of the Cremona's, then true magic would be upon us. But I've never heard such a speaker. Does it excist???
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