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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
jafant
18,944 posts
 
gosta
Please join us over on the Thiel Owners thread. I would like to read more about your Audio journey. It seems that you have had quite a few pairs of Thiel loudspeakers. You can offer a unique perspective.

Happy Listening!
jafant
18,944 posts
 
audiojan
How ya doin' out there?  Happy Listening!
btg88
21 posts
 
I'm also thinking about picking up a pair of Thiel speakers.  Looking at 1.7, 2.7 and 2.3.  Sounds like I would need to budget for a sub for any of these options in my 24 x 16 x 8 room.
audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
390 posts
 
@jafant,the addition of a SS2 with an Integrator has been an amazing journey. They totally transformed the speakers (2.4's) by crossing them at 50Hz. The mid range opened up and the top end is oh so smooth and detailed. The most amazing thing is the "expansion" of the space, not only left to right (which was awesome already), but up/down and back/forth. The subwoofer taking over the low end added so much space to the recordings and makes it super easy to pinpoint location of sounds.
audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
390 posts
 
@btg88, it's not absolutely necessary, specially with the 2.7's, 2.4's or the 2.3's, but it sure doesn't hurt. I would first make sure you have an amp that can deliver lots of current and is stable down to 2ohms... the 2.4's dip pretty low and it's not an easy load for an amp.

You can easily spend MUCH more on the front and and the amp then on the speakers and the Thiel's will still not be the limiting factor.
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