Moving up from B&W CM9

I went from a pair of B&W 703s (older nicer version of the Cm9) to a pair of Thiel 2.4CS and the improvement was staggering. 

what I learned is that the 703s is just a bad speaker, not really good at anything and the Thiels are over achievers and a lot more money needs to be spent to better them. If you don't mind owning a discounted model the thiel 2.4cs is a steal on the used market right now at around $2000ish. They were $6,500 at the end of their cycle.  

Paraneer - I didn't like the fact I had to add loudness and bass out of my Amp to get the B&W's to show any breadth of sound.  I'd prefer to keep the loudness button off and the tonal controls flat.  Just me.  Since auditioning used speakers in my own listening room is difficult at best, I'm always willing to hear other opinions.  In my attempts to trade up, I figure I'm going from a $1,500 used speaker pair to a $2,500 used speaker pair.  Apples to Apples.  I do enjoy hearing brands that are not readily available in Cincinnati's limited # of audio stores.  I've never heard the Tekton's so I can't judge (yet) what is so different between them and Sonus Fabers.

I have to agree with you there about B&W's that the bass is lacking. I would say the SF's are the opposite of B&W's.  They are a very warm, more laid back speaker that certainly doesn't lack bass. 

The Tektons I heard produced a big, dynamic sound - somewhat forward like the B&W's but no lack of bass.  Probably the best rock speaker of the bunch.

so... The CM9's are gone!  I move a pair of Monitor Audio Bronze 2 bookshelf speakers to the basement where the CM9's were located.  Let's talk about confusion.  The Monitor Audios sound incredible.  So much more full than the CM9's.  My only thought is there was something wrong with the CM9's.  So this opens up a new consideration.  Monitor Audio Silver 10's ( because of the Bronze 2's performance), Sonus Faber Venere 3.0 floor standing or Sonus Faber Venere 2.0 bookshelf with a subwoofer.  I almost pulled the trigger on some Magnepan 1.7's and a Golden Ear super sub x but my set up area just won't allow the maggies.  Getting closer!

Yes there  is something wrong with the CM9 its sound is lean, bright and artificial the only  positive thing I can say about the CM9 is its impressive looking ,very nice "furniture" indeed.