Replacing Thiel 2.2's, Need Monitor Suggestions


I am completely satisfied with my Thiel 2.2's. They are transparent, detailed (sometimes unforgivingly so), incredible imaging, and solid as rocks. Unfortunately, my girlfriend thinks they are clunky looking and since we're getting new furniture she is wondering if there is anything smaller I could replace them with.

I should be able to get $900 out of them to put toward some smaller speakers. I'm considering monitors, or anything smaller and nicer looking (possibly a slim floor stander with a nice veneer.) I would prefer not spending more than $1000 on the speakers, and I don't mind buying used.

I am looking for the things that my Thiel's did well (detail, transparency, incredible imaging, large body of sound) as opposed to overly warm-sounding speakers.

You can use the links below my username to view my system. I'm still getting started, and my next upgrade will be getting a separate amp. Any suggestions for an amp to complement your suggested speakers would also be appreciated. My budget for the amp is no more than $400 used.

Thanks for any suggestions, and please don't answer with "lose the girlfriend." It's not helpful. All other advice is very appreciated.

-Dusty
128x128heyitsmedusty
Era Design 5, B&W 685 or CM1, Dynaudio Audience 42 or Focus 110 (used), Quad 11L, Epos M12.2, Totem Rainmaker or Arro (very small, very good sounding tower speaker with very high WAF, or in your case GFAF).
You may want to check out the Green Mountain Audio line. You should be able to swing a pair of Europas or even a pair of Europa Max. If you were able to swing the $1000 + $900, you could find a set of GMA Callistos (like I did). They should arrive this week - ping me in a few months, I'll let you know my thoughts of them.
"I am completely satisfied with my Thiel 2.2's. They are transparent, detailed (sometimes unforgivingly so), incredible imaging, and solid as rocks. Unfortunately, my girlfriend thinks they are clunky looking and since we're getting new furniture she is wondering if there is anything smaller I could replace them with."

Well you should replace them with a large set of ovoid spheres.

Tell your girlfriend that these Thiels satisfy you and they are great looking and sounding. Sorry dude but you need to grow a large pair of balls and put things in their proper perspective, girlfriend or not. I am so sick and tired of guys caving into their WAFs and GFAFs, it's frigging PW of the worst kind. Music is important, far more than furniture and girlfriend aesthetics.

Cheers and good luck.
She is only your girlfriend now wait until she is your wife. My WIFE doesn't like my 3.6's too big so I told her I would replace them with 7.2's; end of story. Still might replace them with 7.2's.
I think there is something to be said for compromise. She doesn't have the final say in what happens in a room, but then again neither do I. She cares about how a room looks and would prefer to not have speakers reaching out into the social area. I also care about how the room looks, and I can see her point, but I get enough benefit from the speakers to be able to deal with it.

When you can't afford your own listening area, it's fair to compromise with the other people who use the room. That's just basic decency that comes from being a REAL man, balls and all.

-Dusty