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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
tweak1
870 posts
 
I hope you weren't implying that I make money for doing so. They are incredible speakers for the money.

This was made even more evident of late.

I replaced my Emerald Physics 100.2SE power amps, and a Parasound P5 with built-in dac. I owned these for a couple years. I replaced them with  Audio Alchemy DP-1 amp/dac-pre, stereo amp. The Oppo 105 was the lone holdover. When listening to Red Book I used it as a transport via toslink.

First I did the amp/dac-pre with the Oppo Weeks later, I decided to insert a decade+ old Pioneer PD 65- inverted platter (for red books) . It was modded by Musical Concepts with an outboard power supply

Each and every time I replaced gear with better gear, the KCIIs sounded better and by a cavernously wide margin.

Sorry, I just though someone would like to know
audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
245 posts
 
So maybe I need to add a subwoofer? I moved the speakers a bit further into the room and the center image just simple locked in place. Thiels are revealing, no question about that, but they do seem to have a bit less of that harshness when given more space (about 4ft behind the speakers now and an equal triangle of 9ft with next to no toe-in). The bass seems to be a bit anemic now, but I'm thinking maybe a good sub could fill in that? JL F110 maybe (or a pair)?
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
2,164 posts
 
Keep the Thiels, Jim T and Richard V should have been brothers...few design principles they did not share...

consider adding a Vandersteen 3 sub which will not honk up your great time and phase correct Jim T design...

the suggestions for 5,5a thru Quattro all valid as well

no connection to seller but there is a set of 5 on auction now...


soix
2,133 posts
 
Since you like a lot of what your speakers are doing and given what you're looking for, I also think subs are well worth exploring.  Two subs is better than one, but two high-end subs new would cost about as much or more than your Thiels, which seems kinda silly to me.  Buying a couple used Vandersteen 2Wq subs might be a good idea since Vandy just came out with a new sub so there may be a good supply of the older model soon.  But another way to go would be to get a couple SB2000 subs from SVS.  They offer a totally risk-free, 45-day trial so you can see if the subs do what you're looking for.  They're only about $1400 for a pair, and they'll get you down to 19Hz.  If they work I'd invest $600 in a used DSpeaker anti-mode dual core processor to help really dial them in.  Anyway, best of luck in whatever you decide. 
mcreyn
103 posts
 
I have to agree with soix on just about everything.  Here is where I differ:

1)  I believe the DSP-8033 would be more appropriate and less expensive.  

2)  I would skip the SVS subs.  A pair of Rythmik F12-300 subs can be had for the same price an are much more of a "tight" music sub.  Alternatively, a pair of HSU ULS-15s (Dual Drive) is the same price.  The regular Rythmik F12 is as good as any sub out there, at $1000 per sub.    The 2wq would be great, and as you note, they may start popping up left and right on the used market soon.  

3)  I would go and re-evaluate the room treatments and see if their placement and or additional would help.  


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