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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
lightminer
164 posts
 
I stayed pretty close to 10k :)
(10k USD is your stated top end in first message, no?)
hulskof OP
70 posts
 
God, you're right. Sorry about that. ;-)
gsm18439
738 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.
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