Thiel 2.3 vs 2.4

You wouldn't believe me if I told you.

Just think the absolute opposite of your system and that's what we sold.

Back then My favorite 2 channel System was probably; but 2 channel is such a compromise

ML 32
Meridian 588
Warner Imaging ER300's
Dynaudio Temptations or Confidence 5's

My System at home

Was (7) Custom/Active 3 ways using the Seas Excel Fibreglass midbass and Aluminum 8" with Scan Speak 2509 tweeter.

Had a EAR864 with Meridian 565 and HW19MkIv with ET arm maxed on mods and a Pioneer LDS2/or CLD-D79 for a transport.

Warner Imaging amps and B&K amps & custom crossovers I built with some assistance from Warner Imaging.

David99,

I had an opportunity to test out both those speakers, head to head on my system and my room for over a week. I don't know why some people’s assessments have to be so one sided and extreme, but I guess that's the passion of the hobby.

I found the Thiel 2.4s rounded off the sharp highs (although accurate) that the 2.3's had a reputation of. The bass goes deeper and remains tighter than the 2.3 as well.

The 2.4s are also easier to drive than the 2.3. The impedance curve is much nicer on you amp.

My overall assessment I think could be described as, the 2.4 did everything as well as the 2.3, although on some material the 2.4s were better. The 2.3s never surpassed the 2.4's on any recording that I listened to. I ended up choosing the 2.4 over a nicely priced pair of 2.3's.

I did find that placement of the 2.4s was fussier than the 2.3s. It took me a while to dial in the 2.4s. The 2.3s didn't take as long.

Good luck. I'd be curious to hear about your experience.

so what is the opinion with Dynaudio C2 speakers vs Thiel 2.3's

Can't argue with a post that happened 4 years ago but Cinematic Systems was a bit off-base when he partnered a Meridian amp with Thiels and then called the Thiel's foul.

And this is/was a reputable dealer? For shame.

I am tired of the Thiel bashing when folks don't use the PROPER AMP!

4 and 1/2 years have gone buy since then, but this thread is still quite interesting (I wander if Cinematic and David are still on Audiogon forum).
I've owned a pair of Thiel 2.3 for two years, and used them in three very different rooms, always powered by NuForce Ref 8.
I'm not as technically expert as many people in Audiogon, and I don't know how to measure dips and distortion. All I can say is that I partially agree with Cinematic: the Thiel 2.3 tend to be fatiguing and make you want to improve all the chain to get the best out of them... but I'm still enjoying them for what they are: such an "emotional" speaker that you can live with its 'flaws' and yet be constantly surprised by the incredibly realistic 3D reconstruction and punchy dynamic, which convey a live feeling like a few other (often more expensive) speakers do.

That said, if today I decided to replace my Thiels, I would consider something totally different, maybe something "mellower" or more "euphonic" if you like. Just for a change, or because upgrading to another Thiel model would set my expectations too high, or maybe simply because I'm getting older and I would like some more relaxed listening sessions.

But in doing so, I'd be 100% conscious I'd be trading realism for something else just to please my ageing ears.

One thing I am sure of is that a lot of magazines do look after those who put ads up, certainly in this economy. I was working in a totally different industry as brand manager for a long time and I know they sometimes support each other beyond the good ethics.
Numerous audio gear salesmen have tried to sell me $500+ power conditioner/cables but never could answer me when I asked: "What about the poorly shielded AC wires behind the socket(s)?". Do we all have silver wires up to the low voltage switchboard of your house? And what about the power line to the nearest hub in the street? So I am glad to see the Cine - though less diplomatic and probably too tough on the CS2.3's - warned us about unhealthy practices in the audio industry.
As an audio enthusiast, I am very happy about my old CS2.2s which blends beautiful sound with design, I wished more speaker manufacturers did more of that.

Well this is a pretty old thread that I have read before. I actually like hearing negative comments about speakers. I get pretty tired of hearing how great speakers are... I find most are only ok and some are down right bad.

I have never heard the 2.3 but they measure like total junk and can't possibly sound good. I do own a pair of CS2.4 and think they are outstanding with their only real flaw being they make vocals sound a touch thin and they can be a little bright in the wrong room/system.

Below are a few graphs.
I do not agree with stereophile measurement methods (to much fudge) but sometimes it is all we have.CS2.3

CS2.4

Magico V2 for reference

I personally found the 2.3 a massive improvement over the 2.2, and the 2.4 a massive improvement over the 2.3 . All Thiels need a lot of power to really shine, and clean (not harsh) source and amplification. Without adequate power they seem harsh. The 1.6 being a 2-way seemed a bit more coherent than the 2.x, but overall coherency is a strength of Thiels. Thiels are incredibly transparent - a tool of a fussy audiophile.

dang..I wish I got into this thread back then..very interesting reading. I couldn't have agreed more with Cinematic...he seems like he knows his stuff. I had 2.3 in my house for exactly 2 weeks before I sold them off to some other fool who was convinced into thinking how great 2.3 was. I never wanted anything to do with Thiels before hearing 2.4s and 3.7s...it is really 3.7 that just sold me that I shouldn't get too caught up in the past. Thiel is all forgiven now and am a happy owner of 3.7. ;-)

I have owned the CS 1.5, CS2.3 and CS 2.2 and preferred the 2.2 by a large margin. They sounded more natural with unbelievable when listening to piano recording out of the room. The metal drivers to me, made them sound hard and forward. I still have great memories with the 2.2's.