Thiel Owners

@altx, I’n the past I’ve run CS2’s with a few different amps including amongst others the B&K ST 140 and closer to your EX-442, the B&K M 200’s. The M200’s are really nice. I am not familiar with the Sim intergrated. I do know that the Sim amps have over the years garnered mixed reviews. I’d be concerned about resale value with the Sim. The CS 2’s are especially easy to drive Thiel speakers. But, their sonic nature requires special consideration. The ported bass can be a bit bloomy and the upper midrange to lower treble can become a bit forward and hard if not carefully matched to appropriate upstream components. You’d be mistaken if you were to assume from the above that I don’t care for them. They are IMHO one of the high end’s greatest speaker values. With all that said I’m not sure that a move to the Sim would be an improvement, and perhaps even a step back from your B&K. I strongly suggest you audition with your speakers before making a move.

mr-bill

I spent several weeks auditioning the 3.7 vs the 2.7 speakers using a collection of my classical CDs.

Like prof, I ended up getting the 2.7 speakers, but added a SmartSub SS2.2 to extend the bass. 

IMO, both the 3.7 and the 2.7 needed bass extension, and the subwoofer solved the problem.   I'm a very happy camper.

Agree with prof on the 2.7 soundstage.

Brayeagle, have to admit that my subwoofers fixed any bass deficiencies of my 3.7. current measurements show bass extension down in the teens. 

Can anyone direct me to the pages that would have specific 2.4 vs 2.7 listening comparisons?  My understanding is the entire 2.7 low-frequency system is pure 2.4 (cabinet loading, woofer itself, radiator, XO tweaks only to better match woofer roll-off to 3.7 coax), yes?  The 2.7 is the only full-size Thiel of their last 15+ years I haven't heard.

Unsound, 
Thanks for your insights! I had also been considering Hegel 390i and possibly the Ayre EX-8. Any thoughts out there on  pairing these with CS2s?