what has a Thiel soundstage, but more sensitivity?

I like the CS 1.6 recommendation as well since you've obviously fallen for the Thiel sound already. They may be more sensitive than the 1.5s, but you might want to check the impedance curve since they may also appreciate some juice. I like the Concident recommendation as well, but the Meadowlarks I'd be a little hesitant unless there's a good supply of replacement drivers out there.

Some other brands I've heard that image very well and are probably easier loads are Joseph Audio and Silverline. Something from Verity Audio or Reference 3a might be worth a look too, although I don't have as much direct experience with those.

Lastly, you might consider contacting Pass to see which speakers they would recommend for your tastes -- they're supposed to have very good customer support. Best of luck.

I believe that Meadowlarks used off the shelf parts.
Though not the most sensitive Thiels, I think the CS 2's with their 6 Ohm nominal, 5 Ohm minimum impedance might be the easiest of all Thiels to drive. According to some folks at Thiel, the CS2's were the most reliable model they ever made too.

I knew there was somebody I forgot. Green Mountain Audio also employs 1st order crossovers and at least looking at the Continuum 3 may be an easier load than the Thiels. Not all that much to look at though if such things concern you.

Any Proac is very easy to drive and Proacs mate very well with Pass Labs. I sell both and that is the pairing I use, moreso with the small 30 watt XA30.5

alright, i dunno if anyone will respond to this by now!

thank you for all the good recommendations, very much appreciated. i've been watching the classifieds here in germany and unfortunately most of the models recommended have been difficult to find second hand.

SO...i've narrowed it down to a bigger set of thiels [newer], or a set of proacs [CS1.6, or Response 3.5]. both easier to drive, a step up in frequency range plus can be had on the german second hand market.

only question: in the opinion of the audiogoners, can the proacs possibly throw out the same kind of big lovely soundstage the thiels do? i am in love with this quality of the thiels, as i do alot of off-axis listening, sitting in the sweet spot for the occasional song or passage.

best regards!
David