The Next Step - what would you do?


Dear Audiogoners,

i'm sitting here listening to my setup, and realising my last thread has lost relevance.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?cspkr&1260210396&read&keyw&zzthiel=cs0=5

i have a choice to make now, after about 15 years of slow, consistent upgrading. i need to take my system to the next level. i'm sure we've all been there at one point or another. so my current system is:

Pass Labs Aleph 5
Pass Labs D1
CEC CD2100 [running Supra AES/EBU]
Thiel CS 0.5
MIT MH-750 speaker leads
budget XLR leads otherwise

so i see the choices as follows:
1. get an amp with more current, and bigger thiel speakers
2. move to bigger, more sensitive speakers [spendor SP100, big proacs]
3. get a new girlfriend

all perfectly viable choices, but i'm sure both 1. or 2. would be less expensive. i've run the gamut of musical styles, but as i get older, and my hifi becomes more resolving, i find myself drawn to recordings of un-amplified instruments, such as old jazz recordings. still, i like a little thump now and then, any system should be reasonably flexible.

So, Audiogoners, what would YOU do, and why??

all the best!
David
skickaskinka
If you like the Acoustical Jazz then set up a second system with some older tube gear and Quad ESLs. This set up will lend itself to upgrades that will keep you interested for a few years.
Number 3 sounds good in theory - otherwise I vote for Number 2 or Tonywinsc's suggestion - or Number 2 and Tonywinsc's suggestion.
"so i see the choices as follows:
1. get an amp with more current, and bigger thiel speakers
2. move to bigger, more sensitive speakers [spendor SP100, big proacs]
3. get a new girlfriend

all perfectly viable choices, but i'm sure both 1. or 2. would be less expensive.'

That's a good one!

Ok, if you like the sound and just want more, go with the juicier amp.

Otherwise, if you are looking for something different, besides the girlfriend, it's hard to say without knowing more about what your goals are in changing.
I would say move out of the Thiel line. I've never been a big Thiel fan. For a big soundstage and more resolution, try Audiophysic Virgo II or Sonics Allegras
I have owned Thiel CS 1.5 and the CS 1.6 speakers and can tell you the newer 1.6 is much better. I suggest going with #2.