Thiel 2.3 vs 2.4

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.