Thiel 3.6's vs. Vandersteen 3 sigs


Looking to upgrade. Currently have Vandersteen 2ce's which sound great, but have slight bass. So, I had to get a Velodyne FSR 12 to compensate, but this is not a really good match, I know. Anyway, I miss the bass that my old Thiel 03a's had by themselves. I'm guessing that Thiel 3.6's may cover all bases well. I'm not familiar with the VD 3 sigs, just hoping that they would cover the low frequencies better. Of course, the other option in to get the Vandersteen sub and keep the 2ce's. By the way, the speakers are powered by a Moscode 600 with a Rogue Audio 66 Magnum preamp. Any suggestions?
bdunne
Respectfully disagree on Thiel being harsh/bright/"too" detailed, etc. . .

Just got a used pair of 2.2 for $500 on Ebay to go into a family room just for background music - I was just looking for a decent rep. speaker which wouldn't be offensive. Just to be used for background music.

Upon arrival I plopped them down in front of my Wilson Duettes in a dedicated listening room and played them for about 18 hours before listening carefully at all. No proper set-up, no spikes, just placed directly (inches) in front of my Wilsons. Ran them with ML amp and Audio Aero Capitole CD direct via its balance, variable analog out to the amp.

If these speakers (Thiel) sound bright to somebody I would contribute this to the individual either not knowing the difference between "detail" and "brightness". There are many people who prefer less detailed speakers with any sharpness to the music being rolled off and many of the highs being rolled off. There is nothing wrong with wanting this. The best speaker and sound is different for everybody and that is fine. Listening to live music (unamplified), horns and percussion in particular can frequently result in sounds that are "bright" to many peoples standards. This results from many things; personal preferences, our hearing smearing the "loud" sounds, too high a sound level and the environment. However, this is still part of the music, naturally produced. When a speaker reproduces these affects that occur on the recording they are reproducing the music (ie. recording) accurately with the proper detail. Speakers and electronics that reduce/eliminate these sounds from the recording when being played in our homes are not reproducing the music/recording accurately because they can't or are designed to roll-off "undesirable" artifacts of the music/recording. Some people want this, some don't.

Detail does not equal brightness. Brightness is a completely separate sound from detail, they do not go hand-in-hand.

Thiel speakers, in and of themselves are not "Bright" or "Etchy" - at least based on my very limited experience with them. Perhaps other components or source material can send music/signals to them that are bright, but the speaker (mine) itself is not.

I also would like to state that I disagree with the statement that Vandy's use cheap components, are not well made and are "low-fi".

Vandy's and Thiels have some differing characteristics to their sounds - one is not good and the other bad, just have some differences. Find what you like and support it. Thiels don't do everything perfectly, but then again I have never heard any component that does everything perfectly.
What about Thiel CS6 vs Vandersteen 3A Signature? I have a big room and I'm lusting for B&W 801 or 800 but can't afford 'em right now and B&W 802 seems rather smallish for my 50 sq.m I'm used to the big sound of JBL L150 and I want to keep the sound and the bass big but add all the bonuses of modern Hi End speakers - clarity, soundstage etc. Which one would be a better solution - Thiel CS6 (used) or Vandies? At the moment I have McIntosh 6900 and I know it's not enough for either of them but I plan to upgrade as well. Which speakers are more McIntosh friendly?
Both companies make great speakers. Just does not seem that bashing from either side makes any sense to me. They both shine with the right electronics, and no doubt the choice would be different depending on which brand you went for.
I am happy that people are still talking about Thiels CS3.6 as I have mine for so many years now. Tried to get rid of them but failed each time, it is just too hard to find a replacement with the money it yells. I love the soundstage and clean mids and highs. Not a very dynamic speaker.
One thing about both brands, owners to keep their speakers a long time, and if they make a change, it is "up the line" - that should tell you something. I would love to hear the 3.7.