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Thiel CS2.4 to what?

I'm getting the itch to upgrade my speakers (Thiel CS2.4). Nothing really wrong with them, they image like crazy, is like a clear window into the music, but I sometimes feel they are a bit too "reserved" and missing the joie de vivre. Looking for something that instills more life.

Rest of the system is PS Audio DirectStream Dac driving a pair of Bel Canto Ref500M. Front end includes a PS Audio PerfectStream Transport, a Auralic Aries streamer, Clearaudio turntable with PS Audio NuWave phono. All cables are Cardas.

My room is a semi-dedicated room (sharing it with my office, which is in an alcove off the listening room). I do have a sloped ceiling on the front wall (it's a finished attic), about 16' wide and 14' deep. Some acoustic panels to tame reflections.

Budget would be in the range of $4-6000 above what I can get for the Thiels (thinking about $2k as they are in awesome condition and has the upgraded maple finish). Basically, what would you recommend that is similar to the Thiel, but has more dynamics and a bit less sterile.
128x128audiojan
last_lemming
632 posts
 
I’m listening to my 2.4’s right now. It takes a bit of work to get them to work. The main reason being they reproduce what’s fed into them. Unfortunately most of my music wasnt recorded in audiophile grade quality. Things can get shrill.  Of course good recording sound amazing!

That being said, I added a REL 328 sub and that  gave the much needed drive I was looking for.

If you get rid of the Thiels you will miss the clarity they render,. But good equipment, esp. the amp is essential. 
tweak1
3,563 posts
 
Emerald Physics speakers play way above their price point, especially if wired with WireWorld (a $500 upgrade on my KCIIs) . Some are available without DSP. I am so amazed with the bass performance that I am selling my 2 SVS Subs (Ultra & Plus)
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Nice plug, very subtle.
tweak1
3,563 posts
 
I hope you weren't implying that I make money for doing so. They are incredible speakers for the money.

This was made even more evident of late.

I replaced my Emerald Physics 100.2SE power amps, and a Parasound P5 with built-in dac. I owned these for a couple years. I replaced them with  Audio Alchemy DP-1 amp/dac-pre, stereo amp. The Oppo 105 was the lone holdover. When listening to Red Book I used it as a transport via toslink.

First I did the amp/dac-pre with the Oppo Weeks later, I decided to insert a decade+ old Pioneer PD 65- inverted platter (for red books) . It was modded by Musical Concepts with an outboard power supply

Each and every time I replaced gear with better gear, the KCIIs sounded better and by a cavernously wide margin.

Sorry, I just though someone would like to know
audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
390 posts
 
So maybe I need to add a subwoofer? I moved the speakers a bit further into the room and the center image just simple locked in place. Thiels are revealing, no question about that, but they do seem to have a bit less of that harshness when given more space (about 4ft behind the speakers now and an equal triangle of 9ft with next to no toe-in). The bass seems to be a bit anemic now, but I'm thinking maybe a good sub could fill in that? JL F110 maybe (or a pair)?
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