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
I just replaced CS-7’s with Audio Nirvana Classic 15 ALNICOs ($1199/pr). These are full range drivers, you won’t believe how good music sounds without crossovers. You’ll have to find your own cabinet maker, but David will give you multiple cabinet plans to pick from. Having had Thiels, I doubt that you’ll have any issues with bright gear, Thiels don’t tolerate bright. Vandersteens would be a step down, not up, IME. Toss a towel over your Thiels, and you’ll have a pair of Vandersteens!
I owned 2.4's shortly after they were introduced.  Ran them w/all the "right stuff", Pass Labs X250 & X pre, great CDP, all Cardas Golden cabling, etc.  They were great on well recorded material but hard to listen to on most recordings.   After a couple years I sold them and bought Coincident Partial Eclipse II's and never looked back - that was over ten years ago.  The Coincidents are just fantastic and enabled me to get into moderately powered tube amps.  Unfortunately Izzy isn't building Partial Eclipses any more...
greetings,   i went from a set of 2.4's to a set of 2.7's and that was a great  move.  agree about adding a sub and I like the REL that i have.  good luck.
PS:  my 2.7's and now 3.7's do great with the PS Audio BHK 250 amp
The PSA BHK250 is high on the list of amps to try. They're expensive though... Or I might just take a hammer to the piggy bank and spring for the BHK300's right away... there's something very special about mono blocks.

I was toying with the idea of hunting down a pair of CS3.7's, but they're darn near impossible to find.
I recently made the same change you are contemplating.  I auditioned many speakers through shows, dealer visits and visiting local club members Systems.  Ultimately I purchased Spendor D9s.  Some would claim it quite a change (not in many ways), but I am loving them and they supply what over the past many years I couldn’t coax from the Thiels with many changes of equipment, room treatments, and even moving to a different home/room.