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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.
audiojan
ronkent's avatar
ronkent
375 posts
 
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
audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
437 posts
 
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.
drrsutliff
884 posts
 
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.  
3090
24 posts
 
If you like what Thiels have to offer it'll be tough to find it anywhere else. I have both 7.2's and 3.6's and the only thing I'd ever think about replacing them with are Tidal Contriva G2's or Agoria's. They're that good. I like and respect lots of other speakers and speaker designers but for what I need and like, nothing beats Thiel except Tidal.

I've had issues in the past when I only had the 3.6's and what I've found is 90% of success with Thiel's are getting the amplification right. You get the muscle right, and the rest is just season to taste.
pops
2,278 posts
 
I have both 7.2's and 3.6's and the only thing I'd ever think about replacing them with are Tidal Contriva G2's or Agoria's. They're that good.

Thats a big statement 3090 and I agree, I have spent some time with Tidals.  I have 3.6 (my favorite) and CS6.  Mcintosh 501’s drive them good, Classe CA200 drives them better.  

I ventured off track a few years ago with Egglestons Andra II’s because I admired them years ago but I could never keep the Thiels out of the system.  Hard to switch speakers when you are so accustomed to the sound and performance.
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