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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
pops
2,275 posts
 
@audiojan “window into the music” as you describe is spot on! That is one of the addicting qualities of Thiels. Also, I personally would never leave before I maximized all other compenents and cables upstream synergistically.

My Thiels have always kept up and risen to new levels of performance with every component upgrade I have made.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,774 posts
 
Agreed pops.
Happy Listening!
gosta's avatar
gosta
839 posts
 
Having Thiels 2.2, 3.6 and 1.7 I've been enjoying ATC and Tannoy for a while, but will soon let the Thiel's sing again. Tested a lot of subs I would suggest ATC are the best for music. Sadly rather expensive.


audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
406 posts
 
Thanks gosta. I actually ended up getting a Thiel SS2 and an Integrator. It transformed the entire system to levels that I never even thought was possible. Ironically, the biggest different was actually in the midrange and high end of the speakers... another level of purity and smoothness that I didn't think the CS2.4's could do.

The bass with the SS2 is a real marvel. So incredibly fast and well integrated that you never know if it's on or not (unless you shut it off, then it's obvious).
gosta's avatar
gosta
839 posts
 
Very interesting to know. The Thiels has given me a lot of insight into the need of clarity and of phase correct sound. However I found them a bit bass-light to use without a sub and the lack of bass bottom I think also means that you are concentrating to much on the very clear mid and a bit agressive highs. Was also a bit disappointed also with the 1.7 overall, which I bought last. Should give her more chanses I suppose. Thought about acquiring a 2.4 but already got a lot of speakers and also the last year moved inte the the world of ATC, Tannoy and recently Westlake. A lot to do there too :-). Do the SS2 and the Integrator work with all models or just the 2.4? And where can you find a such? I'm unfortunately located in the Nordic so not that easy (and expensive) to buy from US. Really appreciate a tip.

I also mean that for different music and different listening environments you really need more than one set-up of speakers. If and when you want efortless dynamic at loud levels that the Thiels might not give you have a look at the ones above. Their larger models are quite fantastic. It´s on those all recordings were and still are made....
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