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
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....
gosta
Please join us over on the Thiel Owners thread. I would like to read more about your Audio journey. It seems that you have had quite a few pairs of Thiel loudspeakers. You can offer a unique perspective.

Happy Listening!
I'm also thinking about picking up a pair of Thiel speakers.  Looking at 1.7, 2.7 and 2.3.  Sounds like I would need to budget for a sub for any of these options in my 24 x 16 x 8 room.
@jafant,the addition of a SS2 with an Integrator has been an amazing journey. They totally transformed the speakers (2.4's) by crossing them at 50Hz. The mid range opened up and the top end is oh so smooth and detailed. The most amazing thing is the "expansion" of the space, not only left to right (which was awesome already), but up/down and back/forth. The subwoofer taking over the low end added so much space to the recordings and makes it super easy to pinpoint location of sounds.