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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
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,529 posts
 

pwhinson


I am looking forward in reading more about the Pass Labs X150.8 as you massage it into your system.  Happy Listening!

audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
449 posts
 
I've heard the X150.5's with 2.4's and the sound is quite extraordinary. The .8 is supposed to be a step up (although cut from the same cloth), so I can only imagine that it's a fantastic combination.
pwhinson
158 posts
 
The X150.5 is more than enough power for the 2.4's.  Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.  If you want more power sure go for the X250.8 but its really not necessary.  The other thing that Kent at Pass in response to my plan on buying a pair of monoblocks in the XA series, was that the XA series is the wrong speaker for the Thiels, that the X series would be a better choice.  Thereby saving me $10,000 or so.  Its a great combo.  I think eventually I may move on from Thiel.  The thing that Pass does for the Thiels is that the amps warm the speaker up considerably, fleshing out the lower midrange and upper bass where I think the Thiels can sound a little thin.  The other thing that happens is that very high end is no long harsh at all with the 2.4s.  It solved any brightness issue I have for me.  And the detail, the specificity of timber and separation of instruments with the Pass is phenomenal.  If I move on from the Thiels to something else it would likely be to something like a Vandersteen Quatro CT or even a Vandersteen 5.  I also like the idea behind the Paradigm Persona 9H, as well as the Legacy speakers with wavelet.  These options would presumably tighten things up top to bottom.  Before going that route I might try measuring the room and employing convolution through Roon with the Thiels and see how that sounds.
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
@pwhinson Interesting.  I had Thiel 2.4s and tried out both an X250.5 and an XA30.5... ended up keeping the XA as it just had a more natural sound and didn't give up as much in the bass as I thought it would.
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,529 posts
 
pwhinson
Thank You for the follow up on Pass Labs.  Feel free to keep me updated over on the Thiel Owners thread.  Happy Listening!
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