Thiel Owners

Jack - I'll jump right in since I have set up many rooms with CS5s. I suspect the root of your problem is having them too close to the wall behind them. The 5 goes down below 20Hz as a point source, so you are getting lots of back-bounce reflection for your aural brain to try to conflate into the direct wave-front. See what happens when you pull them out to 5' behind them.
Also, you probably know that they present a potentially challenging sub 2-ohm load at their lowest reach. If your amp is running out of current, that wreaks havoc on imaging.

Hang in there, when you get them right, they can be marvelous.
The folks here have good ideas on amplification and placement.

bighempin
Welcome! it is good to see you here. I know that you have been reading this thread and will continue to enjoy the plethora, wealth, of information therein. The Panel is here to assist and help you along on your Audio journey. From my end, it is a pleasure to find a budding Audiophile that is interested in our wonderful hobby. You have covered much ground in a very short period of time. Traveling to the various dealers/retailers is key to discovering the brands of gear that peaks interest.  Thank You for jumping in as a contributor.  I look forward in reading more about your musical tastes as we build your next system.

Happy Listening!

jacksky

Welcome! the party here never ends.  Good to read that we have another CS5i owner. Tom offers excellent advice on this speaker's proper placement. What other gear including cabling is in your system?
I look forward in reading more about you and your Audio journey.

Happy Listening!

See what happens when you pull them out to 5' behind them.

Yeah, I was thinking it would be interesting to have that dining room as the front wall.

@bighempin:  If you are ever in Atlanta you are more than welcome to listen to my 2.4's on my Pass Labs (power amp) / Aesthetix Calypso/Janus preamp system.  Amplification is tremendously important especially with the Thiels which are a bit finicky.  I also like the PS Audio gear (I have their Directstream as my dac).  Let me know if you're in town and interested and we'll set it up.