Thiel 3.6 to Eggleston Andras II

Thanks French Fries, great insight! And everyone else who contributed to help make my decision which I did! I got a pair of Andra II's yesterday, have spent only spent a few hours with them but am thrilled!

What an improvement over the Thiels! I think I almost have them dialed in on placement, they definitely like to be closer to the back wall than the Thiels. Mcintosh 501's drive them with ease which is good news for now.

First impressions versus the Thiels: more and deeper bass, much more refined midrange and smoother highs. No strain when cranked or with high demands, where the thiels would seem to be at the very top, like a smaller engine running full speed versus a BMW purring along at 90 mph. Giving the soundscape just a little "edge" to it with the thiels. Overall, just a very relaxing, refined, and totally resolving presentation. They are more transparent, completely disappear, like Paul Bolin mentioned in his s'phile review, you cannot stare down the speakers.

Thanks again to everyone who contributed!

I am glad the move was good for you. Please give us an update after a few months.

Can you compare the highs for me. How is the balance compared to the thiel's? You say they are smoother but how is the tonal balance?

Pops, congratulations in your purchase. I bought my Andra II new ~3 years ago and still very happy with them. 3 years is an eternity for me :-)

It took me a while to dial in the placement and I know every room, system ... are different so JFYI, I found Andra II sounds best in a wider than normal placement. I have mine positioned ~13' apart in an equilateral triangle to listening position. ~38" from front wall and moderate toe-in with intersection well behind my ears. If the speaker is too close to the front wall, all you hear is an one note bass.

Good luck!

I own Andra I, for 6 years now maybe more, I feel the Andra
I are superb for piano music,classical,jazz,but I dont feel they are great for Rock music, I will buy Martin Logan
for rock music.Good Luck

Congrats! great speakers. If you think the 501's so good wait until you start trying different associated pces as I had mention earlier and recommened, you are in for a real treat. I did not have mine very close to the back wall or side walls, while in my seating position toe in was in such that the tweeters were firing just out side my ears.

F.Y.I. I placed mine on Sistrum SP1 platforms which was a very rewardimg improvement across the entire sonic spectrum, so much I still currently use them under my MBL 101E's.

Enjoy!