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Acoustic Zen Adagio vs Thiel 2.4

So I've been struggling to find the right pair of floor standing speakers for my listening space. Since it's only 12x18 (listening position is 10 feet away), I'm fairly limited in terms of size. My friend has a pair of Thiel 2.4s which sounded great to me, but they're just too big for my room.

I've been reading great things about the Adagio, and after talking to their owner (great guy), he convinced me I would be fine with them in my setup. Problem is, the closest dealer is 200 miles away.

Has anyone compared these two? They use a similar "underhung driver" design, albeit the Acoustics use a ribbon tweeter. I was not a huge fan of my previous B&Ws 7nts (too technical for me), so I don't suppose the ribbon tweeter would be an issue.

I will drive them with a mcintosh SS amp (mc202). Listen to mostly rock/jazz.

Any input would be great. Thanks!
hoffer71
digsmithd
913 posts
 
Heres my plug for the adagio.Went from forests to adagio.Yes the ribbon tweeters are a lot better for me.i also dont have experience with theils,do wonder what mac sound like with the adagios.You do need to bring out to enhance sound stage(on any speaker you chose)toe in isnt necessary..eveyones room and tastes are differant.did get some baffling in each coroner and made a huge differnce as to cancell secondary reflections.hard to recommend anything without trying for yourself(imho)
dhoff01
73 posts
 
Cmalak: I'll be using a McIntosh mc-202 200w SS amp. Should be plenty given my room.

Digs: Why did you move from the Forests to the Zens? Totem was also on my short list..

I might have a chance to audition them both in my room, or at least side-by-side. Obviously, this would be ideal. It's just hard to accomplish where I live, given the dearth of dealers in my area..
cmalak
681 posts
 
Cmalak: I'll be using a McIntosh mc-202 200w SS amp. Should be plenty given my room.

Got it. You are right, that should be plenty. Good luck and let us know how you make out.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
I agree with Cmalak. I actually prefer the long wall placement. If the speakers are too close to the side walls you can try some toe in. Should you go with the long wall placement, I strongly recommend some absorptive room treatment behind the listening position.
james63
534 posts
 
I have the CS2.4 in a 12X15X7' room and it works fine I use the short wall. My speakers are round 7.5 feet apart and I sit 8.5 feet back. I do have them out 4 feet (from the front of the speaker) from the front wall though. You need to sit 8-12' with Thiel speakers for the best results concerning driver integration. If you sit closer a lower seat will help, if you need to sit farther back try a higher seat (you can also tilt the speakers a little).

The CS2.4 will be fine in your room and no more compromised than any other speaker in the same room. You will be hard pressed to better the CS2.4 for the money. Many good pairs used on this site too $2700-$3400.

Never heard of the other speaker you listed.
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