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Looking for new speakers

I'm looking to upgrade my Thiel CS3.6s -- I never thought I'd say this, but I think they are not good enough for the rest of my system. 

Within the last two years, I've upgraded my amplification to a Luxman L-509x integrated amp, and upgraded my turntable to a Luxman 171a. Overall my system sounds pretty good --- MUCH better than before the upgrade. However, there are some recordings on which there is definite distortion, particularly especially well-mastered 45s. For example, Diana Krall's Look of Love has so much distortion it's almost unlistenable. Even in the 33s, I can now hear a low-level distortion.

My theory is that when the Thiels were manufactured, the electronics were not quite as good as they are now, and definitely the recordings were not mastered as expertly, so these weaknesses did not show up. They were great speakers in their day, but, alas, I think maybe that day has passed, at least in my system.

I'm looking for something in the $10K - $15K range. Not sure if there's anything in that range that would be enough of an improvement, but I'd love some suggestions. It's been many years since I've looked at speakers, so I'm not really up on what's available at that price point.
theo714
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,096 posts
 
If you hear distortion with new gear upstream, can’t rule out the possibility something there is the source. If it corresponds to the speed of the turntable, could well be an issue with the phono section of your system.

What cartridge is being used? Moving coil or Moving magnet? Is it properly connected for that to the amp? Is it possible the stylus on the cart is damaged or worn? Do you hear distortion with non-phono sources?

Just some things to consider before assuming it is the speakers. Many ways to produce distortion if a phono rig is not set up properly.

FWIW those Thiel are as good or better than most assuming they too are in good operating condition.  Damaged crossover tweeter or other drivers would likely cause distortion.

If the distortion is associated with higher volumes with any source could be amp clipping. THiels are not efficient and usually require a lot of power and current to sing. but that Luxman should be up to the task.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,882 posts
 
Actually no, Jim T was a genius - sounds like you have some aged filter caps or a bad driver - reach out to people who own Thiels today on the Thiel thread curated by @jafant Tom who worked for many years at Thiel is a frequent poster and you can contact Coherent Source for service.
never take advise from somebody who runs down Thiel for a box of cheap tweeters bought unheard....
iF you do want to stick with a time a phase coherent speaker - don’t read about them, you can hear them all across the USA - Vandersteen since 1977 and yes, jim and Richard Vandersteen we’re rivals but also friends.
Enjoy the journey but more importantly the music !!!

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,882 posts
 
Jim T understand driver breakup had two components, one completely unrelated to drive level, so the drivers you already own are really good :-) 
jackd
1,065 posts
 
As your Luxman integrated has pre outs and main ins I would look at the Vandersteen Quatro CT. Same first order crossover concept as your Thiels with the addition of the built in subwoofers. But first as tomcic said check with the people on the Theil thread and see if yours just need some TLC. 
jond's avatar
jond
5,750 posts
 
If you're having distortion listening to records it's most likely your turntable setup if there a professional near you who can check it out?
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