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Opposite of Thiel

Got the bug. Love my new Thiel CS2.4 loudspeakers. Thinking of getting rid of my Eminent Technology LFT-8b planars, mostly because they're so damn big. They do sound glorious, though.

So if I picked up another pair of speakers physically on the size of the Thiels or smaller, what would be a great candidate with a wholly different set of attributes than the Thiels? Here is what I love about my CS2.4's:

-- resolution & detail
-- frequency response
-- ruthless treatment of upstream equipment + recording

So I'm thinking I might want to try something eminently "musical", maybe not full-range, but sweet and euphonic with a broad, deep soundstage and great fun factor. Pinpoint imaging may not be necessary, but I have to say I love that huge soundstage my planars provide.

Amp: Bryston 4BSST2
Preamp: Parasound Halo JC-2
CD: Cambridge Audio 840C
Turntable: VPI Traveler with Dynavector HO MC cartridge

Budget is $5K or less. Some brands that have caught my eye:

Paradigm S2
Proac
Dynaudio

Smaller, narrow electrostats?

Any thoughts are appreciated.
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james63
534 posts
 
Not sure but Dynaudios under $5000 are not what you are looking for. They will be pretty flat sounding like the thiels but with less of the good stuff IMO. Less slam and punch in the bass but softer highs, not that different just less dynamic=less fun. Big money Dynaudios are a different story.

Used Vandersteen Quatros (cloth model) maybe?
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Used Vandersteen Quatros (cloth model) maybe?"

I don't think that would be a move in the right direction. The Quatros are much more detailed than the Thiel. You may not notice it initially because they do have a fuller sound.
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
If at all possible keep the LFT-8B's as well! I reviewed it for Dagogo.com and its a terrific value panel speaker. You will adore the experience of having both technologies available to you - whichever dynamic speaker you settle on. The LFTs used will not bring a huge windfall because they are so affordable in the first place. For about $5K you can find a wide variety of excellent speakers; the $1k additional would not make or break the purchase, imo.

BUT, having both to swap is wonderful! Something to consider. If it's a space issue, you have no choice, but if possible there's nothing like the thrill of two vastly different experiences to suit one's mood. :)
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