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Speakers that sound like Thiels on steroids.

I am carefully searching for replacements for my beloved Thiel CS2.3's. Only 2 problems I have with these speakers currently are that they begin to compress when peak spls rise above 108db and I would prefer about another 10hz in bass extension. My goals are transparency (can never have enough), speed (rim shots to blink for), (visceral) dynamics, focus and bass extension down to at least 27hz, coherency, top-end extension and air, and the ability to play to 110-115db without compression. Priorities are listed in order so I'll compromise on the spl first. Budget is up to 20k new or used. Best candidates I've heard so far are Wilson Watt Puppy's 7 for about 22k new. The WP's have the bass extension and the ability to play loudly with clarity but I prefer my Thiels' midrange, soundstage and focus. Overall the WP's are fine but they sound like a rich man's Thiel and for 22k I expected them to kick dirt all over my speakers (they don't). Other candidates I have not heard and am interested in are Thiel CS3.6 (or their replacements, whenever they come out) and Piega C10/C8 ltd. Speakers I have auditioned and am not interested in are B&W Sig 800's or anything else made by B&W, JMLabs Utopias and Mezzo Utopias, Revel Salons and Studios, Maggies, Proacs, Martin Logans, Thiel CS6 and CS7.2.

All suggestions are appreciated.
jazzdude
ksales
228 posts
 
The SW1 has been on the streets for at least a year. I have heard it and it is great. Obviously it would match other thiel speakers perfectly. It has a crossover control unit which is separate purchase. Check out the specs. at their web site to determine whether it would be helpful. I think the sub is definitely an answer to some the issues you have raised. The thiel sub is expensive.
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drubin
3,269 posts
 
The Thiel subwoofer has been out as a home theatre piece, but the electronics to use it propoerly in a two-channel system are not yet out, that's my understanding. When it's ready, however, the combination with the 2.3's might meet all of your needs.

Agree with recommendation to look at Dunlavy and I also wonder if the Wilson Sophia might be a candidate. It may be preferable to the W/P 7 in some respects, plus a lot cheaper.
ksales
228 posts
 
Drubin's list is pretty good. However, if you are a Thiel person and the Revels weren't the difference you were looking for I would really go to a thiel dealer and listen to the thiel sub with your or similar thiel speakers and see if that hits the spot. They will deal with you somewhat on the price.
rhljazz
1,250 posts
 
Try Green Mountain Audio. Roy Johnson's speakers are phase and time aligned and will play at the decibels you're asking for. The speakers image extemely well. They do require a fair amount of power to play loud however. The only Thiels I've auditioned were the 2.2 which I didn't think had any bass at all and the 3.6 which had great bass but everything through the mid-treble sounded somehow altered or processed. They just didn't give me the illusion of reality that the Green Mountains do.
artmaltman
769 posts
 
Thiel 2.4 ! Heard them at CES. I think they are a serious increment over the 2.3, might be just what you are looking for.

Another idea are the floor standing Joseph Audios, esp 33i SE ($11k ulp)
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