vandersteen 3a signature or thiel 2.4 or 2.3

Both are great speakers, being time and phase coherent. You own't be disappointed with either system. The 2.4 is much improved over the 2.3, however. My personal choice earlier this year came down between the CS6s and the 3a Sigs w/ Subs. Vandys are more laid back and Thiels are a bit more forward and dynamic (my personal preference; I bought the CS6s). But you really can't go wrong with either choice. It's really up to how you perceive your overall listening experience, for jazz and vocals the Vandys will be excellent. The 2.4 will also take up a smaller footprint if that makes a difference to you. Your Classe gear should drive both without problem, though the Thiels always like to have as much current as possible. Let us know what you decide.

The only way to find out is to audition both if you can. The Vandy will likely be slightly fuller in the bass, but that can be room dependant. For the Thiel, make sure you have enough power... Last, the Vandie will be upgradeable in the future. I'm not sure if that's a factor for you though.

Good luck!

I would agree that the CS2.4 is a significant improvement over the 2.3, and that would be my recommendation. For jazz and vocals, they would be fine on their own, but for any program material with much low end involved, I would definitely recommend a subwoofer - or do what I did, and get a pair of CS3.6's.

Tom.

Given what you are currently using the Vandersteens would be the more forgiving choice. The Thiels are excellent but quite demanding of everything else in the system, you'd be on a forced upgrade path where the Vandys will sound very good at all kinds of in-between stages.