Aerial 7B vs. Thiel 2.4

As to the above comment: I listened to the Thiels at a local high-end shop - I can't remember the associated equipment, but I have to believe the associated equipment would have been such that they were designed to put the Thiels in a good light. And besides, just my opinion - like Exertfluffer's opinion concerning the Aerials being used for HT -- I have yet to read a review in any magazine that the reviewer didn't go head over heels for them - then again Robk, you would be well advised to listen to both speakers before you invest the kind of money you would need to spend on either.

I've owned both Thiel 2.4s w/MCS-1 center, and LR3s w/CC3b center. Both are very good, and essentially you've identified the main difference. I never had a problem with fatigue setting in with the Thiels, however system matching is more problematic and prone to sounding thin or bright if not matched properly. Generally this is more expensive to achieve with Thiels. I do think the Aerials have an advantage in timbre matching, seamlessness of the front stage, and the ability to play louder without strain during bombastic scenes. The Thiels are fine, and can handle a fair amount of power, but their smaller drivers w/1st order xovrs sound less relaxed when the going gets very demanding. Both need solid power. The Thiels need refined power, whereas the Aerials need an amp that is of good quality, but is a little more crystalline in nature, and has good slam. In either case you will need a good sub since you should be high passing both alternatives at 80hz. For music I prefer the Thiels overall, just more potential imo for 2 channel stereo.

agreed with Sedona and Sbank- I own Aerial 7B's, and they have a relaxing asnd full-bodied quality to them that draws you in. In fact, hearing the Aerial system is what first sold me on the Theta Dreadnaught amp- a magical combo...

Sutts: Interesting observation about pairing up Theta amps with Aerial speakers. I have found that Theta amps also combine quite well with Thiel speakers. In my case, a pair of Enterprises driving my 3.6's and an Intrepid driving my SCS3 and (soon to come) PowerPoints. Thiel and Theta pair up very well. It sounds like Theta and Aerial do as well. To me, this says something about Theta amps. They certinly have impressed me.

Tom.

Yeah I like a lot of the coments here. I just goes to show that you need to listen/TRY for yourself! To each his own.
I could easily see one persons taste/experience/preference in one dirrectio or the other.
I guess in the back of my mind, I have experiences with certain equipment/combo's, and setup's....and just take mental notes as I go along.
Either way, I agree with Tom Munro's comment about crossing these speakers over at 80hz to a powered sub for HT, yes!
Still, as certain as the tonality of the Thiels needs to be adressed, as well as the 1st order crossover situation/powerhandling/distance requirements/associated, for best sound/setup, I tend to shy away from audiophile speakers that are intentionally laid back sounding for HT dubties! This is the antithesis of what a good cinema (even THX) speakers is designed to do! I've heard simply too many speakers like this over the years that just didn't work well for EXCITING home theater pressentation. But, that's me.
I just liked the Thiels here, because I know what they can do for HT. But, some, like with the Vandersteen's popularity, like the more approachable sound.
Still, as for the comment from Sbank regarding "bright soundracks", you will find that a bright soundtrack will not be dulled by any means by a slightly more mellow sounding speaker! The things will still sound bright!
You can't tell me that the Aerials are dull enough on top that bright material will come across more smooth! These speakers are fairly accurate enough sounding transducers that they will let that "brightness" play right through as well as the Theils!
My solution to that is either "Re-EQ circuit" on the Pre/pro, or making sure you use forgiving amps and/or interconnects and such for your home theater needs mostly.
That way, when I 'm listening to music, I don't bother. But movies are all over the place sometimes...although not to he degree I think is being infered above. Most movie mixes are much more managable when transfered now. I can't remembe the last DVD I heard that was "overly bright/mixed". I think most that are comming out now are done well for remastering.
Still, when it comes right down to it, I choose neither of these speaker options for HT speakers. I go other routs myself. But if you favor music, then I understand the choices.