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What speaker after Thiel 7.2?

I'm not unhappy with my speakers, but I'm curious about what else is out there. My question is directed to those who owned (or very seriously considered) the 7.2s as to what they moved on to and their assessment of the change. Particularly, are you happy or regretful? What does your speaker do that the Thiels didn't do? What did the Thiels do that your current speaker doesn't do? Of course, those that went to a speaker costing considerably more should maintain some perspective.

Budget would be under 20k new (although would listen to speakers up to 30k), and listening room is 18x16 with an open-floor layout. This means that the speakers have no side-walls, are spaced 9 feet apart, and listening position is at 12 ft. Main priorities would be for a full-range speaker that images clearly, accurately, with a realistic soundstage, and good reliability/customer service.

Thanks,
Rob
rtn1
cinematic_systems
282 posts
 
David do you want me to send you some ATC's?

Rob I'll send you some 100's and then I will take back everything I said about the 7.2s so you wont have to sell them on Ebay, you can sell them here :).

I must answer you;

I'm an idiot for getting into debates that cannot be solved through discussion. I love that everyone's having fun with this thread, it was a setup and I think I should have been a little more outrageous in my answers, but the egg slicer comment is a classic. Hope everyone appreciates the entertainment value.

Irish 65 I agree with you and thanks for setting such a classic example on that other thread. That thing about the LP's was textbook.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
To ALL:

If anybody wants to dump their 7.2's on me they are more than welcome. I will even pay shipping as well as a small stripend for their troubles. Thanks in advance.

Chuck
david99's avatar
david99
1,467 posts
 
Chuck-You wouldnt want the 7.2's
Cinematic-Systems doesnt like them.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
david99

great comment. but still no takers on my offer.

Chuck
lrsky
1,118 posts
 
I presume from your question that you are looking to 'improve on' what you think is a good speaker; that is certainly a reasonable question.
It would help to know what you liked most and least about the 7.2 as a speaker, to know what direction to take.
They are very linear in thier nearfield output, with a smooth frequency response in reasonably nearfield locations. The lobing created by the first order crossover causes room curves which look odd, as reflected sound. But if you have a large room with limited room reflections from certain problematic distances they could be very good. Most people would say they are fairly good speakers, despite what one writer here said.
The Sound Labs are good speakers, though different in presentation, and may be worth looking in to.
The Nearfield Acoustics Pipedreams are tall and have the large cylindrical woofs to contend with, but are better in dynamics and bass response.
Subjectively, I like them, and they are found on the used market for more than reasonable price.
Don't be discouraged that someone rains on your product, it's typical of human nature, born of a lack of information or jealousy that perhaps they couldn't afford a speaker costing $12K.
Find a dealer with a good selection of product and take your favorite music. You may just find something perfect.
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