Thiel CS6 to Von Schweikert VR4 JR - Am i Crazy?


I am considering switching from by current Thiels to the VSAs. While the selling price new is much more for the Thiels, I bought them used for about the same price as the VSAs are new so it would be about a wash financially.

My goal would be to improve the soundstage (I don't get much depth out of the Thiels), warm up the mids and highs without losing extension, have powerful bass, and have a smaller cabinet. From what I have read (I have not heard yet) the VSAs seem to be strong in these categories.

Does anyone think this would be a reasonable or crazy change?

Assoc gear: Naim pre w/Hicap, McCormack dna2dlx amp, Nottingham Horizon, Pioneer Elite SACD/Dvd-A
bundy
If the 3.6 is considered one of the warmer sounding models, then no wonder Bundy is wanting more here. I guess it all comes down to what our reference point is to warmth.

If you live in Minnesota and it's 55 degrees in March, that is considered warm. But people in Phoenix were complaining it was cold back in Feb when the temps were 75.

For me, warmth implies more body and presence in the lower mids with great harmonic richness. There's added weight to vocals and piano notes that are so very lush and rich. This is the Magnepan speaker. This is the Cardas Golden Cross (too much in fact). This is the ARC LS5 line stage and VT130 amp. This is the Manley Reference Dac. This is the Koetsu cartridge. This is NOT the Thiel 3.6 speaker!
My Thiels (3.6's) through a very large deep soundstage and are not harsh or bright in any manner; not fatiguing in any way. I have simply not experienced what Jafox is describing. Are they detailed yes without a doubt this is another aspect I like about them. I hear everything the music has to offer. For electronics I have a Conrad Johnson Premier 16lsII and a CJ MF2500A power amp, of which I just sold, an SCD-1 for the front end and all Audioquest cabling Anaconda and Volcano. If your 6.0's are not giving you the dimensionality you are seeking then it is the electronics not the speakers. Just my opinion.

Chuck
I'm sorry Jafox but I must still disagree, I have what you mentioned with my set-up. The 3.6 is reputed as one of the most nuetral and uncolored floor standing speaker, logic would suggest what goes in must come out - that has been the case for me. All of my electronics and cables lean towards a warm, rich harmonic tone in the lower and upper mids and thats what the 3.6 delivers. I have had other components in my system, even kimber KCTG and KCAG and admittedly it was over the top a bit and was slightly fatiguing. I have also had other dacs that were a little too much of what initially seemed a good thing. Really, I've probably been lucky matching up my components but I've always stuck with the same brands for the most part, just moved up the line. Thiels are alot of work no doubt but well worth it when matched up to your satisfaction and placed properly in the room.

Jerry
I am in agreement with pops. And sorry I meant throw a large deep soundstage. I too must have been lucky with system matching because I am very pleased with the sound of my system.

Chuck
Only way to tell is go listen to them. I heard a pair of the thiels when i sold my old amp And ive heard the von schweikert theres not a day and night diffrence by no means. The von schweikerts need good tuba amplification or its a waste of your time. im running mine with rouge zeus and have evry bit of the extension and are Much more effecient with deep wide soundstage. I wouldnt but a pair new though way too expensive get a good pair of 6's used will blow the thiels away