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
Lrsky

Thanks for the input as I have enjoyed reading your comments; you have a very nice writting style. The way in which you describe the people who work at Thiel are exactly as I wou have imagined. In my phone conversations that is exactly the image they project and the quality of their product reflects this as well.

Have in mind that when a product pleases everyone it usually pleases no one. So while Thiel speakers are not every audiophiles cup of tea I take solice in the fact that they are mine and evidently many others as well. And that is what will keep us coming back.

Chuck
Well put Chuck! I like Thiels and I like MIT, I knew mit was way controversial but I didn't know Thiel was. It's just a hobby for cryin out loud!