Comparing Thiel CS 2.3 v Infinity RSIIIBs

geppy1

I am comparing these two speakers and this what I am hearing.

Thiel CS 2.3 - $3600 19999 Very clear crisp sound with tight images that are almost scary. Tight bass with a solid bottom end. Somewhat analytical with a big WOW factor because of the imaging. Laser like detail. No cabinet effects at all. Stage seems a little short.

Infinity RSIIIB $1600 1985 A slightly warmer sound. Images not as sharp. Bass is more rounded not as tight or controlled but not bad either. They are sealed boxes. The detail is there but does not hit you over the head. Stage is much taller and may be wider More of a hint of it coming from a box but not bad. Seems more enveloping

I think from an objective audiophile with nose in the air and chin in the hand view the Thiels would get the nod but being more subjective the Infinitys are doing something the Thiels are not. Not sure what. More natural/musical?? They are both really good in their own way .

Has anyone had any experiences with these units?

MrBuhl

I've heard the Thiel - albeit in an imperfect room - my thoughts are similar, crisp and tight to the point of being a tad sterile to my ears. Cool as heck, I wanted to like them, but I just didn't.

I've had other Infinity - but have not heard the RSIIIB, I find the EMIT ribbons to be super sharp (in an I like them way...) - though I tend to agree, the bass is more rounded in the ones I have heard.

dromunds

I have Infinity RSIIIb's, although not currently being used. You're assessment is pretty accurate although I think the bass from the RSIIIb's is pretty darn good. They are nice speakers, I like the EMIT tweeters. I found they did not have the imaging or soundstage of my Dahlquists, but of course the Dahlquists are known for that. Your comment resonated with me that the RSIIIb's are doing something the Thiels are not, as I also found the RSIIIb's had something about them that was pleasing that was hard to put into words.

steveinaz

I had RSIIIbs back in the '80's. Loved em.....still don't know why I sold them. IIRC, I replaced them with AR9Lsi towers.

erniejade

I have not heard that set of infinity but the older ones I have heard I liked. I am a fan of the emit tweeter. The thiel, are a better speaker then given credit for but they are picky as heck on components. I didn't like them on ss. gear. Tube however at least in the was key to getting them to sound more musical to me. With ss they were ok but too anylitianalytical. The last time I heard a set was with..... I think it was a CJ pre and a b&k amp.

They are a speaker that to me can be a chameleon depending on what you want and what its paired with.