[mca]

As I am considering the CS2 as my next speaker, I have been doing a lot of reading both here and elsewhere about them. The praise for them seems to be unanimous, but I am still a little confused as to their basic sound characteristics. I really like the idea of Sonic Flare's "Sonic Circle" so based on the information in the following link, how would you rate them?

http://www.sonicflare.com/archives/sonicflares-sonic-circle.php
 
 
 

[GregC]

Bullseye, dead in the center. 

[sbrtoy]

I think the middle in this case is actually not the target....I have only listened to them a couple times but they seemed very focused and accurate without being harsh, I would say Vivid would be the best descriptor.

[mca]

Where did all the CS2 owners go?

[zybar]

Probably enjoying the music.   

I just looked at the Sonicflare site and I would agree with sbrtoy that the CS2's would probably combine the virtues of "Vivid" and "Refined".

After months and months of ownership, I have kept waiting to see if I wanted to put my Vandy 5A's back into the main system, but it just hasn't happened.  I am not trying to say that the CS2's are "better" than the 5A's - what I am saying is that with either pair of speakers I can be very happy and truly enjoy my music.

To those who don't know me or bother to read signatures, I am an Emerald Physics dealer and you are more than welcome to factor that into my opinion.

George

[launche]

FWIW, speaking as a former owner (I moved on from the CS2's mainly because my son would have just had his way with the full sock covering etc...)

I can agree with George's assessment of "Vivid" and "Refined".  If I had to pick just one it would be "Vivid".  I do miss the CS2's, when in a different situation, the CS2's will be given my first consideration.

As a former Maxhemp owner MCA I also miss that speaker. IMO, the Hemps can possess such a beautiful tone and coherence that was its calling card for me.  I was locked and loaded and enjoying the music in a very intimate and infectious way in my setup, it made for a very beautiful stereo playback system.  The CS2's offered a more lively, dynamic and robust presentation indicative of a larger speaker.  Many gains across the board but still never fully capturing what the Hemps deliver as their strong suit.

Hope that helps a bit and good luck.