Pootie - I replaced a pair of Thiel CS3.6's when I got the Salons. I auditioned Thiel's best offerings, but found them to be too hard sounding, two-dimentional and unmusical compared to other's top speakers (even though I loved my 3.6's, they do share some of Thiel's shortcomings, in my opinion). I listened to Wilson's Watt/Puppy 7's, which were excellent in every way, but were edged-out by the Salons in overall musicality, bass response, and price. B&W has great stuff, but for the most part is too colored (to my ears) for what I was looking for in a system. Hope this helps, and good luck with your search. In closing, I know now, after having the Salons for a year, that they were definitely the right choice for me. They'll be in my system for a long time to come.
May I ask what other speakers have you compare to the Revel Salons before deciding? I have audition many speakers (JmLab, B&W, Wilson, Avalon....and many more shorter auditions.) I still think the Salons are the best I have heard. I guess I'm kinda anal, but I want to audition most other speakers in the same price range before settling down with the Salons for the long run.
