Thiel Owners

@sdl4 I use the Benchmark XLR cables from my CODA 07x preamp to the CODA #8 amp into my Thiel CS3.7. I need 15 feet of length and the quality to cost ratio is excellent. For this situation short XLR cable is not better. I do not think with pro gear, that likely are adhering to the AES48 XLR standard (like CODA and Benchmark) need fancy interconnects. I was using a Benchmark preamp and AHB2 monos to my Thiels prior to the yesterday and they also sounded great with the Benchmark XLR’s (just not big but that is a function of the amp).

For my sources, I use Audience AU24 SE cables. The main reason is that I had a very old and 15 foot Audience AU24 and I recently got it chopped up and upgraded to AU24 SE level. It was a bit better from the sources to my Benchmark preamp versus some Benchmark XLR’s, except the Benchmark DAC3B to the preamp. I could not tell a difference with that source (again pro gear).

The cable that made the biggest difference was the speaker cable.

Another XLR I recently bought is the RED one from WyWire. Alex from WW seems to be very knowledgeable from his writing and his cables sound great. The one I have cost around $200.

BTW - I moved the Benchmark stack downstairs to the big living room to pair with the KEF LS50’s. I will be replacing these speakers with a bigger speaker that does not go to 2 Ohms like the Thiel. The CODA #8 is much better suited for the Thiel CS3.7 though I do prefer the sound of the BM stack. I will likely get a KEF Reference 1 or Yamaha NS5000 to pair with the BM stack. I need to sell a KRELL K300i integrated to fund the speakers, which is great with the CS3.7, if anyone is interested.

@thoft 

...How was the levinson blah...

I dug up this old thread regarding my amp search: "Parasound Halo JC-1 for Thiel CS 5i".  Hopefully, it is not too boring and my ignorance not too laughable. I guess my memory must be going as I seemed to like the Levison more than I recall.

The interesting thing is that I have updated my digital front end and I wonder how these amps might sound now.

My DNA-500 can effortlessly drive the CS5i's to any volume level that I can bear to hear. My listening position is ten feet from the speakers and everything is sounding good to me at 85 decibels with no degradation of treble peaks or bass line. I typically listen at 65 to 70 decibels so a lot of the time its like I am bringing a shot gun to a balloon popping contest, except when I need the oomph for a dynamic peak.

Thanks for listening, 

Dsper

 

@brettmcee

Quality Ranking’ of all available Thiel speaker models

I owned both CS3.6 and CS5i at the same time. The 3.6 is a good speaker but the 5i is at a whole higher level. More refined and cleaner. To my ears, its like a veil is removed when listening to the 5i after the 3.6.

One thing I did enjoy with the the 3.6 was the bass. That ten inch woofer just produces bass differently than two or three smaller woofers and is very attractive... 

Just my two cents; have not owned any other Thiel.

sdl4

Good to see you again. Yes, back in May I had my 1st Swisscable audition. I say 1st, because the dealer/retailer had a technical difficulty with his Audio Hungary amp.  A 2nd demo is slated for October due to my work schedule. By that time, any/all bugs will be worked out of the amp.

No. I have not auditioned Pro-Level cables/cords. 
I am not opposed to any Cabling options (consumer nor pro).
Thank You for sharing Cardas' ability to play well within a Thiel -based system.  The experts report that this newest generation is not as warm (rolled off) as the older offerings.

Happy Listening!

tomthiel,

Thanks for your comments regarding pro audio cables (like Mogami and Benchmark) compared to your reference Straight Wire and Benchmark cables. I've been worried that pro audio cables may not sound quite as good in some ways compared to some more expensive options designed for for home audio, and your comments suggest that this may be a valid concern.