Thiel Owners

I just would like to update on some changes of my system from the last 2 months.

I decided to change my source system from Cary DMS700 Streamer + MQA DAC to the separated Pachanko Mini SE as Computer Audio Transport + Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC.

I also changed my Music streaming Service from Tidal to Qobuz since my new Tambaqui DAC doesn’t support MQA.

With these 2 major changes, I can tell that the Sound Quality improves significantly in terms of Sound Stage, Mid range, details musical, 3D Dimension and Bass level. I’m so happy with my new system now.

My only problem now when the Bass improves significantly, my speaker dancing and moving (I put the mark on the floor and I can see my Thiel CS7.2 slightly moved)

I just invested in buy IsoAcoustics GAIA I (Thiel CS7.2 weights 160 Pounds each) So, I need to go with Series I of GAIA. I will get them by 2 days from now. Will keep you posted the result of GAIA I. (I currently use OEM Spikes + ISOClean TT-009 disc)

I’m 100% on Streaming Music and this system gives me very Analog sound.

My Systems Feb 2023

Tambaqui + Pachanko Mini SE + Diretta

SOTM Switching + LPS

Audia Flight Strumento 1 + 4 Pre + Power Amp

Elrod Statement + Statement 2 for Pre-Power, Furutech DPS 4.1 for DAC

ISOAcoustics GAIA I

bas79

Good to see you here again. Thank You for the System update. Beautiful pics!

Always good to see Audia Flight gear with Thiel speakers. I know that the Panel will be pleased to learn IsoAcoustics  GAIA I is a sonic match for loudspeakers.

How did you like the Cary DMS 700 Streamer system? I would not mind adding the DMS model that had the CD playback capability.

Happy Listening!

2nd Note:

IsoAcoustics GAIA I for Thiel CS7.2 loudspeakers.

Happy Listening!

Hello All - regarding MQA. I’ve been paying attention to MQA and its claims since the beginning, and I have been somewhat bewildered by the fairly intense controversy surrounding it since the beginning. I know some mastering engineers who swear by it. I also know some who reject it and some very astute listeners, some with significant technical chops who consider it (various degrees of) less than helpful. This past weekend I had a personal experience which I want to report.

I recently procured a pair of SCS4s which I’m documenting for actual upgrades (for the real world.) I took them to an audiophile friend with a good system and amazingly analytical ears. Our source was various reference pop titles via Tidal. His turf, his call. I was underwhelmed and disappointed by the SCS4s in his setup. On working through the maze of possibilities Saturday night it occurred to me to explore MQA, since John had mentioned it as being offered by Tidal. I read Peter Moncrieff’s MQA section from his ’Digital Done Wrong’ series - coming away with a cogent set of strong arguments against MQA.

Let’s digress to Peter. For those of you unfamiliar with him, Peter has published the International Audio Review since the early 1980s. He is brilliant, self-assured and not deterred by the norms of polite discourse. I have always found him to be right. Peter is who assigned the title CS to our 03b at the 1983 CES. He got it and reported it very succinctly.

Back to MQA. Peter itemizes how the ultra short sampling schema of MQA misses the ’unlucky samples’ that fail to describe sharp transients. What I heard at John’s house was music without upper transients as well as a global haze or ambient cloud, noticeable mostly in the upper registers. I messaged John and he reported that his Tidal MQA filter was indeed engaged. We have not yet had a chance for direct comparisons with and without MQA. I should add that a pair of Klipsch RP600Ms did not exhibit ’the pleasant vagueness’ that the SCS4s did. I felt this note was in order to ask your experience and opinions about the subject. I’ve studied enough about the process and heard enough examples to at least question the process.

tomthiel

Good to see you this day. I enjoy Peter Moncrieff's writings as well. Last Fall, I had an opportunity to audition my 1st Luxman CD player (D-03x) and MQA CD from Patricia Barber. I was able to switch out several CDs including my own Reference disc. The Luxman proved to articulate that classic Japan goodness ( Accuphase, Pioneer Elite, Sony ES and Yamaha). I must say that I did not hear anything special on the MQA coded CD. Perhaps MQA is better demonstrated via Server/Streaming services?

Happy Listening!