Thiel Owners

@dickieboy, I’m not sure where the “many” are that you are hearing are suggesting that the CS 3.5’s have a sub 4 Ohm load. Do keep in mind that the CS 3.5’s eq can demand up to an extra 12 dB of draw from the partnering amplification. While Jim Thiel most cleverly used the inherent box resonance impedance rise that coincidentally occurs at just where the eq is most demanding to somewhat mitigate the draw, it still puts quite a bit of extra demand on the partnering amplification. Jim Thiel would have recommended at least 80-100 Watts (depending on vintage) into 4 Ohms for the CS 3.5’s.
 While one might be happy with less power, one would not be maximizing the full potential of the speakers.

Just in case anyone is interested.

TMR has listed a pair of oak CS 3.6 speakers for $1149 + $399 for shipping.

Serial numbers were not listed.

Jafant

My system is VPI HW19 MkIII with Premier FT3 arm and Grado Sonata low output, ARC CD3, ARC SP9 MkiII, ARC Classic 60 feeding the CS 3.5's. I know you're a cable guy, so I replaced initial Audio quest speaker cable and FMS Blue interconnects with MIT MH 750 and MI 330 which was a classic combo which had great bass and resolution while keeping the top end smooth. I more recently upgraded to all MorrowA5 interconnects and SP6 speaker cable and Morrow power cords. Nice improvement in all parameters while being very natural sounding. Unlike many on Audiogon, I've had this setup since about 1988 with the cable being the only real change. 

I've recently purchased a townhome with smaller space and (horrors!!!) I've downsized from the 3.5's to PMC Twenty5.35i's, These have worked out in the context of my existing system and space. My black ash, one owner, all original and updated CS 3.5's are now at Holt Hill Audio to be consigned if anyone on this thread is interested. Brian Salazar has not put them up on his website yet, but I doubt you'll find a better pair and with a known history. While the PMC's are working well for me, it's like parting with an old friend! 

Unsound

I was referring to how often people generalize and apply the "big watts, tough to drive" to all Thiels, as it's not really true of the 3.5. That's all. 

I typed unmolested but SpellWrecker changed it to updated. Apologies. 

Good Afternoon All,

Does anyone have any suggestions for alternative woofers for the Thiel SmartSub SS2? I need two 10" woofers that are comparable as both my woofers have gone bad. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know!

-Brian