Thiel Owners

jafant, you hit the nail on the head...Silver coated copper speaker cables. I switched back to Kimber 8tc and much better in the glare aspect. It does seem as though I lost some presence though. I never experimented much with cables and started a few months ago. Too many changes as same time....
Does anyone have experience with Analysis Plus oval 8? I'm thinking of going with heavier cables than the 8tc - possibly 12tc. Any recommendation is a

Regarding cabling, I would not use a silver cable/cord, as it would be too bright for most tastes.

good to read- robin,

the CS 2.7 is a very fine loudspeaker. What other gear, including cables/cords, is in your system?

Dan,
You are not a rarity in using Thiel as surround sound. I see a lot of power points for sale and always wondered with Atmos - what it would be like to have Thiel in that lineup. I have 5.1 and use 4 PCS with MCS as center along with SmartSub.
My big news is I scored a set of 2.7's last Saturday and they are wonderful! I'm still tuning, but I'm very encouraged by the sound. Each refinement in the Thiel lineup was an improvement and I never thought I would be able to afford these. Happy as can be!
Prior to this purchase I noticed some glare in certain vocals and still see it. I'm trying to track down the issue. I did change some cables a few months ago, but I think they may have just brought this glare to the forefront. (Analysis plus solo interconnects) I see more transparency with these and think it was there before, just cables brought it to forefront.
Anyone have ideas? I have spares of some equipment and will change some things out to see if I can track it down.

Thanks! for the update -Dan.

keep me posted on this project and the continued integration of Thiel into your H/T set-up.  Happy Listening!

Well, this goes back a page in the thread, but I ended up cutting out a stud (with the blessing of the contractor that built the wall) as there was a "double stud" next to the pocket door, and I was able to go with standard installation on the sides of the 65" TV. Sounds great.

The new grilles for the speakers arrived from Thiel quickly and nicely packaged. Thanks Mr. Gillum.

To surrounds - so I ended up using a pair of Acoustic Energy Aegis Compacts for my surrounds (at least for now). They have a silk dome tweet, so not as crisp on the high end, but plenty detailed, and with an aluminum woofer, they so far have been a decent match - not Acoustic Energy's higher end line, but curious if anyone has any comments on their compatibility.

I know I am one of the few using Thiels in a home theater set up, but three PowerPlane 1.2's provides a really nice sound, extremely impressive for in-wall speakers. Clarity above all else.

I can also report that the Stratos HT-3 Plus is doing a great job with amplification, despite that I am using a Denon receiver (AV3313) as my pre-pro and that the cable is 14 gauge monster cable. I have not been able to create any distortion even at reference volume levels, and the only time these speakers don't sound great is with bad source material (low quality recordings).

THanks for the info in this thread - any comments on Acoustic Energy compatibility with Thiel sound would be appreciated. I can confirm that Odyssey amplification makes for a nice pairing with Thiel.

- Dan

Thanks! for sharing the update oblgny.
Happy Listening!

Just an update...
Just this afternoon I replaced all the tubes in the B. A. T.  preamplifier, four 6922 and two 6V6's because having bought it used I had no idea of their length of service.  (All Genelax Gold Lions)
Those it came with were GE and Sovtek - perhaps how it was dressed at the factory?

I have to state...wow.  Huge improvement. Even at low volume the 3.5's were way more articulate, and Thiels ARE articulate to begin with. When I put some vinyl on the sonics were absolutely over the top - best sound I've gotten to date. The "reserved" nature I previously mentioned regarding the preamp were completely gone. (Primare R32 phono pre)

This is a much better setup now.  

Have a fun Thiel week- guys!

Hope you find a buyer maplegrovemusic.

Anyone want to buy a pair of Thiel cs7's ? If there is interest i will list them here on Agon and go through the proper channels so Agon gets their commission . I have the original boxes . Shipping seems to be about $500 to most of the U.S. . They are in MN . 

oblgny-

Many Thanks! for the update. Are you familiar w/ the newer B.A.T. products?
Specifically, the VK-300, VK-300x SE or VK-3000 SE?

Jafant...
Right now I'm listening to Mose Allison and everything is spot on.  The B. A. T. VK3i is one of the best preamps I've owned. True to my intent and hoped for in my expectations is it's definition; the "reigned in" impression I previously mentioned remains, but this is not necessarily a negative aspect with the Thiels.  (As some listeners find them a bit too "bright.") I never have and never will.  Does it mate well with Thiel?  Yes.  

The Primare A34.2 is the first decent class D amp I've tried, "decent" meaning somewhat audiophile - my first toe-in-the-water with class D amplification was via a pair of Musical Fidelity M1PWR mono blocks which was a fairly cheap way to investigate the category. 

I think I was pretty fortunate to get the B. A. T.  for $1k used. It's a bargain.  Considering that it's a 20+ year old piece I can only imagine how good the current models perform.  As is my usual path in this hobby, moving up the food chain is definitely in the cards sometime this year.  

Nice! saffron-

this is the excellent aspect about cables/cords. There will always be some passage in the recording that will shine w/ the right cable! 

Saff/warren...nice post...though I'm not familiar with the products mentioned...I enjoyed your account. ..very nicely described/written!

So I swapped out the Monster Powerline 2 speaker cables, to the CS2.4SE, for a shorter pair of Kimber 8TC; more out of curiosity than anything.

First impression: everything sounded the same tonally. No difference in the soundstage either. It was the system that I’ve listened to for years.

Then I noticed something: I heard the precise words in some background vocals on an Indigo Girls’ track. I never knew exactly what the lyrics were before; just that the harmonies were nice. Then I was surprised at some rightish-channel strumming that kicked in part-way through another song. I never noticed it before, despite the years of listening to the piece.

All-in-all I’d say that the 8TC has added a level of detail that I hadn’t observed before. Not a huge difference, but enough to sit up and take notice.  And be delighted...

Cheers,
Warren

P.S. I’ve also added a short run of 8TC to the MCS1 centre channel too.

Keep me posted -oblgny.

Thank You- michaeljbrown.

Jafant,
I used a Krell fpb 300 on my 2.4's, which is very high current and doubles down to 2 ohms or below. The fpb series was made in the early 90's, I think. Mine had fresh caps done at the factory. As these get some use, I'd look for freshly recapped models. The older KSA's are great buys, if they have fresh caps. A Thiel dealer in Amarillo used an old KSA 50 for some CS5's in his bedroom. Not that I'd recommend that. I think for most Thiels the older Krells or Classes are great and are still available online. The KSA's are heaters though!

Jafant...

Currently I'm using a Sony Hapz1es music server for all my digital stuff which is a really good piece of equipment.  It has a 1TB hard drive which I've barely put a dent in. 

So far as synergy goes I'm still checking it out.  I'll be buying some tubes tomorrow since I have no idea how long those installed have been in service.  

Good to read- oblgny.

There is another member here that uses a B.A.T. and is asking about the synergy between the 2 brands? Are you using a CD/SACD player in your system?

Mapman...

Dig in, you won't regret owning Thiels.  If at all possible try to locate 'em geographically convenient since even the smaller models are HEAVY.  My CS 3.5's are a permanent fixture even though I've had Magnepan,. Von Schweikert...all very good speakers but...I return to them above all.  (I just listened to the new Magnepan 1.7i and .7 last week.  I really like the .7 better.). I'm thinking about a used pair for sale here on the site...just for kicks, a complement to my system not a replacement. 

I got my 3.5's from a fellow member here for a pittance, actually the least expensive piece of equipment I own. Just make sure to inspect all the drivers visually if possible. I've seen too many models here and elsewhere with mid ranges suffering from dry rot, dented dust caps on the woofers, dimpled tweeters.  The 3 different models I've owned all came with the instructions to leave the grills on for listening. 

I finally received the BAT VK3i preamplifier back from the good folks at Audio Den here in beautiful downtown Lake Grove. Along with it I also purchased my last set of Transparent input connects so now I'm 100% Transparent on everything - except the Marantz TT-15 turntable which has proprietary cables built in. 

My initial impression is that this is a very laid-back preamplifier. I tossed Ginger Baker's "Cyril Davies" into it and heard imaging better than my ARC LS 3, but I'm finding the highs a bit reigned in, or reserved?  Build quality is excellent.  I don't know how many hours are on the tubes so I'll be playing with that aspect in the near future.  Hard to tell that this is a used piece - well worth the $1k I paid for it.  As soon as my right arm mends I'm going to toss my CJ MF200 into the mix and see what happens.  Too damn heavy to monkey around with now.  Current amp is a Primare Research A34.2. 

Its all good.  

Thanks! for sharing- michaeljbrown.

I have been thinking about a Krell amp for my Thiel speakers.
Which one?

I have had Thiels since '83 starting with a pair of 03a's & a PS Audio Elite integrated Amp. I progressed through 2.2's, 2.3''s and then to 2.4's to which I added a Krell fpb 300 amp, which was wonderful. As a truly sick audiophile, I was not content with perfection, and couldn't resist adding a pair of CS 5's. The Krell did just fine, but oh no, I had to twist off and get a CAT Amplifier, a beast with 1000 plus amps into a 4 ohm load. But it had a damn noisy fan, So I traded both to an audiophile in San Antonio, for a pair of Altec Onken horns and a tube amp and Transcendent tube pre.  That ended the arms race, and I have a really smooth system. I still had the 2.4's, which I sold to a guy in Dallas, who is a happy happy camper.  Thing is, I now am developing a "no Thiels" twinge and feel lost without a pair of Thiels in my system.
So, thing is, I am wondering if I should get a pair of CS6's on the Gon, or get some 7's on US Audio...But what am I going to do with those really nice (and big!) Onken Altecs!
I need help. 

At used or demo price- they are a steal. There is much useful data in this thread- which model interests you?

Thiel is on my bucket list of speakers I would like to give a shot someday.   The used prices these days are pretty compelling.  

Have a fun Thiel weekend guys!

I would like to hear one of those Pass Labs integrated amps.
We all know the PL separates are outstanding!

Jafant...

No, at least not for the moment!

I still have my new Primare A34.2 amp that's barely, not even broken in.  I also have a "spare" CJ MF200 amp as well.  I was actually thinking of returning to Pass Labs amplification.  but the 150.5 that I had, and bought for $2495 a few years ago has almost doubled in price - even used/demo.  Mark @  Reno keeps me updated. Yikes!  That would have been the only piece of equipment I've had that actually increased in price. 

If the BAT is truly something special I'll more than likely purchase a new unit.  It's kind of how we should buy automobiles;  check them out in a rental then decide.  If that were possible in every case I would not have bought my 2011 Lexus ES 350. (An imported Buick at best!)  Very uncomfortable seats,  low headroom even with the sunroof open, no rear view camera...a mechanically bulletproof car with decent mpg and performance but...real world daily usage feh!  I was thinking once of leasing the Cadillac XTS but after I rented it for a vacation week,  found it was like driving a refrigerator box with slits for windows. Ridiculously limited rear visibility on all sides.  

Wow...went off topic there!

Jafant...

No.  Rather than going to an electrical supply store for this they are dealing directly with BAT - and they were sent the wrong toggle switch.  Grrrrr....   It's just a flipswitch!   I'm not being charged for this so my patience is extended if not tested.  They're good folks so I'm not truly concerned.  However I sold my AR LS 3 and my Peachtree 220SE integrated and my Classe CP35 so I'm music less now...

oblgny-

did you get back your B.A.T. ?

Excellent guys!

Unsound...

Thanks for that clarification. I'm sticking with the 3.5's simply because they're so damn good as is. 

Boots - thanks, will be checking out the psb minis. 

Does the CS 3.5 and CS 3.6 use the same drivers? Crossover?

If so, it would be of interest to own back up drivers/crossovers, especially, if they are in cherry condition! Keep me posted on your B.A.T.
and local dealer/retailer.

Open question...

I have a very good pair of CS3.5's right now but, as mentioned a few posts back, had offered $1100 for a pair of CS3.6's here on Audiogon which was declined.  The seller just messaged me that their buyer backed out after they accepted and I could have them for $1100 now. Original cartons and everything.  

It would be nice to lose that electronic equalizer but I would  be sacrificing about 5hz at the low end - is it "what's a few hertz between friends" or "you're an idiot - keep the 3.5's!  Or do I start a vertical collection of Thiel models?  Thanks. 

TY- Dan for the connection on Thiel legacy manager- Rob Gillum.

Regarding your question about surround speakers- I have only heard the 2-channel Thiel loudspeakers (2.4, 2.4SE, 2.7 and 3.7).

None of those dealers/retailers had any in/on nor sat Thiel speakers.
All auditions were in a 2-channel listening room or showroom.
Hopefully, one of the other guys here can be of help to you.
Happy Listening!

dklap...

Thanks for that tip regarding the legacy products. Great to know. 

Jafant...

I have to admit that I exercise caution when touting a commercial enterprise here for reasons that are obvious to everyone who buys/sells and posts here. I like the "real world" opinions of people who own and live with the equipment we discourse over as opposed to people who have a commercial stake - not that there's anything wrong with that in the proper setting.  

Here on Long Island there are two bricks and mortar stores a body can WALK into without an appointment - and this one is literally right around the corner from me.  When I first moved here 22 years ago I had virtually no furniture so I bought a pair of Klipsch CF-3's from them - to fill up my living room. (They were fun for a while but those horn loaded tweeters...oy vey!) The fact that they're still around is testimony enough to their business acumen.  

Anyway, I should be picking up my BAT preamp this afternoon and when I do I'll be checking out the Thiels they mentioned - which may pose an issue.  If they're a model above my CS3.5 dare I consider them?  Woe is me!

Dan, 

I have found that the PSB Imagine Minis mate quite well with my 2.4s in my room. They have their own adjustable wall bracket too. 

Cheers,
Warren

So jafant, as apparent resident Thiel expert, can you give me a suggestion as to what smaller satellite or ON wall speakers tonally match the Thiel sound? I have nowhere to install Thiels in walls for my surrounds, and unfortunately need on-walls. SHort of building boxes for another pair of Power Plane 1.2's, not sure what else would match.

ALSO - an FYI to all Thiel owners - I spoke to Rob Gillum of Thiel today who sold me 2 replacement grilles for the beat up ones I received from the prior owner... He runs service for all legacy products in Kentucky. Really nice guy, look him up if you need anything. Former operations manager when the factory was still located in Kentucky. Appears to know his stuff.

Anyway, suggestions as to tonally matching satellites or on-walls would be much appreciated

- Dan

Jafant...
I stopped by the store yesterday and will be picking it up Thursday.  Aaaaargh!  Great folks at Audio Den here in Lake Grove but thankfully they really take care of me.   I also checked out a pair of Maggie 1.7i's just for the hell of it.  (I like Maggie's, too)  Oddly I preferred the smaller and less expensive .7's.  The owner said he had a pair of used Thiels downstairs and when I pick up the BAT I'm going to ask which models they are...of course!   I almost had a pair of CS3.6 from this site but offered $1100...I think they went for $1200..

Jafant,

I like you comment :
"Another attribute- very clean. Some will confuse this aspect w/ forward and/or bright. I suppose that if fed the wrong source or component the presentation could be bright. At any rate, this could be tamed w/ a tubed pre-amp or amp. My fave combo is a tubed pre-amp and solid state power amp. Most important of all, carefully selecting cables/power cords."

I have been experimenting with cables and getting some decent results, but difficult to try without purchase. My question is about tubes. I am operating a surround system with Thiels and the only tube prepro I saw was cj that doesn't do decoding. I was thinking of possibly Cary Cinema, but wanted to know if anyone had other suggestions? What are your thoughts on 5 channel. I still currently get good two channel with my set up and would like to stay multiple channeled.

UGH! Due to a pocket door, there isn't enough room to mount the Powerplane 1.2 on the right side of my TV!

So it's 1 of 3 options:

1. Build a nice looking box around them and hang them on the wall;
2. Install them all horizontally in a row below the TV (it's a 65" so they would be mostly spread out...)
3. Sell them.

I guess I could use them in my bedroom, but that's overkill on my budget, especially when I have 2 and a half extra HT speaker systems I can use in the bedroom...

What do you guys think? I can get new grills for $40 a piece, and there are 2 very tiny (undisclosed ) chips on the speakers edges that won't be visible when installed.

Time to research on-wall options?

 - Dan