Anyone seen or heard new Thiel CS3.7

Not just the drivers, the top of the enclosure is a rounded metal affair that makes the speaker look suspiciously like Steely Dan (no not the group).

Inspiration from the old "Jiffy Pop" popcorn on the drivers?

One would think that look will be quite polarizing...

See also this archived thread. As for the strange looks of the drivers, I'd warrant that Jim Thiel wouldn't have gone to the trouble unless the corrugations enabled lighter (which would mean thinner) yet stiffer diaphragms. Fortunately, Thiel has long been one of the few audiophile brands that has always designed their speakers to be used with the grilles in place and no sonic degradation. Which is probably a good thing in the case of the 3.7, because I'll bet those diaphragms could be more susceptible to deformation if touched than is usual, questions of appearance aside. As for the looks of the hemispherical top, I'll wait to see the whole thing in the flesh...

In fairness, I too should wait to see them in person. I did enjoy the pair of Thiel 3.6's for quite some time a good decade or so ago! Perhaps pictures don't do them justice...

I'm sure they'll look and perform fine with the grills in place. As for the round top, well, I like it.