Thiel/Crutchfield

Crutchfield MIGHT be a good option for those without a local Thiel retailer, but already familiar with the company's products. Seems Thiel has been losing dealers for one reason or another. There have been three in the Louisvlle area over a 24 year period, but apparently none now. Currently my nearest Thiel dealer is in the next major city down I-65 or up I-71 and over an hour away to drive. Not a problem if I were looking to buy NEW. but it might be for some.

While people were questioning Crutchfield's listing of MSRP for "each" speaker, if you get the MSRP price list from Thiel direct, they have been listing the same on a for "each" speaker basis for years. They do that for all speakers in the line, many of which "are" directed mainly for theatre set-ups (e.g., PowerPoint, ViewPoint, etc.). In this case, Crutchfield was simply following Thiel's long-term practice in listing MSRP.

Crutchfield does indeed seem a strange choice of online retailer because they sell nothing to support the purchase of Thiel speakers. They're aimed at the cheap home theater market. Does it make any sense that someone would order a Pioneer receiver and a pair of Thiel 2.4s for their home theater? It would be more logical to see them offered in Audio Advisor or Music Direct, for example. At least they sell real amplifiers that might stand a chance of making Thiels sound decent. The Pioneer receiver would likely go up in smoke.

They will probably push the higher end Marantz and PS Audio gear with the Thiels. However I would think anyone spending $10K for the 3.7 speakers would have some idea what they need to sound there best.

I have not bought anything from Cruthfield but they did clearly state MSRP was for each speaker and different MSRP for different color of wood veneer. There are so many local dealers who treat customers by the size of their wallets, I may as well give them ( Crutchfield) a try and I am pretty sure that buying from Crutchfield will not make me any lesser a man as I am. Give them a break, guys.