dhoff01...
Ya' know, describing the difference between the 3.5 and 3.6 models is something that I thought would be less than it really is, but the fact of the matter is that these are VERY different speakers. And far more different than moving "up" as I did from 2.0, 2.2, and 2.3 to the 3.5's. In those earlier examples the differences merely improved on everything that endeared Thiel to me from the get-go, accuracy, colorlessness, and most specifically, bass reproduction that felt like, sounded like bass without exaggeration.
I keep saying that I'm not a "bass" fiend, finding most speakers reproduction of it artificial and cartoonish - for lack of a better term. I'm also a pretty big fan of Magnepan, so my ears do favor midrange and highs to begin with.
I used a Pass Labs X150.5/BAT tubed pre setup for my 3.5's, and I am currently - no pun intended - using a BAT integrated. Either setup provided 150 watts into 8 ohms, 300 into 4 ohm loads which either Thiel is rated. To my ears the 3.6's just don't pressurize the room the way the 3.5's did. I'm also finding that the highs on the 3.6's seem diminished - odd considering that some people describe Thiels as "too bright."
I think that the 3.6's do require a more significant amount of power to truly shine. At levels louder than I normally listen at they do begin to strut their proverbial stuff. But, alas, my listening evil is very conservative and I believe the 3.5's just presented everything better at lower volumes than the 3.6's are wont to - again, my humble opinion.
Thiel improves ANY setup one may have. I've tossed a bevy of amps at them, Pass Labs, Threshold, Primare, Audio Research, Conrad Johnson, McIntosh...this site has drained my bank account a few times in the last 4 years.
I just put my 3.6's up for sale here on the site. Right now I'm downsizing, returning to tubes, looking at more efficient Thiels - if that's possible.
Ya' know, describing the difference between the 3.5 and 3.6 models is something that I thought would be less than it really is, but the fact of the matter is that these are VERY different speakers. And far more different than moving "up" as I did from 2.0, 2.2, and 2.3 to the 3.5's. In those earlier examples the differences merely improved on everything that endeared Thiel to me from the get-go, accuracy, colorlessness, and most specifically, bass reproduction that felt like, sounded like bass without exaggeration.
I keep saying that I'm not a "bass" fiend, finding most speakers reproduction of it artificial and cartoonish - for lack of a better term. I'm also a pretty big fan of Magnepan, so my ears do favor midrange and highs to begin with.
I used a Pass Labs X150.5/BAT tubed pre setup for my 3.5's, and I am currently - no pun intended - using a BAT integrated. Either setup provided 150 watts into 8 ohms, 300 into 4 ohm loads which either Thiel is rated. To my ears the 3.6's just don't pressurize the room the way the 3.5's did. I'm also finding that the highs on the 3.6's seem diminished - odd considering that some people describe Thiels as "too bright."
I think that the 3.6's do require a more significant amount of power to truly shine. At levels louder than I normally listen at they do begin to strut their proverbial stuff. But, alas, my listening evil is very conservative and I believe the 3.5's just presented everything better at lower volumes than the 3.6's are wont to - again, my humble opinion.
Thiel improves ANY setup one may have. I've tossed a bevy of amps at them, Pass Labs, Threshold, Primare, Audio Research, Conrad Johnson, McIntosh...this site has drained my bank account a few times in the last 4 years.
I just put my 3.6's up for sale here on the site. Right now I'm downsizing, returning to tubes, looking at more efficient Thiels - if that's possible.