My second post on this topic because I enjoy my Thiel's so much.....
How I came to purchase my Thiel CS2's in 1986.
I essentially have zero knowledge of audio engineering or design. I have always purchased what I figured might be "good sounding" components based mostly on what I could afford which wasn't much.
By the mid 1980's I wanted to upgrade my speakers. My D'Agostino satellite/sub s sounded "good" but I wanted a taller floor standing speaker. One that by it's sheer size would be impressive. And oh maybe sounded "better." See, I am a novice....:)
I passed on Rogers LS3/5a and Watson Labs 10 in 1977 due to price. Listened to both. They produced involving seductive sound...wow what a loss. I would still have the Rogers to this day has I purchased perhaps not the Watson's as they had some gas filled sections that over time probably would have leaked out.
So here I am in the mid 1980's looking for a BIG speaker I could afford via an annual audio components buyer's guide!
Spent weeks pouring over specs and reviews settling on Thiel CS2.
An audio shop in Berkeley several miles from where I lived carried Thiel.
A brief listening session was all it took for me to place an order. Sound was detailed, natural and not fatiguing. Never had one problem with them. Drivers as are the cabinets in excellent condition.
They are playing as I write this.