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Thiel CS 5i, 7.2. and others


Hi Folks:

In reference to an earlier post that I found discussing the merits of Theil's present flagship versus other high priced speakers, it's really true about the passionate opinions about the 7.2.among other's in the line.

Thiel's former sales manager (I believe) really nailed it when he said that the line has a distinctive sound and not everyone goes for it.

For those of you who have seen my posts over the years, you know what side of the argument I am on. The 7.2 is the best overall speaker that I have ever heard and I have heard others costing three times as much or more. I am slowly moving "up the line". First owning a 1.5. and graduating to the 2.3 last year.

Even another speaker I heard that costs $130K, as good as it is, just doesn't sound quite as accurate or natural as the 7.2. does. Granted the $130K speaker is fantastic in other ways, but for my money, I'd still purchase one of Jim's creations. Which leads me to this question: For those of you have heard or better yet owned both the 7.2. and the former flagship (discounting the 7), the CS 5i, What are the strength's and or differences between them? How much better or different is it over the 3.6? Also can anyone tell me how efficient the 5i is?

D.H.
danhirsh
zimpwh
8 posts
 
I have owned the 3.6's, the 5i's, the 6's ,and the 7.2's over the years. To my ears, with the right amps, the 5i's were the best. When I had the 5i's properly placed and fed by Levinson 20.6's they were stunning. The higher freqs. were a bit rolled off though, as compared to my current speakers. The mids were on the money. The bass is what grabbed you though. You could "feel" each note struck...not harsh, not "boomy" as with most subs I've tried. I'd be particularly intrested in auditioning the 7.2's with the new Thiel subs. The 7.2's have a better top end to my ears, but not by much.....but the bass is a tad shy as compared to the 5i's. If you have the horsepower to feed the 5i's ( dips to near or < 1 Ohm at times) go for them at the used price of 2-4K...you will never be disappointed.
luke72
116 posts
 
I had the 3.6, the 6 and the 7.2 in the past: to my ears the 6 was the best sounding, a little less open and transparent than the 7.2 but more coherent and sweet in the mid-higs. Unfortunately I didn't hear the 5i but, for what I heard about them from other audiophiles, they were Thiel's best loudspeaker ever, probably discontinued because of low WAF and for their extreme difficult to drive load. Buy the present pair advertised at only 3k if you can ! Just my 2 cents.
audiolui
295 posts
 
I have never owned a 5i. But I have the 7.2 now. I started with CS2, then 3.6, other brands, and now 7.2. 7.2 is way better than the 3.6 in every area you can name. Used market will be a good way to find a pair of 7.2.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
I haven't heard the 7.2's. I haven't heard any speakers that bettered than the 5i's. That said, I think they are more demanding about room and placement than other Thiels I've heard, and man oh man do they need a serious amplifier budget to really get the most out of them!
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