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Thiel SCS3

After auditioning a pair of Thiel CS 1.6's at home in my system, I've decided to sell my B&W Nautilus 804's and the HTM2 center. I love the B&Ws, but I have a relatively small listening area and I found that the Thiel's opened up at a much lower volume, making them a better match for my space. I haven't heard the SCS3, but I am a little shocked at its price. A pair of Thiel CS 1.6s will cost me what I consider a reasonable $2100, but a single coax design SCS3 is $1400. Thiel also promotes the SCS3 as a surround. Their pricing would make your surrounds more expensive than your fronts. It just doesn't make sense to me. My local dealer said alot of his Thiel sales go south because of this. Maybe the SCS3 is a wonderful center and worth the price, but I'm still a little confused. I'd love to hear from Thiel owners that use the SCS3 as a center, or better yet, possibly use a non Thiel that matches up well with the CS 1.6s. As another alternative, I'm also in the market for a used SCS3 if anyones selling one. Regards Herb
hmayh3
egrady
138 posts
 
I have the 1.6's and use the SCS3 as my center channel speaker. I bought the lot here on Audiogon. They are an excellent trio, but at used prices only. Especially the SCS3. It's retail price is absurd. While I've found it important to match the three front speakers, for the surrounds you can go with something different. I use M&K and they work fine. So, find yourself a used SCS3 and have your dealer help find you find some less expensive speakers to use as your surrounds.
cornchips
21 posts
 
I've got the same as Egrady....until we get to comparing wallets.

(Bought all three from a dealer.)

Have to admit that the SCS3 is an amazing center. Even gives local news anchors an amazing quality.

My room is tiny so I stuck some Gallo a'Diva sphere's up for surrounds...they're not too bad. (for the size and $$)

Don't forget about the PowerPoints -- they'll match your 1.6's and are easier to find used or demo.

--ksr
huggerray
55 posts
 
Wait for one to come available used - I replaced my LCR-15 with the SCS-3 (see my system) and was very pleased -It really helps round-out the front three...I enjoy listening to music more on surround sound settings (on the ead pro.) vs 2 channel - It does make a huge difference
bundy
127 posts
 
I use a SCS3 with my CS6s and Powerplane surrounds. For home theater, more info comes from the center than any other channel so you may want to consider having the "matching" center at least. I agree that matching surrounds is overkill for most systems as long as the surrounds are decent. I will upgrade to the larger Thiel center at some point as I feel it would blend with my bigger Thiels better.
cawgijoe's avatar
cawgijoe
6 posts
 
I have Thiel CS1.6's and am using Old Paradigm Atom's as surrounds and an Infinity Interlude 25 center channel speaker. I also have an Atlantic Technology THX subwoofer.

Quite a mis-mash and most people would say what the heck are you doing. However, the system blends quite nicely in movie mode. My greatest trepidation was how well the center channel would blend with the Thiels. My previous speakers were Infinity RS5b's. Believe it or not the Infinity center channel integrates very well with the Thiel's. The Infinity has metal drivers and this might be part of the reason. Once calibrated the whole thing is seamless.

Having said all that, I really would like to put a Thiel speaker in the center, but it would have to be a great deal and used. The surrounds are fine.
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