Thiel Owners

This is really a question for tomthiel -

Tom, I have a four speaker 3.5 setup (used to be five).  An Accupahse AC-2 moving coil through a Marcof PPA2 headamp and an Oppo 105 through an updated Audio Research SP-6A for the front channels and Audionics BT-2 for the rears.  Four Outlaw M200 monoblocks feed the Thiels.

I love the accurate spectral balance of the 3.5's, which is why I am loath to give them up.  But I also have a pair of 2.2's in another room driven by a Counterpoint SA-1000 through an Adcom 5300, and this combo is definitely more transparent.

My question - are we ever going to get a "hot-rodded" audiophile version of the 3.5 cross-overs?  I've felt all along that the crossovers perform a subtle "masking" of transparency, and today I am even more convinced.  I'd gladly pay for an upgrade as a preference over having to trade up my speakers.

Harry, I have looked long and hard at which models to hot-rod. My choices center on Thiel-developed drivers and a long life horizon going forward. Although the 3.5 was a defining product in its time, it doesn't check enough boxes. The drivers are modifications of commercial units with little of Thiel's proprietary magnetics or cone materials and geometry. Those drivers are becoming obsolete. Same can be said for the equalizer. Redevelopment of a product is a substantial undertaking requiring custom component development and re-voicing via systematic measurement and listening, like when a new product is developed. I expect the results to be worthwhile.

The first-tier models are the PowerPoint1.2, CS1.6, CS2 2, 2.4 and 3.6. Next round includes the 2.7, 3.7, CS6 and 7.2 - in order of expressed interest and personal time availability. First tier hopes to debut before year's end. 

I agree with your "masking" comment, which can be attributed to various factors. Among them is the presence of electrolytic capacitors in the signal path which are at or nearing their end of life expectancy. Since you love the speakers and if you or someone you know is capable, I believe you can make a great improvement yourself by removing the crossovers and replacing the electrolytic caps and resistors with like-values. (Your coils, wire and layout are excellent.) If that prospect interests you, I can point you to brands and sources which have emerged from our upgrade project research. You are welcome to send a PM to explore this avenue.

Harry, I neglected to mention that Rob Gillum of Coherent Source Service is capable of doing the job if you prefer that route.