Thiel Owners

Regarding the FST coils, I sent pics to Tom Thiel and he noted the apparent loose winding. When my new ERSE and Jantzen coils arrived, I was stunned at the difference in tightness of the windings. Given my global changes, I cannot say to what degree replacing the coils has improved SQ.

I was surprised at the CYC caps on my OEM boards and an Internet search revealed little about their quality or construction. But I was especially disappointed to discover that they are MKT (polyester) instead of MKP (polypropylene). As I suggested in my previous post, there is nothing “wrong” with their sound, but other caps have better SQ. Earlier 2.4s apparently have MKP caps.

I was unable to determine the manufacturer for the resistors but they superficially resemble those on Lexington boards I’ve seen on the ‘net. Nevertheless, replacing those with Mills MRA-12s was money well spent. 

beetlemaniaPutting a smile on our faces is what it is all about my friend.As soon as Tom and You have finished products, I want to visit and hear the outstanding improvements. No rush- enjoy this hobby and the Music!
Happy Listening!

Hi beetlemania and Tom,

I am wondering if you could comment on the sound improvement of the CS2.4 given various xover upgrades?  I think you have said there was improvement but could you elaborate a bit more?  I understand it's hard to describe sound quality in verbal language but if you could give some impression on the improvement over the stock xovers?

Thanks.

@andy2
Keep in mind that my SEs had FST boards. Compared to (most?) standard 2.4s, these have better coax feed caps but potentially worse caps and coils elsewhere.

Here is what I wrote regarding the Mills resistors
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/thiel-owners-2/post?highlight=Mills&postid=1555245#155524...

Also
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/thiel-owners-2/post?highlight=Mills&postid=1562426#156242...

In hindsight, I would add that the Mills completely removed the “glassy” quality I was hearing and also made extended listening more relaxing. My more recent work has replaced the boards entirely, with the Mills kept. I’m not yet at a final configuration, auditioning another cap combo and still plan to replace input/output wiring plus terminal posts.

That said, direct comparisons in mono revealed the new boards to have notably more resolution and transparency. The FST (with Mills resistors) was relatively veiled (yeah, I know) and muddied. The new boards have textures and microdynamics previously unnoticed. I hear an ease of presentation and more presence/immediacy. These improvements sound evident for all instruments and voices. Bypass caps make a more subtle improvement. Just a scotch more resolution with improved transients, “jump factor”. Listening in stereo with the new parts in both channels is when I smiled. For the last many months I’ve been hyping an opinion of what might be possible with better passive parts. I, um, wasn’t wrong . . .

beetlemaniaThank You for your continued dedication, experimentation, research and testing to find the final configuration. I am excited, can hardly await to hear your improved XO.  Happy Listening!