Thiel Owners

So, Andy, even though the 2.4, like the earlier designs, does control diffraction very well, its lower tweeter creates a time discrepancy between side and top diffraction. That effect would be extremely subtle, such that I would be surprised if I could ever hear it. But, your ears are younger than mine.

Hi Tom,

The subject of diffraction is very controversial and there are people who believe that you "can't hear" diffraction and people would go on and on about it without agreeing on anything.  Personally, although I don't know if you can "hear it", but I think diffraction manifests itself in how well the speaker images.  Of course there are other variables such as cabinet stiffness, cabinet shape, but I think diffraction plays a big role.

I was wondering that the CS2.7 and CS3,7 being Thiel's latest designs, and the fact that the coax drivers were placed at the top of the baffle compared to older design, what was the main reason for that?  Was it mainly to improve diffraction or was there other factors?

Thanks.

Also as we are on the subject, there is another design philosophy in which people believe that the baffle should be eliminated completely.  This philosophy is adopted by Vandersteen.  Part of the reason is that Vandersteen believes that the baffles modify the phase of the sound from the drivers and since he is a time/phase coherent guy, I suppose it is important to him.  

@andy2 

I can probably find recordings as you describe but not able to compare to anything else in the near future. Any 3.7 owner want to bring your speakers to my room?

Interesting hypothesis regarding image density. That sounds plausible. Are your observations consistent in that respect? Yet another example that pretty every design comes with trade-offs. 

The small midrange diaphragm on the 2.4, as Tom highlighted, is very nimble and lightweight, able to convey a delicacy. It’s been a year or two since I’ve heard a reference level speaker but I'm confident my modded 2.4s are top-shelf in terms of transparency and resolution. But the small drivers also can’t push as much air and that has its own sonic consequences.
 

Any 3.7 owner want to bring your speakers to my room?

Interestingly enough, that would be my next speakers but financially it's not possible for the moment.  Hopefully some day.  Sometimes things are just beyond one's wishes.  

tomthiel

Great stuff on the 02s, thank you!

I've still been listening to the 02s for something like 3 weeks now.  I just can't tear myself away from how great they sound, in particular playing from my vinyl rig.

I have no idea about the condition of stuff hiding within my particular set up of 02s.  They were bought new in either '81 or '82.

Not being a technical dude, I'd be terrified to open them and screw something up.


But any info you can pass along that would help me in case anything fails on these would be great.  Are you planning a "better parts" upgrade for the 02s?