Thiel Owners

^I have sometimes wondered if the imaging advantage of small cabinets might not be in part due to the often limited bass response of these speakers?

That is a valid argument, but I found it is consistent in different type of instruments regardless of bass response.  But anyway, as I mentioned in my previous post, this topic can bring up different opinions that people will end up having their own belief.

I'm getting ready to dive in and begin my project of modding my 3.5. I'm wondering if anyone else is interested in collaborating as it would be more fun. My initial exploration indicated that this speaker is begging for tri amping. It would allow eq the base without stressing the mid range driver. I have found a good substitute for the scanspeak mid range driver that I want to try out. It means I'll have to learn to use various simulation software but at least these are all free and in the public domain. My tweeter is still fine but as these are also no longer available, may look into a substitute. Actually my long-term interest is to mod the coax from the 3.7 (been spoiled by them) and make them work for the 3.5 . I already have support from Rob G. and Tom T. but they are too busy to devote much time to this project, so message me if you have time and energy to devote to this. Thanks

Rules - I believe that your undertaking will be of great value to Thiel fans. The 3.5 was a pivotal product in Thiel's emergence; but it has lots of room to grow. The cabinet is a significant piece of technology, so re-outfitting its DNA for a new life is exciting. Of the 5000+ pairs sold, I suspect a high percentage are salvageable. Those coils are of the SOTA-aerospace 6-9s variety as are the ultra-bypass nano caps.

Reporting back on class D amps and Thiels (in my space).

I bought a pair of the Bel Canto REF600M monos back in November to use with a pair of 1.6's.  They worked well however were very recording dependent.  I then got my hands on a pair of 2.7's and it was a little better.  They control the speakers very well especially in the bass.  I tried Tara Labs, Kimber, Acoustic Zen, and AudiQuest speaker cable.  The interconnects were Transparent.  I don't believe this is the best that the system can do.  I'm going to mess with positioning and some basic treatments to the room.

In another room I have the 3.6's and the Bel Canto amps didn't fare much better there either.  The separation of instruments and depth is amazing however instruments seem to lose some of their individual color.  I usually run a Krell TAS in that setup.  Speaking to Krell they stated that the TAS isn't made to run below 4 ohm speakers so I'm going to look at getting a FPB or Evolution monos.  Going to mess around with placement and treatments in that room as well.

The Bel Canto amp does however mate very well with a pair of B&W CD1SEs.  I'm using that as an office system and the synergy is fantastic.  Cables are homemade Kimber PBJ and Mogami balanced.