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PMC EB1i v. Thiel CS3.7 v. Pioneer S1-EX v. ???

I'm starting to look at speakers in the $10-16K range, new. These three are high on the list, along with used Vandie 5As. Tyler D20s and the new AZ Crescendos also interest me. Anyone have the chance to compare some or all of these fine speakers?

They'll be driven by Mac MC501 amps + C2300 pre. I listen mostly to '50s &'60s jazz, with some classic rock, bluegrass, and folk. 90% of the time I listen to vinyl on this rig. The room is 28x17x8, opening into hallways at both corners along the long wall behind the speakers (so no real bass issues in those corners). It's a hard room softened with 9 acoustic panels and two bass traps.

My listening priorities for this system are macro- and micro-dynamics, nuance, tonal purity, and realistic scale. I'd like the speakers to disappear while projecting a 3D soundstage and solid low frequency pressure into the room. (The Thiels would likely need a sub.) They'll also have to serve the 60-inch plasma TV on the wall 4 feet behind them in a 2-channel, pseudo-home theater set up. Not much to ask, I know.... :)

I can get a great local price on EB1is but I don't want the deal to make the call. Of course, I'll audition all of them eventually but it's impossible to find them all in one place--or even more than one. So I'd like to draw on the experience of this knowledgeable group as I make my way.

Thanks,
Bill
wrm57
wrm57 OP
1,057 posts
 
James63: I was going only on Thiel's published specs, not on reviews. I'm a fan of seal-enclosure bass and I like Thiel's system for integrating their subs, so I'd have flexibility if I need more bass. The EB1i goes to 19 Hz, however, so even if the 3.7 plays to 30, that's quite a difference. Yes, the room is big--even bigger than indicated because it's L-shaped with space off to one side--and it eats bass waves.

Re: Pioneer. I tracked down a local "consultant" dealer here in the SF Bay Area by calling Pioneer customer service. He has the S1-EX in one of his rooms but seems remarkably uninterested in making time for an audition appointment. Wants me to call back in the Spring.... says he's very busy. Good for him, in this economic climate!
wrm57 OP
1,057 posts
 
"They look pretty 'normal' with the grills on..."

I agree, which is why I only showed her a picture with the grills on! She said, at least they don't have an eyeball on top! I concluded that meant the KEF 207/2 was out of the question. But she's pretty cooperative--she does, after all, allow four systems in a seven-room house. What a woman! (But no bathroom systems yet!) I think she'd get used to the 3.7 in time.
petesm
8 posts
 
I would recommend the Wilson Sophia III.
ryder
1,690 posts
 
I feel it's a huge risk not being able to listen to the speakers first hand and bringing them home based on recommendations on the forum. Having said that, judging from your description the Thiel CS3.7 may be a better choice than the PMC EB1i. I have listened to the EB1i couple of times and although they sound very full and controlled with exceptionally deep bass, they are not the last word in micro-dynamics, nuance and tonal purity. The PMCs have good macro-dynamics, impressive scale and can go loud though. As Shadorne mentioned, the IB2i is at another level with higher degree of transparency probably due to the quality soft dome midrange driver. Unfortunately it is out of your price range and may not be optimally driven by the Mac amps.

The Thiel CS3.7s are on the analytical side with a lot of high-end detail. A friend who's ears I trust felt that the 3.7s presentation is too forward and bright. It's probably due to the room and electronics though. Your Macintosh amps which lean more towards warmth and smoothness may combine well with the Thiels.

At the sort of price range you're looking at I urge you to consider all your options carefully. Apart from Sophia III you might want to look at the Magico as well.

Good luck.
wrm57 OP
1,057 posts
 
Petesm and Ryder: Thanks for your reflections. In the PMC line up, I'm starting to think the IB2i is the way to go if I can swing the price. I've never heard the Sophias buy I'll look into them.
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