Snell Type Q or Thiel CS-1.5?

I usually prefer Thiels, but I'm not sure those amps are up to really getting the Thiels to sing.

That's great info. It's a tough choice I got the the Snells for $140, which I think, for the sound, is a killer deal. I would have to sell the Snells in order to purchase the Thiels. There is a guy local to me that is selling CS1.5 in cherry for "$500 obo", but maybe I can get him to take $400. Does that sound like a reasonable deal? Would I hear an improvement over the Snells? I realize that sound is subjective.

Hi Enobenetto.

Money is a personal choice. $140 is a good deal. I think $400 for Thiels is an equally good deal...possibly better if quality of sound matters that much to you.

I think what you will find with the Thiels is a few things:

1. They will continue to improve as your electronics improve...beyond the Snells.

2. In particular, the linearity, extension, dynamic range, probably bass performance will all have very strong technical capbilities that should exceed the Snell. You should find that the quality, clarity, extension up and down the spectrum, soundstaging, and detailing are all superior. the speaker should also deliver significantly more punch when you drive real high current thru it...and Thiels can (and should ideally) get a high-current amp to run them. SS Class A amps (the old Forte 4 was a winner of a 50 watt/channel Class Amp!)...will do great here.

3. The key, with any speakers, but particularly in this case...is ensuring you are showing them off to their potential.

If you are going to use very rudimentary electronics, you may yet find you prefer the Thiel...but if you use good quality electronics...i think you will find that Thiels capabilities continue to rise to the occasion comfortably beyond where the Snells start to lose ground.

good luck and hope that's somewhat helpful as one person's opinion.

For that money, you could also consider Thiel CS 2's. The 1.5's are bit more refined at the top end and come in a smaller box. The 2's go a bit lower in the bass, which makes them sound a little less tipped up. The 1.5's are 86 dB @ 2.8V-1m w/ a nominal 4 Ohm impedance and a minimum 3 Ohm impedance. The 2's are 87 dB @ 2.83V-1m w/ a nominal impedance of 6 Ohms and a minimum impedance of 5 Ohms. The 2's appear to be a better match for your amplification. Though the 2's are an older model, I've been told by the folks at Thiel, that they have been their most reliable model. In either case, you can count on Thiel's legendary customer service, if needed.

Thanks for all these responses. The Thiels sound really interesting. Listening to them personally will be a factor as well.

Now, I have an opportunity to test out Vandersteen 2C and the Thiel CS1.5.

I think these two are closer in price point and stature.

Is their any opinion in a comparison between the two?

I believe the Vandersteens are the original 2C.

Thanks again!!