Thiel Owners

Unsound,

 Thank you for the thoughtful response. I know that takes time and it is good food for thought. 

James - a thought from Thiel history for you. I take interest in how brands associate with other brands. Partly in play is dealer synergy - dealers tend to carry brands that go well together. Sometimes designers align with other designers for shared approach or desired outcomes . . . Thiel’s brand associations grew somewhat over the years, but centered on some brands that get regular mention in this thread: Krell, Mark Levinson, Bryston, early Classé and Threshold.  For the record, McIntosh never came on Thiel’s radar. Nothing negative, but nothing ever presented itself.

For myself, my first aha moment when I learned that reproduced music could be every bit as involving as live music involved McIntosh. As a singer-songwriter-student I was immersed in music, and playback was mostly a tool for production and for learning. Then one day I went to lunch at a faculty community house at the edge of campus. After lunch we all sat down to absorb a newly released jazz album, followed by an appreciation and discussion of musical and sonic merit. It was 1967, I was a freshman. These guys opened my ears and my mind.
The only piece of gear I vividly remember was the pair of chrome amps with their glowing tubes. When asked, Brother Stan said they were McIntosh - I don’t remember the model, or the turntable or speakers. I do remember the musical magic and the adjectives 'lush and delicate'.

james633

Reading across other Audio forums, you will find Audiophile that utilize Mac/Thiel combinations. Mac certainly builds robust power amps that feed enough current for a pleasant aural experience. 
Keep us posted as you demo Mac gear. Have fun!

Happy Listening!

tomthiel

Thank You for another history lesson. Your memory is on-point. 
Mac gear is known for a lush, delicate, presentation. In 1967, Brother Stan certainly had his finger on the pulse.

Happy Listening!

2nd Note;
Tom addressed an excellent point- like so many other milestones in Life, we never forget our 1st Audiophile experience. Enjoy the Music.

Happy Listening!