I've been a "lurker” on this site since February. Started on Page 1 and am currently on Page 103, Jan 23, 2019. I've been an A'goner since 2003, about when I installed my initial all ceiling-mounted 5.2 surround sound system comprised of first version Thiel PowerPoint 1.0's and two Velodyne DD-15 subwoofers.
I am 72, about Tom Thiel's age, and my audio journey started in the early 1970's. It has been fun! I intend to gradually fill in some blanks that touch on some of what I've read in the first 103 pages here, plus a Thiel-specific story in 2007 that may interest this discussion group. But first, a fast-forward to my current Thiel circumstances.
Waiting for me when I return first week of June from an off-shore sail aboard my boat (< my other passion) are a pair of Thiel CS 3.7's, a conrad-johnson Premier 17 LS2 tube preamp and a conrad-johnson Premier 350SA amplifier, all gradually acquired since February. None have yet been set up or even unboxed.
The Thiel CS 3.7's are very early serial numbers 33 and 34. They were shipped very carefully by the seller from Vermont in original Thiel boxes strapped to a wood pallet. Having read on this discussion thread that the 3.7's had more than one crossover iteration, I contacted Rob Gillum about serial numbers 33 and 34 and had considered having them shipped to his Coherent Source Service shop in Lexington from Vermont for inspection and refresh. Rob kindly replied to me as follows on March 1:
“I am glad you found the CS3.7’s for sale. There was an upgraded crossover made for the CS3.7 at serial number approximately 517,18. The newer crossover was made on a PCB. The original crossover or Rev. 1, is the crossover in which you have purchased. The original crossovers (like yours) were done with point to point soldering, on a riveted masonite board. This is the crossover which I like best.
Another update to the CS3.7 is through the coaxial driver (mr/tw). The original incorporates a silver basket and bezel. When we received the coaxes they varied in SPL, so we placed a small tuning resistor on each driver after testing to determine which was needed, to keep the SPL at a specified level. The new coaxes are black basket and bezel, and require a 2 ohm resistor, placed on each driver. All purchased drivers are ready to install.”
Because the seller powered these 3.7’s with a high current Classe amplifier in use at sale, I’m confident about them so based on Rob’s reply, I chose to have them shipped direct from Vermont to Brentwood, TN where I live. I do know all boxes arrived in perfect shape = no fork lift penetrations etc. Sort of crazy to have all that drool-worthy gear just sitting, but I do like to sail.
More to follow . . .
Chris
