Thiel Owners

Sdl4 - pro / high-end contains very valid concerns. I find it fascinating how people limit their bandwidths when approaching complex subjects. Benchmark makes undeniably great products and John Siau is an obviously world-class designer. I broached the subject of wire with him and his response was that the star quad configuration cancels all relevant distortions and is therefore as good as it gets. (my simplification.) I brought up "teflon" vs polypropylene dielectrics, and metal purity, crystal structure and surface polish. He dismissed those elements as irrelevant. My personal history proved those elements to be relevant and audible. People admit what they can understand and effective people tend to reject what they can't cope with. You might be well served to get some Benchmark and Morrow (on sale) for direct comparison. Please report back.

ydjames   With the praises you heaped on the QLN Prestige 3, and the near-identity of your upstream gear with that of your 'close friend', it seems a trip to his home with your CS2.7s to compare would answer a lot of questions for you, your friend, and all of us here on this forum!  

These people like them!
https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2020/05/15/qln-prestige-three-loudspeaker-review/
https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2021/07/25/qln-prestige-one-loudspeakers-review/ [with comments on the five]

sdecker

Hahahaha! Well, I guess I could say that I played a huge part in the "near-identical" components.

My friend and I are clear about the sound signature of our speakers, as he himself likes the Thiels. We came to an agreement that we can live with either. However, if I had to draw a line between the two...

I'd say that Thiel CS2.7 has a "take no prisoners" policy going on while QLN Prestige 3 is striking a good balance between law and compassion.


One thing to note - both speakers are extremely sensitive to the choice of the power amp. In my opinion, it could be said that they take the "flavour" from the upstream.

I’m gonna be selling my thiel cs 3.5’s: anyone close to or within Wisconsin wants a pair. Not sure what a fair price would be but I know I’ve spent at least 800 on parts making these sing again. Very good condition.