Thiel Owners

Gentlemen,

I am not sure you guys are a support group or an enabler group.

The CS1.5 I have in the wood shop proved excellent, tho enchanting or delightful or wonderful might be a better word. To the point that the wife wants the B&W 9NTs replaced.

I have a verbal on some CS2.7s, manf numbers in the 380 range. 

I have an existing Rotel RB-1582mkII that I don't have the funds (right now) to replace.

I have to replace my Pioneer SX1050 preamp and keep it under $2,000 closer to $1,000 would be best. What should I be looking for?

I might be able to get an AR LS25 mkII for that budget, probably not. Or an Audible Illusions Modulus 3A. 

I use Roon for flac files and Qobuz. Bifrost for a DAC.

Any suggestions for a preamp? 

Thanks. John H

How many different materials did Thiel make cabinets out of over the years?  I know most are MDF but my 3.7s are curved plywood(I'm pretty sure, some kind of layered, curved wood product, very rigid.) and aluminum front.  The Powerpoints were aluminum, as were the viewpoints and powerplanes.  I believe the original 7 had concrete baffles.  I tend to follow ATC as well and they've followed a similar trajectory.  They've made a bunch of speakers out of aluminum but have returned to MDF.  They've been making a lot of curved cabinets in recent years but still some kind of wood composite.  

My guess is that for companies that aren't making cost-no-object products, wood of one type or another is the best option.  If you're a luxury brand, it's a different world.  The main reason you make cabinets exotically is so sales people who don't understand anything can appeal to the vanity of rich consumers who don't understand anything.  They have zero understanding of the tradeoffs, importance of various factors, etc.  The sales process is just some sort of ridiculous social ritual.

johnhh

Welcome! Good to see you here. Nice gear on-hand.
Are you looking to build a system around the CS 1.5 or CS 2.7 loudspeakers? Both?
I look forward in reading more about your Musical tastes and system(s).

Happy Listening!

Jafant, 
Sorry, I was not clear. I want to build a system around the CS2.7.
JohnH

johnhh

Thank You for the clarification. If you enjoy the Rotel sound- seek a matching Rotel pre-amp.
The RB 1582 will act as a fine start until you can upgrade.

Happy Listening!