Thiel Owners

Thanks tomthiel, looks like XLR gives three levels of attenuation, while RCA is fixed.  For my purposes, I'd be using XLR.  Reading through forums, there are pros and cons for both the RME (pro version) and the DAC3.  My head is thoroughly hurting from analysis paralysis, but I have to wait to get the tweeter addressed anyway, so I've got time.  Good news is I think it's a can't lose decision, thanks again for the rec.

@coop_301 , This link might be of some help:

Audio Electronics Review and Measurements Index | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum

If you scroll down the column on the far right, you can see the as tested voltage outputs. Keep in mind that is the as tested voltage, as you know some units offer adjustable voltage output. Also, as per the sight's lead tester the "SINAD" measurements that seem to carry so much weight become somewhat academic beyond 115 dB, as he claims that to be the threshold of human hearing in anechoic measuring, which is a much higher standard than one might hope to achieve in a typical listening room. Better measurements are not a bad thing and allow for a greater sample to sample margin of error. But at some point, it just becomes a game of specsmanship. Still one can see those good measurements don't necessarily have to be expensive, and that some more expensive units and some that have garnered good subjective reviews appear to be broken.

I don't think going balanced via XLR is likely to work for you. The outputs are typically too high. You might find that just attenuating down to the ML 23.5's overload threshold will reduce the volume setting to the point where anything lower than maximum capable volume will introduce bit stripping. While balanced certainly has its advantages, especially in pro settings where noisy environments with many overlapping long cables are at work. In a home setting, this is less critical. I think you'll find that going single ended via RCA straight to your amp will still lead to cleaner results than going balanced via XLR through an active preamp. Most users tend to use their active preamps almost as buffered brakes rather than accelerators. Nelson Pass once made an outboard passive/active pre that only engaged the active stage past a point (2:00?) on the volume knob, very few users reported ever getting to the active stage.

@dsper , what you're asking for is really out of my wheelhouse. I don't much care for stand mounts. From my perspective they're wobbly units that take up just as much floorspace as floor standers with less bass output. I would seriously consider soffit mounted speakers with DSP, but alas my room isn't the right canvas for that. While I can fully appreciate the technical benefits of high sensitivity speakers, I've yet to hear any that I'd care to own. I prioritize system building first with budget, then room, then speakers, then amplification, etc., etc. I have hard time wrapping my head around choosing speakers for amps. As I've previously mentioned; I hear things that tube amps do well, but all in all ultimately all things considered I prefer ss.

Is this for an alternate system? I have difficulty imagining one would be satisfied with such a system if one were coming from properly set up and amplified Thiel CS 5i's in an appropriate room.

But that's me. YMMV. Good luck with your quest, I hope your find satisfaction.

@unsound Is this for an alternate system?

Yes, it is.

My wife inherited a property from her uncle so I need to stay within the boundaries of her decorating preferences. The room is 15 X 20 that WILL NOT have room treatments other than an area rug, drapes, and furniture over laminate floors.

I have a Conrad Johnson LP66S that puts out 50 WPC and am searching for appropriate speakers that will not overpower the room visually or sonically.

You make a good point about floor standers; and my wife seems to dislike the look of the stands more than the speakers that I have suggested.

I am open to any and all suggestions!  HELP!

Thanks for listening,

Dsper

@dsper , Ah, it all makes so much more sense to me now. May I ask what your proposed layout will be, such as long or short wall, how far back or out into the room the speakers can be, how married are you to the c-j, and perhaps indelicately what’s your budget?