Thiel Owners

My apologies to interject at this point of the discussion.

More than 10 days ago, I was inspired by Tom and got curious about the Benchmark DAC3 B. So, I contacted my local dealer to arrange for a home audition for the DAC. I replaced my T+A DAC 8 DSD with Benchmark DAC3 B. Right now, my Thiel CS 2.7 are driven fully with Benchmark DAC 3 B, LA4 preamplifier, and AHB2 power amplifier mono pairs.

I played a few music tracks in my playlist. Track after track, my jaw dropped lower and lower and it hit the floor. The amount of musical detail retrieved with the DAC3 B is astonishing! Along with that, it feels like CS 2.7 is rejuvenated, energetic, and lively! I am rediscovering music, as well as renewing my vow for CS 2.7.

I am very happy with this setup and I cannot imagine upgrading or "side-grading" the components for the next two to five years.... unless maybe Benchmark releases a newer and improved product. I am a proud owner of Benchmark DAC3 B. I implore fellow Thiel speaker owners with Benchmark components to give it a try!

ydjames

Always good to see you here. Thank You for the Benchmark endorsement. Impressive that the DAC3 better a T+A DAC8.  T+A is no slouch.

Happy Listening!

Happy Friday! ALL

Anyone Midwest close to Wisconsin I am seeking Thiel PCS with audioquest type 9 cables.

Are there any Thiel owners in the Metro Atlanta (GA) area willing to let me audition their CS1.x, CS2.x, or CS3.x speakers?

My attempt at a brief explanation: I love the wide, open soundstage and treble articulation of my Dahlquist DQ-10s but want more overall tonal balance—especially in the midrange. I have a set of Acoustic Research AR90s which are fantastic but do not have a similar soundstage. The AR90s also need to be played somewhat loudly to sound right.

I recently got a set of Vandersteen 2Ce Signature IIs: The soundstage is nearly as good as the DQ-10s (a bit too center focused but still good) with very good overall neutral tonal balance. The Vandersteens are a bit weak in the bass and I find my subwoofers (SVS SB3000s) help most of the time. Mostly.

I have realized that most of my listening (at least 50% jazz, a mix otherwise) is at moderate listening levels. That is why I opted for the Model 2 Vandersteens. I rarely get my preamp (Luxman 5C50 running Luxman B-12s) past its second volume detent.

Thiels have always been on my radar but they are rarely available in this area. I like the CS3.5 and up but think they might be too similar to the AR90s in the sense that I will need to play them loudly to sound good. It seems the CS2.x series is equivalent to the Vandersteen 2Ce series but perhaps with better treble and wider soundstage. I also am interested in the CS1.x series in the chance that a smaller speaker might suit most of my listening habits better.

Alternative insight is, of course, welcomed. I have figuratively painted myself into a corner of sorts.