Thiel Owners

Richard - despite the detail I put into my own responses, I am not very familiar with with very much equipment on the market. So I can't provide any meaningful comments on particular equipment and setups. I can say to avoid any amp that doesn't specifically state their 4-ohm load performance because if it could, they would say so - so it can't. A straining amp is the most common cause of tweeter failure - by far.

You trouble-shooting should identify whether or not your high-frequency problem is indeed a tweeter problem. If it is, you hit 'our' problem on the head. That Thiel UltraTweeter moving system is obsolete, and the soft-dome replacement available from Madisound has different sonic characteristics. It will work, and we will eventually have a certified replacement. There is also a drop-in midrange replacement from Madisound. My (eventual) replacements will be performance upgrades over the originals.

I suggest pulling the woofers and examining the crossover boards. Your electrolytic caps could be at end of life. Look for bulged cases and evidence of high heat.

We have proven considerable sonic / performance upgrades via crossover upgrades via parts, layout and thermal management. Circumstances have prevented timely progress, but patience will be rewarded. I suggest you keep the critters. 

Keep us posted about your progress.

anzen

Great photos!  Keep up the excellent work.

Happy Listening!

I'd be reluctant to drive Thiels as the main channels with any AVR.  Driving Thiels as surrounds with a receiver rated at 4 ohms shouldn't be that difficult as typically the DSP in the receiver re-directs the bass to the sub or subs.  I have an integrated AV system (my main system) with an outboard amp driving my 3.7s and the receiver (Onkyo TX-RZ 31000) driving the remaining channels, including a Thiel MCS1 center and Thiel SCS2s as the side and rear surrounds and Thiel Power Points as the front Atmos channels.

I forgot to mention in my prior 2 posts about the high frequencies of my Thiel CS 2 2 speakers not sounding as smooth as they used to be. About a year ago I cleaned the entire dusty grille without taking the grille covers off, I used a powerful central vacuum with the soft bristles attachment on a long hose. I don't remember if the speakers were playing or not. After this cleaning, I did notice the highs sounded a little different to me, slightly distorted or scratchy? I have read that these tweeters are highly sensitive and this may be my 1st place to look. I believe mid and woofer still sound good. I will do a listening test today. I will have to call Rob about tweeter rebuild or replacement units he may have. I checked Madisound and their replacement tweeter for my model is out of stock. I didn't receive any responses if anyone had tried the Emotiva Basx 2 or 3 amp with these speakers and were happy with it. Currently using Denon Avr X4200 in a 7 ch setup. For CD and Phono using in 2 ch to achieve highest wattage.

Thanks to all and look forward to your feedback.  Richard 

Happy Friday! All