jafant,
The cabling for final listening test was Tom's which is what will be the internal cabinet wiring as well. I'll let Tom speak to the specifics regarding that.
We were not focused on gear as much as sweeping the room and getting the room correct. This room was a tremendous undertaking and we had to tune the room accordingly. Being in an attic in the south in July will question ones dedication to our beloved hobby that's for sure.
Again I will let Tom speak on the room but this was a custom designed room from Tom to create a space that would be ideal to listen to the entire line on Thiel speakers.
I will say, the room was designed so at the listening chairs only the first wave from speakers was heard and not second/third reflection off floor/ceiling/walls.
Minimal dampening was implemented to keep the room right at the edge of lively. Who wants dead harmonics?
I had a tube socket go bad at the very beginning of our testing so we were without this tube preamp the remainder of our testing which was a shame as it was very promising the little we heard.
Digital was Bricasti M1 SII Dac mated with Bricasti M19 SACD.
Amps used were a set of monos Tom brought and a set of Pass Labs XA 200.5. I also had other amps and digital on hand but we ran out of time to even consider them. To be honest, the final listening session there was no need in our minds to do anything else regarding gear.
Tom can verify that we set ourselves up at a complete disadvantage. I did not want any placebo effects. If what we were doing was real it had to earn it. And it did not disappoint
The room still needs revisions, as we knew it would when it was designed. We ran out of time. Three days we were at it. Freon went out on AC and room was getting quite toasty with massive Class A amps that were throwing some heat, as I wanted to push the amps/speakers to clear here throat and see the limitations of the room. This was intentional so we could address/devise a plan while Tom was there.
My homework assignment is to go through our list for the room methodically and have it ready for a second visit. Tom will bring a market ready version of the SCS4, my pair, with newly designed stands that will house the external covers and his new cap technology.
There will be You Tube links to demonstrate the room and the speakers when that second visit occurs.
We also hope to have a Thiel Renaissance equipment rack in the listening room as well. Lots of behind the scene stuff. Christmas is one day. The remaining 364 days the elves are behind the scenes.
It looks like the clouds are parting and a new sunny day will soon be upon Thiel's. horizon and a bright horizon I imagine that will be.
