Home Theater vintage Thiel set up question

The CS 2's are probably the easiest of Thiels ever made to drive. The Cs 3's are much more difficult to drive. Not only is the impedance lower, the equalizer puts significant demands on the amp. Furthermore, the top end of the CS 3's just might be the "hottest" of any Thiel made, even more so than the CS 2's. Careful amplifier considerations are absolutely mandatory. BTW, I'd suggest trying the CS 3's as the front mains and the CS 2's as the surrounds.

If you've got the space, absolutely not. I would recommend better amplification though.

Not using the eq would reduce the bass output to the levels of a mini monitor. Part of the appeal of of the 3 series is the time and phase coherence full range bass response in a smaller than expected sealed box. Not using the eq would be a waste of the speakers potential.

As much as I respect Gary, I still question the the use of the CS 3's sans eq if the amps are up to the job. Many (including myself) feel that the only place for a single sub is for the dedicated single sub output of surround sound, and that in typical stereo it can actually hinder proper bass production. Having multiple low frequency outputs can alleviate standing wave problems that almost always occur. The CS 3's bass output certainly qualifies as being capable of such low frequency output. The CS 3 unlike the Thiels that followed offers bi-wiring, so the eq can be inserted in such a way as to have little effect above bass frequencies. Most subs work best when crossed over to the lowest frequencies, as they typically are quite clumsy when asked to work much over the lowest octave. Unfortunately unlike the Thiel CS 3.5, the eq for the CS 3 doesn't have adjustable cutoff, which would allow integrating the sub below 40 Hz. With out using the CS 3's eq, I can't help but feel you would have been better off with two pairs of CS 2's. The CS 2's actually have deeper bass than the CS 3's sans eq, as well as a slightly sweeter top end. If your not using the CS 3's eq, you might want to try using the CS 2's as the mains.

Like I said, without the eq, you'd be better off with the less expensive CS 2's.

Bogiedr, Have you tried using the eq? Do you have the eq? FWIW, and with all due respect to Gary, I've been using Thiels for much longer than Gary has been working there. He came on long after the CS 3's were discontinued. My reasoning is sound, I've heard them with and without. The CS 3's sans eq roll off rather high, which means the subs need to roll off beyond there optimum. Have you tried using the CS 2's as the mains. They'll go lower than the CS 3's sans eq and will be smoother in the critical midrange-treble. I'll take a wild guess that you have the CS 2's out further in the room than the CS 3's sans eq. The ported bass of the CS's will be less muddy out from the walls and the CS 3's sans eq sealed box bass will benefit more from near wall placement than the CS 2's. Since your using subs. The only advantage of the CS 3's over the CS 2's, is in the deepness and phase coherency of the bass, but most of that is negated if you don't use the eq. Without the eq the CS 2's are a better speaker. I'd suggest selling the CS 3's an replacing them with another pair of CS 2's.

Enjoy!