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New Old Thiel CS6 Speakers--Too Harsh

Hi All,

New pair of Thiel CS6 Speakers. First true pair of 'audiophile' speakers (...still might go back to my Kappa 7's and 8's).

Imaging and that 'holographic' sound is pretty good on the Thiels but not as good as the JBL 4312a's.  But again I am plagued by harshness in my system. It seems detail and excellent spatial performance just equates to brittle, harsh and painful in my room. I like to listen at rather loud volumes.

Frequencies that appear to be the problem are between 2khz all the way up to 16khz. If I EQ the system is listenable. 

The other issue the Thiels seem to have is out of phase low bass due to the passive radiator. Can anyone confirm this?

Here is my setup right now:
Modwright Oppo 105d (physical media and streaming)
Sonic Frontiers Line 2 preamp
Conrad-Johnson Premier 350 
14x17 room, on concrete slab carpeted with additional thick throw rug, heavy velour drapes over windows, bare walls and cd/record shelves, nothing on the ceiling.

What is causing the tizzy sharpness in my system/room?

So far the Infinity Kappa Series with its ribbon tweeters has sounded best in my room. The 8's are very impactful and tonally very complete. The 7's are close, not quite as impactful but have better imaging due to lower tweeter height. 

....and I don't want truth. I want beauty.

:-)

Thanks!


128x128brettmcee

Showing 1 response by pops

pops
2,272 posts
 
Not sure about the Kappa's and how they sound but I can tell you having owned Thiels for 20 years they are great speakers.  I am using CS6 in my system and also own a pair of 3.6's.  You have some great speakers and to get the most out of them, like any great component, you have to build a synergistic system including cables, around them.

I think your source could be an issue, not sure because I don't listen to streaming or rarely digital.  Your Thiels will let you know right away if the tone leads towards brightness which can be a symptom of digital or even some vinyl.

I am familiar with your amp.  I love CJ and considered this amp for my system.  Around this time CJ began using Teflon caps.  The teflon caps are definitely more revealing especially on the top end.  I have a CJ ET5 which also uses teflon caps and is a departure from the warm romantic golden glow of CJ past.  This also takes careful system matching.

What cables are you using?  

Finally, good advice with your room above.  It is on the small side for the 6's but can still work with some placement experimentation and first reflection absorption or diffusion .  Thiels do not like walls, front or sidewalls.

You bought great speakers but they are definitely not plug and play.  They are speakers you build around not finish off.  Good luck and have fun with it!


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