Thiel CS1.2 vs. Ohm Walsh 2


I'm not really an audiophile, though I do love to listen to music.   I am looking at a pair of Thiel CS1.2 speakers, vs. Ohm Walsh 2, for about the same price.  Both in decent, not perfect condition, Ohm needs grills which would be an additional cost.  No way to listen side by side.  Listening to B&W 685 speaker with Polk 10" subwoofer driven by a Denon 80 watt/ch AV receiver (Denon AVRX100w).  Room is 20' x 15' x 7 or 8' ceiling.  Listen to primarily "classic rock" and some jazz. Any suggestions oh gurus?
ken5849

Showing 3 responses by gdnrbob

These are two different beasts, to put it mildly.
Not to start a flame war-
If you are serious about music, get the Thiel's.
If you just want a general 'nice' sound around the room, get the Ohm's.
The Thiel's are time and phase aligned, while the Ohm's are more direct/reflecting- like Bose.
You'll get more detail and imaging with the Thiel's.
Both are nice speakers, it just depends on what you are looking for.
Since you have B&W's now, I think the Thiel will be a better move.
Bob
Wait, isn't your Denon 80 watts per channel? If so, I would think you have enough power for the Thiel's, at least for now- and, if you don't try playing too loudly.
If you need a decent low cost amp, you could try to find an old Adcom GFA-555, but they are a bit long in the tooth.
I would suggest finding a used McCormack DNA-1. or .5. The best thing is that you can send it to SMcAudio for upgrading down the road.
A Belles Aria integrated would be another suggestion.
Unfortunately, they cost a bit more than $300, but when you move up to a high fidelity speaker, you have to get higher fidelity equipment to power it.
FWIW, I think the Denon will be fine, for now. I've driven 4 ohm speakers without issue using a receiver pf lesser caliber years ago. It sounded pretty good, too.
Bob