Thiel Owners

Yes as Tom mentined the room at Thiel was a big room. The amps were the Krell FPB 700CX. A room of that size the bass had plenty of weight with the big Krells. 

I was going to go to the "something being wrong with the speakers" as Tom mentioned but you ruled that out. 

I've played around with a few of the large Class A amps known to drive the Thiel's. When I tried a smaller amp in that same series, it did not deliver like their larger brothers. 

Take the time to work it out and you will be rewarded ten fold. 

thoft,

Its not really the watts as it is the current to handle a load.

A Pass X260.8 is right at that 1000 watts into 2 ohm load. Switching it out to the X600.8 is a very noticable difference especially in the bottom end.

The best test is to see if you can get a loaner amp to try and compare it to the Classe’. If that does not show improvement then you know you need to look elsewhere in the chain. I'd hang onto the Classe' until you work out whats the solution.

Tom,

"Supporting a CS6 purchase is much costlier than the 2.3."

I can bare witness to the truth in that statement. 

jafant,

Sadly I do not have a system setup. I'm keeping the CS 7.2 as with some effort they are tough to beat even in the 20-30k range.

The Pass Labs will stay as they mate very well with the Thiel's.

From my experience a tube pre amp is a worth while addition. I have a Supratek Grange Signature. You add that 300B mids while maintaining the sparkle on top and the solid bottom end with the Pass.  The three are the best synergy I have experienced in a Thiel rig.  

At the moment I am looking at DACS in the 10-15k range.

Cabling is a crap shoot. I have quite a few to choose from. 

I'm hoping Tom takes the 7.2 crossover on.  I want to make them external and replace the internal wiring. 

I'm going to sell the CS6 and maybe the CS 2.4SE as my listening room is too large for them. 

Unsound,

XA 200.5 & X600.5 for the CS 7.2

If members who have Thiel speakers that want another option for an outrigger/base I can offer a group buy for any model as long as the data for each speaker modle is provided. 

We do CAD/Modeling to provide illustrion of each model that will be offered. 

Large routers and machine centers to manufacture/process. 

Aluminum, brass, Panzerholz, etc... material wanted we can do. 

Not trying to hijack this thread or Take business from Rob at Coherent if he has out riggers for the other models. 

I never seen outriggers for CS 6 or CS 7.2. I'm merely trying to provide a soluion at a real world cost as we are wholesale as we make the parts. 

Halifax,

I will need to digitize the Thiel outriggers and create a CAD model. From there the file will need to be programmed and posted to router. Set up and tooling also. This is all before the part is manufactured.

That time and cost needs to be absorbed in as many units as possible to drive the price down. The CS 2.4 has different screw mounts so that would need to be another CAD.

Tom,

This is about helping the Thiel community for me so this is an interesting proposal. 

Not sure if you want an outrigger or base but can do either or both. 

I feel with your design input and Rob as seller the Thiel legacy lives on which appeals to me. 

Lets get some ideas for our CS 7.2 also. 

bas79,

Welcome. Very nice set up. You have the same CS 7.2 finish as I do. 

Whats your impression of the 7.2?

bas79,

When you take the time too dial them in you will be rewarded. You would need to spend a considerable amount more to better them. 

Members that want to get themselves a Christmas gift I would encourage you to look at the Pair of Krell FPB 250MC on US Audiomart that have been recapped so good for many years to come. 

If you have not heard the Thiel/Krell combo you need to try this pairing as they will do them justice. 

Not affiliated with the seller or ever discussed the Krell for sale with seller. 

bas79,

I agree with your observation wholeheartedly. Thats why I decided to keep them. I use Pass Labs X600.5 and XA 200.5.

Tom Thiel has recently acquired these monsteres and hope he will be offing a crossover upgrade for these spesakers. Also wiring and binding post. 

I'm going to design a base to fit the CS 7.2 to do them justice. 

So with some additional upgrades they will be an incredible value. 

Tom,

Are your CS 7.2 set up yet? I'm interested hearing your experience in your listening room. 

I'm building a dedicated listening room at the company with all new dedicated lines.

I have my 7.2 in custom built crates waiting for their new space. 

Pulled the trigger on upgrading a front end also.

Tom,

You cannot have enough power with the 7.2 which is my favorite Thiel speaker. 

Please keep us posted as to the amp upgrades. Sounds like a fun project. 

We have 5- 600 amp electric panels at the company so pleanty of power on tap. 

The plan is to run a 60 amp dedicated sub panel off the main. Between main and sub panel a 15KVA Topaz Isolation transformer will be installed 

Each line ran from sub panel to outlet will have its own isolation transformer. For amps I have matching 5KVA Topaz isolation transformers. For digital and pre amp cicuits their own isolation transformer. These will all be located at the sub panel so no noise or hum in the listening room. 

 2- 240v  20 amp circuits for amps. One for each mono block. 

Three additional 20 amp circuits will be ran for pre amp,  digital, and possible analog rig. 

Running 8awg copper wire to minimize voltage drop. 

I understand star quad twisted wire. How would I do this with large gauge wire in insulated jacket? 

Tom,

Like you more projects than humanly possible to tackle.

My thought and experience with the 7.2 it’s more about current than watts. In every scenario I had high current amps I preferred them over high wattage.

Your amps will have a firm grip on The 7.2. The bottom end with the right amp is infectious.

I’ve come up with a design for 7.2 bases that will not raise the height of the speaker but provide a sonic improvement from my experience. I’ll share it with you by sending you CAD/model files.

In listening room I am filling the wall the speaker are behind with lambs wool. I’ll tack a silk black backing over it. I’ll take cabinet grade baltic birch void free plywood and throw it on the router and cut an array of various sized holes and slots throughout the entire sheet. I’ll install and the look will be holes and slots recessed back and highlighted with the black silk material which will absorb the excess energy coming off that wall.

In the corners I will roll lambs wool in 12" diameter roll the length of floor-to ceiling height. I will frame it out and set wool in. I will cut the birch plywood the same as I did the other but these will be curved so it will look pie shaped. They will be built in bass traps.

Natural cedar T&G ceiling with some diffusers is the plan. Western cedar does an amazing job on its on of getting rid of slap echo.

I did a mock up of a very sophicated suspension rack based on a Indy Car front suspension system. The final material will be 25mm Panzerholz for the base.

I always aimed for the fences but some days the mind is willing but the body is weak.

jafant,

A Bricasti M1 Series II, just released, is on its way. 

jafant,

When I get everything set up I will run through cabling I have. From there I will see what will be an upgrade by trying other cables. I dont like to identify what something is or will be until I have spent time with it.

New room, new power system, different components..etc so I’m sure my cabling will be different.

With the 7.2 I like a 300b tube pre amp that puts a little more meat on the bone in mids.
I’d like to pull the xover out of the 7.2 and make them outboard and upgrade them with better caps and resisters. Also internal cabinet wiring without the use of binding post with drivers wired diectly to crossover.

The two people I know who had 7.2 spent over 60k in both instances to replace them. So to extract a greater sonic gain from them with the above modifications appeals to my senses.

As Tom T noted running 240v, especially to your amps, to drive the big Thiels is a serious upgrade.

Mine are in like new condition. The caveat is I do not like the cherry finish anymore. Once I take crossovers out I will most likely remove the drivers as well and continplate modernizing the cabinets with a high end automotive paint.

I remember talking with Sherri @ Thiel back in the day and she told me Thiel did a special color (pink) for Janet Jackson and a metallic silver for Jerry Steinfeld. True story.

Dont get me wrong the wood gives the Thiel a modern mid century vibe which they are known for.

I think with a high quality automotive satin finish paint, a custom designed speaker base, and an external crossover that goes with the 7.2 would make them look current and difficult to replace without taking out as second mortgage.

duegi,

If you liked the 2.3 then I can confidently say I believe you will really enjoy the CS6. The bottom end you are lacking in 2.3 you will get in spades with the CS6. They do need a little more room volume and placed off the side walls a little more than its younger sibling.. If you have the space and you dial them in you will be rewarded with a speaker that can deliver.

Get lots of power. The mid sized Krells on the used market, that have been recapped, will not disappoint. FPB 350MCX or 450MCX will pair nicely with CS6.

The 2.4 on reverb has not been painted by Thiel so approach with caution.

If one was paint Thiel speakers I would think they would preserve the legendary Thiel look. Painting the black baffles white like the rest of the speaker is not a good look. It’s a short cut as you would have to tape in two parts and mix two colors of paint to do it correctly. Short cutting here tells the rest of the story.

Look at the paint in photo below the binding posts. I have factory white Thiel 2.7 and they do not look like this.

They will need to be sanded (Pair on Reverb) and prep’d for paint. Dont skimp on paint quality and get a high grade automotive paint, about $200-$300 per quart. Same for primer. A good epoxy primer would be my choice for first coat.

You will need a pair of coaxial drivers as they look pretty beat up.

The pair for sale I would offer around $1500 as you will have at least $1500 in getiing them to look respectable.

They was a pair of 3.7 on US Audiomart, I believe, that were painted black. It looked like soneone used a paint brush as they looked hideous. They were in CA and I’m on east coast and I could not work a deal to get them to save them. No boxes and an unwillingness from seller to ship closed that door. 

My point is Thiel speakers are worth restoring/upgrading. It has been said here and I’ll reinforce that now. "You will spend a significantly amount of money to better them" .

With all the support and upgrade recommendations that Tom Thiel has for these speakers, you will have a clear upgrade path to squeeze greater sonic gain from them.

jafant,

I know members of this disciussion are good honest people and need to be aware of the pitfalls and look to see if there is water in the pool before diving off the board.

That pair is going to take work to remove that paint and apply a professional paint finish as if it came from Thiel themselves.

Look at the wiring fray at the binding post from pair on Reverb? No care or pride whatsoever. If you are going to do something just do it right or get someone who can.

I’ve mentioned painting cabinets. I’ve held off until I know what other upgrades I will do so it all flows as one cohesive unit.

I do know it will be professionally done in a dust free paint booth with dryer so paint bonds as intended. Thiel did customized colors, as per request from customer, so there are some very different looking colors out there.

I’d take a more concervative approach as to paint scheme but not an off the shelf color.

Jafant,

What are your thoughts on the red stained birds eye maple finish on the CS 2.4SE?

My understanding on the serial # is it does not matter how low the number is as the  internal xover boards are the same as the higher numbered CS 2.4. You mentioned 50/51 so didnt know if you were aware of that. 

jafant,

Well I'm game. I'm willing to take the SE to where Tom believes it can go. Outboards, internal wiring, top level caps and resistors, binding posts, internal cabinet mods if needed. If there was a way to eliminate the binding posts I would go that route.

Maybe a pigtail coming out of the 2.4 SE and hardwired/soldered into outboard. I'd desolder it if I need to move in future. Those brass binding post add a lot of harshness. Giving up the convenience of binding post to have a more purist approach by eliminating them is worth it to me and you get a sonic upgrade that costs nothing. 

Tom,

At first look I thought they where a brass cylinder. then realized they were copper I watched the video. This would seem a much better option than any binding post out there. 

On 2.4 (SE) you would need 3 per speaker for each driver. 

If members here have never listened to a speaker without binding post and wired directly they will be surprised. 

Now you have me thinking from  output of amp to input of outboard xover doing the same thing which would eliminate amp binding post and input of crossover. It would also eliminate speaker cable spades/banana connections. 

Your thoughts Tom?

Tom, 

Like most things there are trade offs. 

The 2.7 are more transparent and dynamic. 

The 2.4 are more full bodied in comparison. 

I used different amp on each speaker as they brought a different sonic flavor.

My belief is investring in the 2.4 (SE) i would have no need to listen to the 2.7.

I guess thats a double edged sword as if I did that to 2.7 I could say the same thing. 

jafant,

The 2.7 is a gem also. The 2.4 and 2.7 sound very different. So having both is a great option if you can get two separate rooms fitted. 

Tom,

I was referencing "cost nothing" doing the soldering/pigtail not the Electra outputs. 

The Electra ad an obvious cost especially if used at outboard and amps. 

bas79

We have the same finish on our CS 7.2. Glad you figured out a platform for them.

When I get the time I also will be designing and manufacturing a speaker base for them.

Thanks for sharing everyone.  

On the black CS 3.7 I didn't see in ad disclosure the paint was not original nor they were painted by the seller. If that is true then I would ask for paperwork of what company who did the work and what process was followed to finish the CS 3.7.

I'm going to restore some CS6. The process will be documented with paint/clear coat used. If done correctly a pair would cost between $1500-$2000 depending on material chosen and labor.

If you were painting multiple sets of speaker the price would drop significantly. 

A few quarts of high quality automotive paint will cost $250-$400. Add all the other necessary materials and you will be at $750-$900 very quickly. 

Preparing cabinets and sanding will cost $300-$400 then you have the painting. 

My point is if the painting process is done professionally with high quality paint this would increase the value. If done by some obscured person with no paper trail then I would proceed with caution. 

In this example if the CS 3.7 are purchased for the asking 4K then I would have them professionally restored around the $1500-$1700 price point which would put you in the $5500-$5700 price point. 

Well below the market average and for a mark free cabinet to enjoy and if you sell you have all the paperwork. 

unsound,

I completely agree with that statement. I'm in the professional motorsports business so I was speaking from my experience. 

This industry has more than a few highly skilled craftsmen up to the task. 

You also validated my point with pair of 3.7 for sale. Who and what method to paint the cabinets were used as Thiel had/has very high standards. 

Preparing the cabinets takes the most time to achieve the best paint finish. Most fall short here. 

I'm leaning towards a Bentley Snowy Quatrz for my CS6. However, that Bentayga Bronze is calling me also. 

I sure will when I get them done. Right now I'm working on a room for my CS 7.2 and CS5i. 

I love the less is better approach Thiel undertook. The mid-century modern look is timeless. 

vair68robert,

Excuse me if I've missed your comment concerning your XO upgrade. 
When you changed too  4- 100uf Mundorf caps what improvement did you hear? 

Very nice speakers. You'd be hard pressed to find a better speaker under 12K that out performs them. 

vair68robert

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I would think any film cap would be better than the 400uf electrolytic cap that was in there. 

The large values 220uf and 330uf are tough to find replacements that would fit in the confines of the cabinet. 

Was going outboard not an option for you?

anzen,

For me, after weighing all the options, and outboard crossover makes sense. 

Among the benefits choosing a cap based on it's sonics rather than size, inboard needs to fit in speaker cavity, was a large factor for me. 

vair68robert,

My error on the Mundorf's as I thought they were film. 

jafant,

I have many oars in the water at the moment but will get there when time presents itself. 

igmaty,

Congrats to your seat at the table. That speaker is a steal on the used market .

My advice would be not to use your current amplification as they will add too much distortion and most likely clip and possibly lose a driver, or two.

Amps worth considering that are within a 2-3k price point are the lower wattage Krell FPB, Pass Labs, Threshold, Classe, Mark Levinson.

I would pass on Bryston as my experience has been they do not mate well together, especially after hearing the list mentioned above.

I’m no expert on this matter but I have owed/own a few Thiel’s and have tried a good bit of the high current amps out there.

Without the right amp the Thiel’s will never move you the way they were intended.

Out of curiosity how many in this discussion have Thiel CS5i? 

usaltus,

If you mentioned this in this thread already please excuse me for asking if already stated. 

What amp(s) are you using to run these power hungry speakers?

Have you compared the CS5 to any other Thiel speakers? 

I ask as I like to see if other users have the same experience/opinion(s) as myself. 

Finally what finish do you have?

Thanks

Ironically,  it seems like I have a track record of logging in more work hours during this holiday weekend.

jafant,

Right now I have two pairs of CS5i in dark walnut and Brazilian rosewood. Also I have CS 7.2 in cherry. They will occupy  the new listening room in rotation of course. 

I miss that bottom end the big Thiel's bring to the table. 

I'm working on my front end with Dacs. 

I have a Esoteric K-01XD all in one player. A highly modified Wadia 521 from the design gurus that were there before they sold company, A Bricasti M1 Series II, and ordering a Audio Note DAC 4.1x Balanced Signature. 

Wadia/Thiels work incredibly well together. 

jafant,

You are not mistaken. I own a white pair of CS 2.7. I also have a pair of CS6 in Zebrawood and a pair of CS 2.4SE. 

With the room being built the big Thiels will be getting most of the attention. With that said it will be relatively easy to swap out speakers with any of the others as placement would be fairly close to where the previous pair were. 

Room is slow going as I do as much as I can each day with my heavy work schedule. I feel it will deliver the goods when completed. 

With Thiel's most users make the mistake of not having the proper sized room or setting them too close to the walls. 

My primary goals are;

1. Proper sized room and design

2. Correct placement of speakers

3. Power. (dedicated panel with iso transformers, copper breakers/bus bar, over  sized twisted wire, dedicated outlets. 

You will spend less on gear if these are right. 

Now I'm not opposed to nice gear in addition to the above either. 

rc1985

if you repair/replace one speaker I'd encourage you to do the same with the other speaker. With the painstaking process Thiel had to match components and drivers, in turn the end user should do the same. 

What finish are your speakers?

Amberwood is my second favorite. Rosewood is my #1 but can inly be found in earlier model as it is near impossible to source enough certified rosewood from Brazil/Boliva.

Reporting in as to the progress made regarding Thiel Renaissance.

I had the pleasure of having the man himself, Tom Thiel, come for a visit to evaluate what he has been working on the last few years. 

This was a planned visit for almost a year but delays postponed our meeting. 

A room was designed and built with the intent that this room would be the stable for Thiel CS 5i. Room dimensions 20' w x 16' x 10'. 

We listened to the CS 5i Thurs.-Sunday. Both of us had a very good baseline as to how this speaker was behaving in this room. 

The point of this visit was to listen to the work Tom performed and see if it had merit. The truth being told I didn't want to swap out the CS 5i for the SCS4 monitors. 

Reluctantly we moved the monitors in and set them up in one channel. 

We went through 3 iterations of Toms upgrades. Each one was a very clear/audible improvement. When we arrived at the finally version it had my interests. I asked Tom can we listen in stereo. He set up speakers and we went through the play list we had been using. 

Our evaluation was on the mids and highs as you cannot compare the CS 5i bottom end to a monitor nor most speakers as it delivers the goods.

We listened to 5-6 tracks and I refused to believe what I was hearing. These little monitors with all the upgrades out performed my beloved CS 5i hands down. It wasn't even close. 

The pure musicality of this speaker could not be denied. It had crystal clear clarity, notes had the right amount of weight to them, they were fast, presented an intimacy I don't think I've heard, soundstage was wide and layered with all the images outlined. 

This was all from a 6" mid woofer. The bass was very good. It had plenty of punch and projection. It made its older bother sound lethargic in comparison. 

When the last track finished playing,  Tom clapped in applause as to the performance we witnessed. 

It was memorable for sure. 

We had to start packing Tom up and we had the conversation that these improvements can be performed on "all" existing Thiel speakers in the market place. My thoughts started turning in my head, about seeking vindication, that this small monitor came into my barn taking the title of stud away from the CS 5i.

Immediately after I asked Tom "So when can my CS 5i get done with all these upgrades and outriggers"? 

Come to think of it my CS 2.4SE, CS 2.7, CS 6, and CS 7.2 as well. 

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. 

oblong,

Great choice of speaker in Thiel line. I have a pair in zebra wood. 

Unfortunately mine has some cosmetic issues from shipping. 

I discussed this with Tom and my plan is to refinish them with a beautiful automotive finish. I have new grill cloths and drivers so it will look like a new speaker when I'm done. 

I'll get photos when I get her make-up on. 

Tom,

I’ll get some images of the room soon.

Meanwhile I have my list of "To Do’s" that needs to be accomplish before your second visit.

I had a customer stop by the other day to pick up some parts we made for his Clearaudiio turntable. He wanted to see the room and was like a kid in a candy store. The custom bass traps you designed Tom was one of the design elements in the room he was intrigued with.

The floor was another as well as the overall design and vibe of the room.

Next visit I hope we can give the CS 7.2 & CS 2.4SE the mic and let them sing.

Exciting stuff.

jafant,

This really wasn’t about gear. It was about testing the room and proving concept.

it wasn’t until the third day (Sunday) that we really listened to music. Even then it wasn’t ideal as my tube pre amp left channel wasn’t firing so we worked around it.

Our next visit I’m hoping to have a BAT VK-90 pre amp. I’m also working on some Bricasti M32 mono as well.We will have a little variety to test a few amps and pre amps. I also have the Esoteric K-01XD on hand as well as highly modified Wadia DAC from their glory days. 

Above I mentioned gear used which was Pass Labs XA 200.5 amps and Bricasti M1 SII DAC and M19 SACD spinner. We used Tom's Benchmark gear as well.

tmsrdg,

The last iteration, which implemented this new technology, had me scratching my head. It was very obvious something significant changed from the last iteration, 

This is when I just wanted to sit back and listen to music thru these monitors. We didn't conduct any tests with CS 5i after this. 

After we listened to the last song, Tom clapped in applause to what was experienced. I immediately asked Tom if this can be done with my beloved CS5i and he said "absolutely" and every other Thiel speaker. 

I was so motivated from this, that being in a 117 degree attic in the south,  in the mid of summer addressing the issues Tom and I agreed needed attention,  doesn't even calculate with me. I'm on a mission. 

Next visit Tom will have a fully upgraded pair of SCS4 with their new stands. 

tmsrdy,

A pair of CS 3.7 are on my list to purchase. They have to be in very good condition and within a reasonable driving distance for me to purchase as shipping is not an option with the high risk of damage.

With that said, as upgrades are being made I can test what Tom mentioned on a pair that I hope to get and can report back.

I already have SCS4 monitors, CS 2.4, CS 2.4SE, CS 2.7, CS 6, and CS 7.2, and two pair of CS 5i. I feel I possess a reasonable representation of Thiel owners regarding speakers.

I am also getting a pair of CS 1.6 from a former Thiel dealer. What passion they still have for the Thiel brand. I have spoken to a few and their zeal is infectious.

I bought a pair of CS 5i, in upgraded walnut finish with original plywood crates, spikes with case, and manual all in pristine condition. He drove them to the facility, which was a fair distance since he got a hotel to spend the night. He offered to set them up for free.

Oh by the way the delivery was free also. He had cost with gas and hotel. However, finding a good home for the CS 5i was more important to him than his cost to deliver them.

Truly an exceptional human being. I mentioned this story to Tom and he asked who the dealer was. When I told him he laughed and said I remember him when he was a little boy working in his grandfather’s shop and seeing him when I’d go there.

Hearing stories such as these reenforces the commitment Thiel had/has to their customers and dealers.

When I was speaking with the Thiel dealer, he said with other speaker brands he carried, his customers constantly upgraded or moved on to other brands. Thiel owners were far less likely to do that. They had/have a loyalty to the Thiel brand.

These are not my words but the dealer’s.

This and Tom’s visit has pushed me to fast tracking this dedicated listening room with the modifications needed after Tom swept the room when conducting his testing.

I guess I will put all the speaker models in a hat and pick one out each day and that will be the speaker I listen too. Or maybe Tom could devise a diffuser wheel that can be spun in the room, and get better sound,  that will select a speaker when it stops spinning. 

Okay now I'm just showing-off.

Using Thiel’s motto- what we will do "For the love of music".

unsound,

Allow us to get her make-up on before we reveal to the public.

I'll leave describing the room concept to Tom as he was the designer of the room. He asked what perimeters he had to work within, as far as footprint,  and he went at it from there. 

I will say when first introduced I was confused in its non conventional approach. But if you want to get to the fruit you need to go out on a limb where the branches are their thinnest. 

I proceeded to demo the old space which had 8 ft. sheet rock ceilings. It had tile floors on a concrete slab so not an easy demo. I came into work earlier @ 3;00 am and performed my moonlighting gig before I had to leave to conduct my day job duties.

I will go more into construction details when I post images of the room and after I perform my "To DO" list of modifications.

I will say the focus for the room was not to hear/or the ill effects of 2-3rd reflections at the listening chair. No side wall dampening was ever designed. Tom and I both agreed on a very dynamic space for the Thiel to clear her throat and show us her range.

Our first round of testing we concluded we did not need any side wall acoustical treatment.  In fact within the first hour of our listening Tom and I both agreed the .500" thick natural wool rug between listener and speakers should be removed. It was and it oped up even more. I will reveal more later but will say the floors are a significant part of the room. I had just socks on while listening so I could feel the floor. It was not moving the slightest. 

I wanted to push the room, especially with the CS 5i, and load the room. We were playing a very unique track with kettle drums and other various percussion instruments. Bass was in the mid 20hz with some of the track and Tom thought we were in the 98-102 db range. As I stated if room was going to fail I wanted Tom to be there and hear it under serious load. Even under this extreme circumstance the  floor was rock solid stable. 

Another item checked off the list that did not need any revision. 

The rear wall is where we really deviate from a conventional room. With our back to that wall there was absolutely no reflection that smeared the sound coming from the wall. 

Another really cool feature is the built in Bass/diffuser traps in front wall corners which measured incredibly well. 

They were not constructed on a bench then installed. Instead we constructed them in the room and built them into the building's framework. 
I'm glad I had the foresight to take that 15 minute Home Depot workshop seminar. The measure twice cut once part was particular insightful. 

The pair took a considerable amount of time to construct and assemble that I did not anticipate. 

When Tom arrived I had to ask him how long it took others to build these devices into the framework of a house/building as I felt like they had gotten the better of me with the man hours devoted to their construction. I was looking to be validated dam-it.

Tom looked at me straight in the eye and said - No one dared to move forward with such an undertaking before until you. (Paraphrased). I felt like this was a pull my finger moment that an older brother would pull on you. I bit.

When I was making the bass/diffuser traps I thought to myself I am going to pay tribute to the man who establish the standard as to what a book matched veneer speaker should look like. 

When I was making the panels I decided to do the same and match each panel in Bass/diffuser with it's sister. When completed the panels are 18ft apart center-to-center and they look like they were sawn in half to mirror one another. 

I felt a certain satisfaction so I did not reveal to Tom. I was going to surprise him on his visit. When I thought the appropriate time presented itself I mentioned to Tom what I did. Again he looked at me and said " I noticed that when we first sat down and started listening to music". 

unsound,

The CS 5i delivers thunderous bass with impact and authority. Not that it is a one trick pony and deficient in the the other frequencies but the bottom end ir very rare to hear in a speaker like this. 

The CS 7.2 has a 12" woofer whereas the CS 5i utilizes three 8" as I'm sure your're aware. The CS 5i bass is faster. The bass notes are more dynamic and hit you quickly reaching its peak, then dissipating in reverse fashion to utter silence.

I equate this to a head jolting acceleration in a Koenigsegg to 100 mph then to a dead stop. Exhilarating.