Tomthiel and the Thiel Owners Thread
I bought my CS 2.3s in 2000 while owning a Linn source and electronics.
LP12 > Karin pre > LK280 > CS 2.3 using Linn standard interconnects and K20 speaker wire.
In 2017 I upgraded my system after my Karin and LK280 finally died. I bought a new TT, a slightly used Linn pre and an old Linn recapped amp. My system then was:
Klimax LP12 > KK/1 > Klout > CS 2.3 using Chord Sarum T interconnects and Chord Epic speaker wire.
This major $$ upgrade was a revelation as to what I was hearing coming out of the speakers. Between the TT and pre I was hearing so much detail that I never knew existed within the groves of my vinyl. The klout also allowed quite a bit more bass to come through. However, the system was too bright and fatiguing. The Linn pre was very detailed but way too sparkly. I sold the pre and bought a Pass headphone amp. I did this because it was cheaper that buying a "true" Pass pre and it had a very good preamp section in it. Now I was running:
Klimax LP 12 > HPA1 > Klout > CS 2.3
What a difference the preamp section in that little HPA1 made. The Thiel's started to come alive. I mostly noticed the vast improvement in the bass control. I was on a roll now. I sold the Klout and bought a Pass X 250.8.
WOW. That amp had such grip on those Thiel's. The speakers opened up so much that I was really able to appreciate my front end. I was now running:
LP 12 > HP1A > x 250.8 > CS 2.3
Th next obvious upgrade was to a true Pass pre. I decided on a Pass pre for the synergy. This upgrade brought me to my present system:
LP 12 > XP 22 > X 250.8 > CS2.3
With this new pre the soundstage completely opened up with wonderful imaging and such tight bass. When I put on an AAA acoustic record, I turn down the lights, close my eyes, and swear that I am attending a house concert.
It has taken me 20 years and all these upgrades to make my 2.3s the weakest link in my system. And that is really saying something for the quality of my "little CS 2.3".
