Thiel Owners

biannuzzi22

Contrary to what many will say, CS 3.5's do NOT need big watts or the ability to go down to 2 Ohms. The 3.5 is one of the (perhaps the easiest) easier Thiels in this regard. They will, however, really show whether it is a quality amplifier. I've run my 3.5's with an ARC Classic 60 since 1988 and it's a truly great match. That's right, 60 tube watts in triode driving the 4 ohm Thiels. I've never heard a SS amp that sounded as good with 3.5's. So look for quality and don't be swayed by all the high watt/low impedence talk that really applies to the later Thiels. Sure, the big watt amps will drive them, and if you have a large room or play at high volumes, maybe you want more than 60 watts, but they love tubes and clean, smooth detailed amps. Hope this helps!

I typed unmolested but SpellWrecker changed it to updated. Apologies. 

Jafant

My system is VPI HW19 MkIII with Premier FT3 arm and Grado Sonata low output, ARC CD3, ARC SP9 MkiII, ARC Classic 60 feeding the CS 3.5's. I know you're a cable guy, so I replaced initial Audio quest speaker cable and FMS Blue interconnects with MIT MH 750 and MI 330 which was a classic combo which had great bass and resolution while keeping the top end smooth. I more recently upgraded to all MorrowA5 interconnects and SP6 speaker cable and Morrow power cords. Nice improvement in all parameters while being very natural sounding. Unlike many on Audiogon, I've had this setup since about 1988 with the cable being the only real change. 

I've recently purchased a townhome with smaller space and (horrors!!!) I've downsized from the 3.5's to PMC Twenty5.35i's, These have worked out in the context of my existing system and space. My black ash, one owner, all original and updated CS 3.5's are now at Holt Hill Audio to be consigned if anyone on this thread is interested. Brian Salazar has not put them up on his website yet, but I doubt you'll find a better pair and with a known history. While the PMC's are working well for me, it's like parting with an old friend! 

Unsound

I was referring to how often people generalize and apply the "big watts, tough to drive" to all Thiels, as it's not really true of the 3.5. That's all.