uncle_monkey
Regarding your post and comment about the IsoAcoustics Gaias, I wanted to relay my experience.
Give social separating and all, I've been spending time redoing my whole system; I've torn it apart, remade all contacts, isolated components, redressed all wires, repositioned speakers--and finally (after many months of experimenting with speaker position) remounted my CS3.6s onto my Townshend Speaker Isolation Podiums.
Since I think they have the same function as the Gaias, I wanted to provide my experience with using the Podiums. Specifically-IMHO and in my room, they provide:
-- significantly improved width and depth imaging
-- significantly better "disappearing" of speaker positioning
-- better low-level detail retrieval
-- some lessening of an upper-mid peak present in the 3.6s
-- tighter and better defined low-mid-bass with better rhythm & timing (I'm a Naim guy)
Along with all those positives is a caveat. My dedicated listening room is on the second floor of my house-so on a suspended wooden floor. I bought the Townshend Platforms primarily in an effort to lessen transmission of low-end bass notes into the house structure (and quiet my wife complaining from downstairs of "the boom").
The isolation platforms significantly reduce this problem, so I can listen louder and later if I want without bothering the rest of the house.
Along with all those positives is the fact that the platform's taking away of the floor's significant contribution to the low-end also somewhat lessens the excitement and impressiveness of the bottom end. So while the bottom end is cleaner and faster, it's also a little less impressive since what you're left with is the sound of the speaker alone-devoid of the low-end enhancement and reinforcement from the floor.
For me-it's 95% positive using the isolation platforms, but some may find it more of a compromise. (These comments are based on my previously using the supplied spikes.) Since you're lucky enough to have a wood floor over concrete, you may not have the same experience as I did. Hope that helps!
I'm going to update my system pics on Audiogon's Virtual Systems Community section to reflect the addition of the podiums and "prettying up" my system, if anyone wants to see the 3.6s on the Podiums.
Stay safe everyone!
|
Hello Forum Members.
I’m new to this forum but have had the “audio-bug” for most of my life.
I’m very impressed with the experience and knowledge of the folks posting to this forum.
My system is mostly composed of Naim electronics and Thiel CS 3.6 speakers. I’ve found the #NaimNAP300 amp a very good match for these speakers. I recently got the DR upgrade for my Naim amp however, and there’s now an upper midrange harshness that wasn’t there previously. Maybe it just needs time to burn-in.
I’ve just added my system info to Audiogon’s Virtual systems postings and I’d appreciate any feedback.
Thanks.
Rosami
|
Fellow Thielophiles,
I’m torn on my next step! My 21 year old CS 3.6s need a tweeter rebuild (I’ve had to do this at 7-year intervals and it’s that time again). I’m not sure if the speakers also may have a problem with the crossovers — they’re sounding raspy and pretty nasty lately.
Issue is I’ve only had Thiels (03a and then my current 3.6s) for the last 33 years and haven’t done any serious listening to other speakers! ! Now that my 3.6s need work - and given possibly having to do significant work if crossovers need attention - and only CSS still servicing them, I’ve actually been thinking about listening to some other speakers (sorry guys!). I’m curious if the “improvements” that the dealers, that Ive recently spoken to, say have occurred in the last 20+ years |
(Continued - sorry)
are real or just the normal sales talk.
Have speakers really improved that much in the last 20 years and is it maybe worth checking out other brands now that my 3.6s need work ?
Are there any objective Thiel owners among the Thielophiliacs that have done serious unbiased listening to other newer brands and can provide thoughts on PRAT, imaging, coherence, etc. of other brands vs. our beloved Thiels?
Thanks.
|
Since there have been lots of posts about using Bryston amps with Thiel speakers, I wanted to relay my experience.
I owned Bryston 7B ST monoblocks years ago and while I thought the Brystons did a good job driving my CS3.6s, I eventually became less satisfied with the match-up. IMO, there was a lack of PRAT using the Bryston amps, and I strongly value this criterion in a system. I eventually made the decision to purchase a Naim NAP300 and have never looked back. While the Naim amp is "only" rated at 90/w/ch into 8 ohms (150 into 4), this amp has no problem driving my 3.6s to levels louder than I want to listen, and in my opinion it exerts much better control than the Bryston 7B STs did. I know there have been several new series of Bryston amps since the ST version, and I understand that each generation had improved - however - I currently have no plans to upgrade my Naim components.
Bottom line -- I just wanted to put in a good word for the Thiel-Naim match-up and throw it out there as a possibility for consideration if you're considering updating your amp. |
tomthiel & jafant:
I'm a relative newbie to forums (so please excuse any forum etiquette faux pas) but a long-time audiophile and Thiel enthusiast (33 years), first with 03a's and now with 3.6's (owned for 21 years).
I've read through many of the forum posts regarding the various Thiel crossover and component upgrades and am impressed with the technical knowledge and capabilities of many of the forum members. Unfortunately I'm not one of those members that possess the technical know-how to upgrade the crossovers in my 3.6s. (I have replaced the tweeters twice in 21 years and they're due again.) Since my 3.6s are in need of updating, I've been trying to decide what my next step should be -- whether l should audition other brands (which I'm reluctant to do) or figure out how to go about upgrading my 21-year-new CS 3.6s. My job would be a lot easier if I didn't think so highly of Thiel speakers!
jafant - you mentioned the availability of several pairs of 2.4s that you spotted, but I value the deep, tight, low-end capability (among many other traits) of my 3.6s (when driven with my Naim NAP300) and think I'd loose some of the low-end if I switched to the smaller 2.4s. The 2.7s look like they'd fit the bill but they're rarely available and I question the logic behind spending $10K on previously-owned speakers.. I spoke to Rob at CCS (very nice gentleman) and he indicated that he could rebuild my tweeters but that there is currently no upgrade for the 3.6 crossovers. I'm surprised by this since I understood that the 3.6s were among the best-selling Thiel speakers, so there are still many of them out there.
tomthiel - Is there a technical reason that there's no upgrade for the 3.6"s crossovers? How would one go about having 3.6 crossovers upgraded with out having to ship the speakers (which even Rob G. said was not a good idea) and not being able to do the work oneself? Is it worthwhile going through the effort and expense of this service and then just replacing parts rather than trying to upgrade the crossovers for better performance? Is replacing and updating the boards and components a job that a good local tech could do?
On a more general note -- I appreciate the positive, constructive and collaborative nature of the Thiel owners thread. This is a great group! Although based on my admittedly limited experience in reading of other audiophile forums, this group seems to be rather unique in that it's a forum for expressions of ideas among members, rather than the apparent battle of wits and unending string of derogatory comments that seem to pervade so many other A'gon forums. I hope this forum continues to be the go-to for Thiel owners!
|
tomthiel -- Thank you. I'm happy to hear that you're working on the modifications for the 3.6s and then plan to offer completed crossover boards through CSS. That's great news for the many CS3.6 owners.
Would you possibly be able to provide a rough estimate of when you think the crossovers would be available? |
thielrules
PRAT is "pace-rhythm-and timing"; it refers to a system that is fast and detailed, with precise stop-start timing of notes. Naim (and other brands) believes PRAT is an essential element of a good system, and put more weight on those aspects rather than the qualities that most audiophiles generally strive for - such as imaging/depth/etc. IMO, Naim's better amps do a better job of providing PRAT than the Bryston 7B STs that I previously owned.
I did try both parallel and series connections when connecting the Brystons to the Thiels; one did sound better - but don't remember which - but the better connection still was inferior to my current setup. |
beetlemania -- It may be possible to use the Virtual Systems link in A'gon to post and update your progress; I'm not sure if there'd be any issues from a'gon though. |
jafant --
"Which brand(s) of cabling are you using in your set-up?"
Interconnects in Naim systems are pretty much limited to Naim cables due to the din connectors. I use their "standard" interconnects; there are higher-level Naim interconnects available (and custom Chord cables I think) but they're all very expensive individually and prohibitively expensive if I wanted to change all my interconnects. I've upgraded the standard Naim power cords and now use Shunyata Viper Zitrons and noticed significant improvement. My speaker cable is Naim NACA5; Naim specifies use of their speaker cable because Naim amps are designed to work with a specific load. I'd like to try different speaker cables and plan to give it a try, but only after I get my other system issues resolved. |
I've been listening to speakers recently to compare to my 21 year old CS3.6s -- it's a journey that I'll continue for awhile. Visiting a number of dealers, I've been amazed at all the Thiel bashing by some of these dealers - crazy claims - outright lies - claims that technology has come so far and that my speakers are obsolete - even personal criticism that I consider imaging and focus important. It's easy to see why high-end audio gets such a bad rap! Trust your ears and if you find a good dealer, support him! |
tomthiel
Do you really want to hear the crap from these dealers? It'll be painful listing their comments, but I'll try to be accurate.
Dealer 1) Imaging and focus are not real, but created. Thiel speakers basically do sound effects and sound big and flashy but are not accurate. That dealer also criticized me for mentioning imaging and focus, stating they're not real speaker attributes but rather sound effects created by Thiel speakers. This dealer stresses that imaging doesn't occur in concerts or real music. He also actually said that I was partially responsible for the failure of Naim's Ovator speakers because imaging wasn't a priority for them but "people like you" value those kinds fake qualities in a speaker. When I asked him what speakers he liked, he stated that he likes to listen in mono, prefers speakers that do not image and that are "in-you-face" since he likes to listen really loud. (not much comment necessary.)
Dealer 2) Thiel speakers are very poorly designed, especially the newer models with the coax mid/tweeter which were a "disaster." The old ones were a little better. Thiels use cheap drivers made overseas, are not accurate and are not time coherent - that's all just marketing. Their sound is a mess because Jim Thiel used very complex crossovers which had no way of being phase correct and they were not really first-order crossovers anyway.
Dealer 3) Thiel's crossovers have to be extremely complex to compensate for the poor drivers. If a speaker is so hard to drive correctly and so amp dependent, then it is a very poor design. Why would you design a speaker to go down under 2 ohms and drive amps into distortion? You're crazy wasting your money by having them repaired; there have been so many improvements in drivers and crossovers in 21 years that its time to get rid of them.
(None of those dealers were talking active or DSP.)
Interestingly I spoke to a couple previous Thiel dealers who praised the speakers and stated their regret regarding what happened to the company. I also found them to be superior dealers overall. (One of those did talk active and DSP and his setups did sound excellent IMO.)
All of the negative dealers made their comments after I'd stated to them that I've owned various Thiel speakers for the last 32 years. I guess they feel it's OK to spread this nonsense. High-end audio is a ruthless business!
|
jonandfamily
Thanks for the kind words about my system in virtual systems!
My serial numbers are 5457/58 - Amberwood - still look immaculate but need some TLC (tweeters and maybe mids need rebuild). Next step is with CSS.
|
prof — jafant
i tried to contact jserio (selling the black 3.7s) through US AudioMart to ask some questions but he didn’t reply. I question whether the speakers are still for sale.
One concern I have with the 3.7s (and also 2.7s) is that when I listened to the 3.7s -about 8 or so years ago in my room (a friend dropped them off to me to listen to) the midrange seemed somewhat thin sounding; with vocals it sounded like the body of the singers voice was not as full as in real life. I actually preferred the midrange of my 3.6s over the 3.7s (although I appreciated the improved detail, transparency and bottom end control of the 3.7s) so decided to stick with my 3.6s. But at the 21 year mark now with my 3.6s, I’ve been reconsidering the 3.7s, but my concern remains, especially since I’ve read that same comment in a couple of reviews and heard that same quality in a Bryson-based system (I have Naim electronics).
I’d think the cause is the new aluminum mid/tweeter design. For any 3.7 or 2.7 owners following this, any comments would be appreciated. |
thieliste
Interesting -- I had never even heard of
Aries Cerat Concero 65 monoblocs prior to reading your post. I checked out the website and their products do indeed look very interesting - but way beyond what I'd be willing to spend -- and I remain committed to my Naim electronics based on long experience with the brand.
I've been "out-of-the-market" for many years so this renewed bout of audiophialic disease is both exciting and frustrating! |
prof,
thanks for your comments on the CS3.7s. I've spend some time reading old posts on this forum and paid attention to your many past comments. I see your long history and experience with Thiel speakers and with the 2.7s vs. 3.7s - and your travails in trying to choose between the two models. I'm going through much the same process currently so am finding your experience helpful. I haven't read through all the thousands of comments on this very interesting forum (I have to sleep some time unfortunately); I stopped at the point that you were still trying to make a decision between these two models. Your most recent posts seem to suggest you gave up and bought both or have decided to keep both? When I make a decision, I will be sure to experiment more with speaker positioning and, based on many comments by members, not limit myself to the standard triangle and instead try more variations.
Best. |
jafant
Thanks for your feedback. I agree that I could have experimented more with positioning when I had the 3.7s for audition but was somewhat limited by time. I hope the issue is not a speaker-electronics mismatch because I don't have any plans to give up my Naim stuff. The match has been excellent with my 3.6s and - based on the specs - the 3.7s would seem to be a slightly easier load. While my Naim amp is not high-powered by Thiel standards, it is capable of driving low loads and providing high current so should be a good match with the 3.7s.
...so the journey continues... |
Listening to some speakers at a dealer (a former Thiel dealer) recently, I mentioned that I've owned Thiel 3.6s for 21 years and recently had my amps updated, upon which he replied that Thiels are real "amp killers." The dealer stated that since Thiel speakers are so difficult to drive, they "eat-up amps."
I've never heard that comment previously, so am wondering if there's any way a demanding speaker can have a negative affect on an amp's life.
Facts (rather than opinions) would be appreciated.
Thanks. |
jab
Thanks for the offer ;) but I'll stick with my Thiels - unless I decide to look for a pair of 2.4s/2.7s/3.7s. I still haven't made a decision because I haven't been able to get past the uncertainty of knowing how the newer models will sound with my current setup - which I see no reason for changing.
I hadn't listened to speakers for many years but have recently been visiting some dealers to listen to newer models and hear for myself how speakers have changed in 21 years. Turns out I think my 3.6s are better (in what I look for in a speaker anyway) than just about all of the new speakers I've listened to -- and that's in spite of all the sales gimmicks and "creative marketing" which unfortunately is still very much alive and well among too many high-end dealers.
What I've learned in my travels: there are tons of speakers out there, but very few that are really worthy of serious consideration, and-after price is factored in-Thiels were and still are unique in combining value and excellent performance. Other speakers just "don't sound right."
Who would've known that I'd have made such a good purchase decision over 30 years ago when I bought my first pair of 03a's.
|
Yes - it’s kind of amazing given the age of these speakers. My only “want” with the 3.6s would be a tighter bottom end. I’ve had the 3.7s in my room and they had way better base-to-mid-base definition and control, however the vocal range sounded somewhat thin and lacked body. I’d guess the electronics/speaker combination was a big reason for what I heard with the 3.7s but I’m not willing to start changing my electronics. That was the main reason I stuck with my 3.6s rather than getting the 3.7s. I still think the 3.6s are terrific speakers and may do a little experimenting with speaker cables going forward. |
tomthiel
it seems that the 2.4 crossover upgrades are pretty well finalized now and that a lot was learned regarding upgraded components and the effects on how the speakers sound.
Since I own 3.6s, I’m interested in learning how much of the info gained from the 2.4 upgrades will be able to be applied to a 3,6 upgrade. Will it be necessary to start from scratch in designing the 3.6 crossover upgrades, and is it realistic to hope to be able to actually buy a completed crossover package from Rob G. In the near future?
Thanks!
|
Thanks Tom.
i anxiously look forward to hearing more from you regarding the 3.6 crossover upgrade - and results of the Thiel bankruptcy proceedings and wish you a good outcome.
An additional question for you or one of the very knowledgeable techies in our group: if I get my drivers (tweeters/mids) rebuilt and then learn that there’s an issue with the crossovers (bad cap or whatever) that needs to be addressed, is it possible that a crossover problem could damage the newly rebuilt drivers?
Thanks. This group is the best!
|
Thanks guys. This info is helpful and will guide my decisions regarding next steps to take with my 3.6s. Think I have a lot to discuss with Rob G. - and some Google searches to do re bankruptcies |
Hi Guys - I’m excited to report that I’ve become a card-carrying member of the CS2.4-owners’ club. Picked up a nice pair a few weeks ago (2006 production in Cherry finish) and have been doing some serious listening and comparing them to my 21-year-old CS3.6s.
I’d previously reported that my 3.6s need work, but they’re still listenable and I think I’m able to "listen-through" the problems since I’m so familiar with them.
This is the first time I’ve had two sets of speakers at the same time and I’m liking it. After listening to both models, I’ve come to some conclusions. I know this isn’t news to those who’ve owned and already compared both models, and I know a lot has already been said in this forum about these comparisons, but I’ thought I’d add a little of my own perspective after my admittedly short time spent comparing both models.
Bottom line for me: Both models share obvious Thiel strengths but each excels in a different way, so deciding on which to keep will be tough. To my ears, the 2.4s provide better definition and superior imaging. They’re tighter in the bottom end and I hear small details with the 2.4s that are difficult to hear on the 3.6s. If I switch to the 3.6s after listening to the same song on the 2.4s, I can then hear the details that the 2.4s more easily reveal, but those details pop out on the newer model and the placement of individual instruments and voices is more pinpoint on the 2.4s.
On probably 90 percent of music, the 2.4s are satisfying and a real pleasure listening to. But there’s a big caveat: the lack of that bottom 1/2 octave on the 2.4s may be a deal breaker for me. Listening to vocals, jazz, Blues on the 2.4s is just sooo good, but...listening to John Rutter’s Requiem (Reference Recordings) on the 2.4s is just disappointing. Switching back to the 3.6s, and getting that last 1/2 octave of bass, the feeling of those low organ pipes and sense of space that the lower half-octave brings is just so superior on the 3.6s. The larger speakers have a sense of ease that the 2.4s just do not provide on that type of music.
So - since I don’t want to do subs, I’m torn between two speakers.
I was somewhat disappointed to learn that Tom T. is working on crossover updates on other models prior to starting work on the 3.6s; I think crossover updates on the 3.6s have the potential to increase the resolution and be really significant on this older model, but it seems like it will be quite some time before the updated crossovers are available.
I’m thinking of updating the caps on my 2.4s (per Rob G.) to get them sounding their best (short of rebuilding the whole crossovers) --and then enjoy those until the update for the 3.6s is available.
So I think I have a plan to go forward - but am still anxiously awaiting that 3.6 crossover update!
Best ...
|
Jon
Glad we’re on the same wavelength and of the same opinion re our 3.6s. It sounds like we’ll have to have patience while Tom develops his ideas and research on the changes for the 3.6Rs.
I will have to decide whether I send my tweeters and mids to be checked/rebuilt by CSS now (to get a jump on refurbishing my 3.6s) or wait until the updates are available before doing so. Either way, the 3.6s are keepers. |
jafant
Locating a nice pair of 2.4s was a lucky find.
I agree that Thiels can sound very good with a wide range of electronics and really amazing when mix is just right. IMO one of the best features of Thiel speakers is their transparency to the source; I think this is a key reason so many of us own, hold onto and decide to upgrade them rather than jump ship to another brand.
We’re a lucky bunch - with Tom T. keeping the faith alive, Rob G. keeping all those models running smoothly and a devoted and knowledgeable fan-base!
|
tomthiel
Thanks for your interesting comments regarding the 2.4s vs 3.6s. If sounds like your carefully researched upgrade for the 3.6s will be worth the wait! I don’t recall if you previously mentioned that the 3.6 upgrade would also include improvements to the enclosure stiffness. Would you be able to address that further and provide additional thoughts on what you’re planning for enclosure improvements? Would it be part of some kind of kit or would it require DIY and woodworking skills?
Damm - I managed to keep this disease in-check for many years but it’s back with a vengeance now!
|
tomthiel
Very interesting tidbits about Thiel cabinet designs and your thoughts about how to improve them.
As said by that very wise gentleman, Willie Wonka: “the suspense is terrible. I hope it will last.”
In the case of the 3.6 upgrades, only the first part of that quote applies — but I do appreciate all the work and planning that is involved.
It sounds like the 3.6R rebuild will push my admittedly finite DIY skills to the limit! Can’t wait. 👍 |
Sdl4
I’ve also read about the Iconoclast speaker cables and would also be interested in hearing from anyone about them.
After I had my Naim NAP300 amp updated (DR update) my system has been sounding hard and somewhat strident with my newly-purchased CS2.4s (they’re 2007 production). I’m thinking my current NAIM NACA5 speaker cables may no longer be a good match. I’m looking for a detailed but more relaxed cable and have no idea whether the new Iconoclast cables would be a good match.
I’ve also heard that Tributary makes a good sounding, inexpensive well designed speaker cable and have also heard good things about Chord speaker cable.
Has anyone had any experience with any of those cables?
Thanks.
|
A Tweaking Suggestion...
I have been checking out and critically evaluating my newly-purchased CS2.4s the last few weeks. They are 2007 production so- as I do with any new purchase - I’ve been checking them out very carefully.
I decided to check the tightness of the screws holding the drivers - and was surprised to find that the woofer and passive radiator screws were really loose. I don’t believe they were ever tightened since they were manufactured 20 years ago.
Big improvement after tightening all the bolts! If you haven’t checked yours in awhile I’d strongly suggest doing so. |
Ronkent
interesting that you also had an “issue” with the screws loosening on the 2.4s you had a while back. I didn’t experience that same issue with my much older 3.6s so am not sure if this is due to the type of screws used to hold the 2.4’s drivers or to the bolts used. In any case - a cheap “tweak.”
|
sdl4
Thanks for the suggestion to use Cable Company’s service to try out different speaker cables. I actually used them a couple years back to listen to different power cords. I haven’t had to think about speaker cables for many years, since Naim’s NACA5 had always been a really good sounding match for my amp and my Thiels, but ironically after my Naim amp was upgraded the Naim speaker cables are no longer a good match. I’m going to look into Straight Wire, Cardas and Morrow speaker cables as my next step. |
tomthiel
To followup on jafant’s question regarding the hot rod updates, are you able to provide some details regarding your progress on the 3.6 upgrades?
Are you planning to release “complete hot rod kits” for each model, or generic suggestions for updating the various models?
Any update regarding when 3.6 designs may be ready, and when Rob G. will be able to offer them?
Many thanks!
rosami
|
Hi Guys.
I haven't posted here very often and for quite some time, but remain a loyal Thiel fan and come back to read this thread often when i have time.
For some background info...I own both CS3.6s (about 23 years!) and a much newer pair of CS2.4s which i purchased in March of 2019. The reason I purchased the 2.4s was to try to ascertain if an issue I began hearing after I had the "DR" update to my Naim 300 amp was speaker or electronics related. Turns out I heard the same issues on both the 2.4s and 3.6s. So for the last almost-2-years, I've been listening-making changes-listening...and have made significant progress. The most significant change was probably "time" - I think my amp needed many hundreds of hours of burn-in before an upper-midrange glare and harshness became more acceptable. Also, changing my speaker cables from Naim NACA5 to Townshend Isolda cables was significant.
I've now decided to keep my 3.6s, sell my 2.4s (hope it's OK to plug my new ad on the "other" audio marketplace-in case anyone is interested in a really nice pair of 2.4s) and continue anxiously looking forward to Tom's upgrades on the 3.6s, especially given the recent posts discussing an upper-midrange glare present on the 3.6s that Tom will address.
I've listened to quite a few speakers in the last 20-odd months and sat through quite a bit of BS from dealers criticizing Thiels, but after it all, I'm pretty confident that my 3.6s are still the real deal, and are worth the wait for Tom's magic.
Thanks for all the good info - this thread continues to be a great place to read about and share our love of Thiel speakers!
|
mr_bill
While this is only my personal opinion-listening in my room with my gear-it's obvious that the 3.6s and 2.4s have many of the same positive attributes-of which we're all aware.
I think the 2.4s are somewhat higher resolution speakers than the 3.6s; they have the ability to uncover somewhat greater detail in recordings and perhaps (i'm not sure of this) slightly better imaging and space cues. The larger 3.6s are more at ease with dynamic material and have a more extended bottom end. The mid-bass is somewhat "slower" than the 2.4's (obvious on "fast" electronics such as my Naim system) and improving this area would be one of my main "wants." Also, the 3.6s seem to have an upper-mid glare, and this has been made more evident after I had my amp updated. But overall, in my room, the greater dynamic ease, separate midrange driver, and more extended bottom-end of the 3.6s were the main reasons i decided to keep those speakers. I'm hoping that-with Tom T.'s hot-rodding, there may be potential for greater improvement compared to the 2.4s. It was a tough decision though because the 2.4s do just about everything right.
|
jafant
I'd like to add my name to the list of folks who've expressed their thanks for this thread. This is probably the most knowledgeable and committed group of Thiel owners anywhere-and the fact that there have been no trolls or troublemakers in this group is some kind of magic.
Happy Anniversary!
|
Those 3.7s on ebay are gorgeous. Every time a nice pair comes along I drive myself crazy. My 3.6s are sounding really excellent-with a caveat or two-and i wonder about the logic of spending so much given how good the 3.6s are. I also wonder weather Tom T's upcoming mods will be too much for non-techies and how much effort will be involved. Yup - first-world problems are a bitch.
|
For something different -- i waited until after the SB to post :) -- based on a comment i read from Paul McGowan, i purchased Billie Eilish's new CD "when we all fall asleep, where do we go?" I listened to it earlier today and Wow! While not exactly the type of music i generally listen to, it's really well recorded (reportedly on a cheap system in her bedroom) and really shows how good our Thiels are--bass, imaging,depth, resolution--are all there! Highly Recommended. |
tomthiel
I think shipping the speakers isn't a great option given the cost and risk of damage; Rob already told me he wouldn't recommend it for the larger speakers.
The crossover board swap seems a good option-provided that detailed instructions are included on how to disconnect them, hopefully without having to desolder connections on the boards (perhaps cutting the wires and then using a quick connect for the new boards?). I anxiously read your updates on progress in the hot-rod garage!
|
jonandfamily
Not being able to listen to the 3.7s in my room is the primary reason I've not purchased them. While their high cost is a consideration, I'm more concerned with how the load they present compares to my 3.6s and my amp's ability to drive them. Also, I have concerns about the upper-mid-range of the 3.7s - regarding compatibility with my updated Nam amp which now requires careful matching. All this points to the need to audition the 3.7s in my room, and as you already state--that's unlikely.
I'm actually not as concerned with the low end of the 3.7s compared to the 3.6s. I actually had the opportunity to audition the 3.7s against the 3.6s in my former house (I knew Thiel's PR guy, who bought the 3.7s to my house for audition) and really liked the increased tightness and definition of the 3.7s bass/mid-bass and overall superior resolution compared to the 3.6s. I decided to pass them up because the midrange was somewhat thin and sterile in my old room and old system. I sometimes regret that decision but still think the 3.6s are very good.
|
