Thiel Owners

@thoft I haven't had a pair of 3.5's to compare.  A pair came up for sale locally a few years ago however the condition was poor.  If I buy another pair it will be the CS5i's.

Hey @jafant 

Updated my system

 

@tomthiel do you by chance have the Mahler 7 - CSO Abbado on DG?  The track I used was the beginning of mvt 5.  If not I can post a snip of the track for testing purposes.

Picked up a pair of 1.6's a few months back and have been hooked.  This past weekend a pair of mint 3.6's came up at a local hifi shop.  They are now in my living room and I couldn't be happier with them.

I haven't spent much time with mixing and matching.

Speakers: Thiel 3.6
Amplifier: Krell TAS (not bridged)
Preamp: B&K PT5
CD/SACD: Sony S570
Cables: Chord

Also picked up a pair of the Sound Anchors for the 3.6's.  Rock solid foundation and I feel much better about them not tipping over as easily now.  The Sistrum stands look great but my are they expensive!  Anyone done a side by side with various stands?

Aloha Folks!  Been a long time and quite a bit has changed.  One thing that hasn't is the love of music!

Picked up a Krell FBI that has been freshly checked over.  This hooked up to 2.7's is another few notches up from a MSB Analog to Bryston 7BST setup.  So much so I'm putting the Brystons up for sale.  I went back and forth between the Krell and the MSB/Bryston setup and it is so much different for the better in my room with my musical tastes.

The Krell FBI is the one that is a FPB-300CX with a builtin preamp.

I have a pair of Bel Canto REF600M's coming this week. Current amps are a Krell TAS and a Bryston 3BST.  More as I get the new units setup and broken in.

Anyone already tried Thiels with Class D amps?

3.6 Upstairs
1.6 Downstairs

@thieliste The Gryphon Diablo 300 looks amazing.  Have you heard it in your setup?  I imagine used they still are expensive.  I'd love to do a comparison between the Gryphon and the Krell.  Will check around my area to see if anyone has one.  The FBI at 104lbs is a pain to move though.

I would be interested in comparing the Benchmark ABH2 to the Bel Canto Ref600M's.  Checking around to see if someone has one in the area.

@jafant I wanted to go the ARC Ref 5SE to Bryston 7BST route however the Krell FBI changed that.  I would have preferred to have them side by side to compare however have no regrets on selling the Bryston for the Krell.

Reporting back on class D amps and Thiels (in my space).

I bought a pair of the Bel Canto REF600M monos back in November to use with a pair of 1.6's.  They worked well however were very recording dependent.  I then got my hands on a pair of 2.7's and it was a little better.  They control the speakers very well especially in the bass.  I tried Tara Labs, Kimber, Acoustic Zen, and AudiQuest speaker cable.  The interconnects were Transparent.  I don't believe this is the best that the system can do.  I'm going to mess with positioning and some basic treatments to the room.

In another room I have the 3.6's and the Bel Canto amps didn't fare much better there either.  The separation of instruments and depth is amazing however instruments seem to lose some of their individual color.  I usually run a Krell TAS in that setup.  Speaking to Krell they stated that the TAS isn't made to run below 4 ohm speakers so I'm going to look at getting a FPB or Evolution monos.  Going to mess around with placement and treatments in that room as well.

The Bel Canto amp does however mate very well with a pair of B&W CD1SEs.  I'm using that as an office system and the synergy is fantastic.  Cables are homemade Kimber PBJ and Mogami balanced.

Another vote for the Bryston 7B ST monos with Thiels.

I have recently acquired a pair of the last design of the 7BST before they released the SST series.

They are running in parallel mode driving a pair of 2.7's with excellent results.

@jserio If I didn't have a pair of 2.7's I'd be all over those!

Cable Update:

Krell TAS --> DH Labs Q10 --> Thiel 3.6

Bryston 7B-ST (Parallel Mode) --> ELF Custom Silver Surfers --> Thiel 2.7

This is the best results that I have gotten so far. 

While messing with some custom cables (Belden 8473 in a Kimber-esqe configuration) that used tinned-copper in another setup I set out looking for other tinned or coated copper cables.  Found the DH Lab and ELF cables for a reasonable price locally.

Looking at making some cables from Dueland wire in the near future.

@batmanfan

Regarding the pre/pro I've been running a Mytek Brooklyn+ providing signal to a pair of Bryston 7BST monoblocks which are powering a pair of 2.7's.

Mainly classical and jazz with a fair bit of rock.

The Mytek can convert DSD,DXD,MQA, etc etc etc and also includes a MM/MC phono preamp.

@arvincastro


Regarding Class D amps - I have a pair of the Bel Canto REF600M's.  I've tried them on my 3.6's and 2.7's.  I didn't care for them when compared to the Krell TAS (3.6's) and Bryston 7BST parallel mode (2.7's).  I've since changed cables and am going to listen to them again in both systems.

Currently they are running a pair of B&W CDM1SE's in an office system and are amazing for that build.

ovinewar

I went from a Bryston 3B ST to a pair of 7B ST's.  The difference was night and day and the 3B is no slouch.  I'm running the 7B in parallel mode driving a pair of 2.7's.

hth

thielrules

for a fair amount of material w/o measuring anything I am forced to agree with you.  I should be thorough in my posts as the devil is in the details!

for the most part I listen to large scale works where there are large dynamic as well as textural changes.  this is where the difference lies for me between the 3B and 7B amps

for example right now I have on the Berlioz Sym Fantastique - Solti - CSO huge dynamic contrasts and the large ensemble is used sparingly quite often

not only is there more impact and weight during the loud parts but the resolution in the softer parts is clearer while still having excellent weight

what do you use as a reference recording(s)? the Berlioz isn't a reference as much as it is what I want to listen to at the moment  

@thielrules - popping a beer and sitting down to read your paper

Regarding the differences between the 2.3 and 2.4.

I would really like to put the 2.3 next to the 2.4 next to the 2.7 and listen to the difference.  I have 1.6, 2.7, and 3.6 and enjoy them all immensely however have not had the opportunity to hear the same line side by side.

If anyone is interested there are a pair of 2.2's in black at Hawthorne Stereo in Seattle.  One of the woofers shows evidence of re-gluing the surround.  The passive radiators show signs of delamination as well.

@arvincastro regarding Class D amps - I have a pair of the Bel Canto REF600M monos.  My initial impression driving either 2.7's or 3.6's wasn't favorable and I believe this was due to a poor match with other associated components.  At the time everything that I had was going towards the accurate side of the spectrum and this may have not been a good recipe to insert the Bel Cantos into.

I need to try them again with the Thiels using my newest preamp - a Levinson 326s.

As a point of partial reference I'm running the 2.7's with Bryston 7BST monos and the 3.6's with a Krell TAS in stereo mode.

The Bel Canto amps are currently running B&W CDM1SE's in an office system with excellent results.

Also thanks to everyone who is involved in keeping Thiel alive on this forum and elsewhere!

@arvincastro

What linestage did you end up with? I'm looking at Aesthetix and Audio Research for the same reasons as you stated.

@thielrules

I'm in Seattle and have a pair of 2.7's that I'd be willing to submit to testing.

@jafant 2.7 (255 & 256)

Had the opportunity to try MIT 750 shotgun speaker cables today.  
From Krell TAS to 3.6 and from Bryston 7BST’s to 2.7.

In my setups there was now a mid bass hump and a lack of deep bass.  The mids were a little sweeter and there was additional sparkle to the highs.

I was really excited and ended up being disappointed.  The reviews did mention that the MIT cable works well when using all of the same brand (I mean what marketing department would say otherwise!!!).

Anyone else have experience with MIT and Thiels?

Currently running DH Labs Q-10 and Kimber 8VS respectively.

I have 2 pairs of Tara Labs cables. One set only states that they are the Space & Time model (they are in a smoke colored plastic jacket with a pair of solid core wires for each positive and negative).  The other set is called Astral Blue.  They didn’t mate well between the Bryston 7BST and the 2.7’s.

@jafant this is the review that led me to try MIT.  Could it be that I need to try it with the 330 from preamp to amp in addition to the 750’s? Perhaps it is however I haven’t had the opportunity as of yet.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/mit-mi-330-proline-shotgun-interconnects-amp-mh-750-shotgun-spea...

@paradisecom Reach out to Rob here:

https://www.coherentsourceservice.com/

I have an MSB Analog DAC feeding the Krell FBI.  Debating spending 4K on the renderer and power supply upgrade or going say the Lumin T2 route.  Think I'm going to do the 60 day demo on the Lumin.  The MSB is being fed via usb from an Intel NUC.

Will look up the DACs mentioned.

The beauty of the FBI is you can bypass the preamp.  I would love to try an Audio Research Ref 5 SE or a Conrad Johnson and then switch back and forth and see what they all sound like.

Does this ever end!!!! :-) 

@yyzsantabarbara Good stuff!

@thieliste What are you looking at for a streamer?  I'm in the market as well.

@thieliste How about the NAIM ND5XS2?  Any experience with that one?

@jon_5912 Do your AQ cables have a burgandy jacket?  I have a pair of (I think AQ 4) cables that work great with 2.7's.  Simple no-fluff cables.

@thoft I was using a pair of Bryston 7BST's with the 2.7's.  Once I got a Krell FBI I put the Brystons up for sale.  The Brystons were excellent in that system.  The Krell however is a much better match.  Can't speak to the 3.7's.  I do have 3.6's in another room though.

@prof  Which CJ amp are you running?  I have used Bryston 3BST and 7BST's and heard the same thing.  The Krell FBI has all of the advantages of SS while not leaning toward the "thinner, flatter, more icy in tone and texture".

@tmsrdg which specific piano recordings?  I want to listen to what you are referencing.

@jafant Computer --> MSB Analog --> Krell FBI --> CS2.7 = :-)

@therealpupalei what did you do with the Krell TAS?  I have one and run it in stereo mode to a pair of 3.6's.  The preamp is the Levinson 326S.  This is my large orchestra setup.

@jafant with regards to monoblocks

I sold the Bryston 7B-ST's once I got my hands on a Krell FBI.  My girlfriend was blown away by the difference as well. 

I hear everyones point on clarity and truth if you will however some recordings sound awful on neutral gear/systems.  

With my setups I want all of the best of Thiel without the leanness/harshness.

Listening to a wide range of recordings from various sources (stream/LP/CD etc) and genres has led me to value some coloration if you will.  My goal is not to sacrifice anything that the 2.7 and 3.6 do so well while still enjoying a wide range of music.

@jon_5912 Were you able to repair the crossover?

Another thought - does anyone have 3.6's that could run a test for me?  I can send you a song that produces the crackling.  I'm thinking this may have always been there however you don't hear it unless you are really close and off to the side of the tweeter.

I've already tried this on the 2.7's and did not hear the crackling regardless of where I stood or how close I was to the tweeter.

Does anyone have the specs on the tweeter for the 3.6(D26AG-36)?  If you listen off to the side and rather close to the tweeter you can hear crackling on music with strong lower treble upper mid energy - like timpani for classical music.  If you listen out front you can't hear it at all at any volume.  I'm not sure how long this has been there either. 

What are the chances that something has gone bad on the crossover?

Will be calling Rob about this on Monday.  Want to see what else is out there should I need new tweeters.

@ctsooner That is what my hunt has been for. Any speaker can produce sound. A carefully matched system can reproduce music and that is what I’m after as well. Currently my most involving setup is this:

Intel NUC running wtfplay (Synergistic Active USB) or Cal Audio Labs CL-10 (Synergistic X coaxial) --> MSB Analog DAC --> AudioQuest G Snake --> Krell FBI Integrated --> AQ 4 (I think) speaker cables --> Thiel CD2.7

Big wide deep dynamic with what I hear as accurate timbre of instruments.

When I need bass that the 2.7 cannot reproduce I hookup a Definitive SuperCube II to the preamp outs on the Krell.

@therealpupalei - what do you think of the PS compared to your previous Krell?

I'm using a Krell TAS to power a pair of 3.6's.  Love it!

@therealpupalei what do you think of the PS amp? 

I have a Denon HTR and have hooked it up to my Krell to Thiel setup. This wasn't a good match at all.  The preamp I use now (Levinson 326S) is significantly more expensive however is an excellent match for the system. I've also used the Mytek Brooklyn as preamp/DAC and the MSB Analog as preamp/DAC.  The Levinson gives it more weight with more meat on the bones without interfering with what the 3.6's do so well.

@therealpupalei yes you needed to short out the XLR inputs when using the single ended inputs as that can cause issues

its unfortunate that you had such issues as the Krell TAS is an excellent piece of gear.  I would have liked to hear your impression of it once it was working properly.  I have called Krell on several occasions and have had no issues.  With regards to the Krell TAS they said unless it was broken or having issues it did not need to be serviced.

@jon_5912 I would have shipped it back.  Had that happen with a pair of 2.4's unfortunately.  The cabinet arrived cracked and one of the drivers was blown.  Honestly I think the owner knew they were damaged and wanted the insurance money.  Fortunately it was through Ebay and I promptly got my money back. 

Had the opportunity to put an ARC CD6 into the system with Krell FBI and Thiel 2.7.  The top through midbass was amazing...the best this system has ever sounded.  However once you got into the bass it had no bite.  Symphonic bass drum sounded like they were being struck with pillows.  Double bass didn't have the grunt on the front of the note where appropriate.  Overall I would describe it as "rounded".

Has anyone compared the CD6 to other ARC spinners with Thiels?  My 3.6 are currently damaged and awaiting repair so I couldn't test those.

@jafant always appreciate your perspective

I was using Transparent Super XLR.  I have a much older pair and the dealer gave me a pair of the recent ones to try.  The newer pair was better in the bass however I still couldn't live with it.

I've read great things about the ARC CD9 and Aesthetix players however would be hesitant to buy either without auditioning them at home.  

I will say this - the depth, width, dynamics, and tonal qualities of the 2.7's never cease to amaze!

@jafant I've found that an old pair of simple AudioQuest (I think 4) cables sound the best on the 2.7 and DHLabs Q-10 sounds best on the 3.6.  The rooms are also quite different.  The 2.7 better damped and the 3.6 a little bit more live due to hard surfaces.

Another note on the ARC CD6 test.  I didn't mess with speaker cables at all during that test - only interconnects.  Thiel/Krell has never been known for soft/weak/wooly/uncontrolled bass so I didn't think to mess with the speaker cables.  If I get the chance to test another ARC spinner I'll mess with speaker cables as well.

@tomthiel I've been looking for a pair of the Goertz cables to try however none have popped up locally.

@tomthiel I have a pair of the Straightwire Maestro speaker cables.  Haven't had them in the system in a while and will give them a spin this weekend.

Has anyone heard the soft-dome replacement tweeter for the 3.6?  I was notified that there are no more OEM replacements available.