Thiel Owners

I have an opportunity to score some Thiel 2 2's, which would replace my Vandersteen Treo CT's.  I like the Treos, but I have really fond memories of Thiel 2 2's that I had years ago.  They would be paired with an Ayre AX 20 integrated.  I am not one who deeply understands phase angles and impedance curves, current demands, sensitivity plots, etc.  I would heartily appreciate any thoughts on pairing the Thiels with the Ayre.  And, also any overall thoughts on what I might achieve and give up with the swap.

77jovian

Nice (potential) score on those 2.2 speakers.  I certainly can attest for AYRE and Thiel being sonic matches. I enjoy the same Integrated Amp with CS 2.4SE loudspeakers.

What other gear and cabling is in your System?

Happy Listening!

After spending a good part of nine days with the new-to-me CS2.2 speakers, I can say they are a substantial upgrade in every way over my CS1.5 which I still think highly of. Detailed but not harsh, balanced, and good imaging despite still finding the best location for them. The highs are airy, mids are very good, and sometimes I think the bass is slightly lacking.... then the mood of the music changes or I change genres and suddenly all the bass in the music is there.

foamcutter - congratulations on your purchase.

The CS2.2 is dear to me, having served as my location recording monitor and small venue playback for 35 years. I have recently been developing performance upgrades, and the 2.2s have served as workhorses for much of that work. There will be user-installable performance enhancements available one of these days.

Note that Thiel developed this tweeter from the ground up for the CS5. Although its technology was later surpassed, it served brilliantly in the CS5, 3.6 and 2.2.

@77jovian ,

Thiel CS2 2 loudspeaker Measurements | Stereophile.com

Ayre Acoustics AX-5 integrated amplifier Measurements | Stereophile.com

Unlike some other Thiel models the CS 2.2's only have a somewhat small and fairly brief dip below 4 Ohms While the Ayre is not actually spec'd to deal with the Thiel CS 2.2's, and FWIW wouldn't be my choice to power them; depending of course on your room and desired volume levels I think you'll  find the AX- 20 adequate.