Thiel Owners
I am back :-). I sold my CS2.4 a few years ago, and after that I regretted ever since. And I’ve been waiting for a pair showing up here at Audiogon for a few months. Just a week ago, one pair came up for $1500 and I wasted no time getting them. Their is also a pair of CS3.7 here locally in Socal but the asking price is $5500 which is a bit more than I am willing to spend. I think the CS2.4 is good enough for me. Now it’s all good. |
Hello again, Thanks for those who posted in response to my tube power question. BTW, I ended up buying a Mac7200. It is SS with 200 watts and is stable for the 3.6 load. It has a phonostage and DAC...that was a deciding factor. I was an ARC guy, so I see how I like it. Does anyone experience with this pairing? TIA, Bill |
Get stands first. There are methods for dialing in settings (I have a pair of S/812s with my 3.7s). REM (https://www.roomeqwizard.com/) is free and one will need a USB mic (like https://www.daytonaudio.com/product/1116/umm-6-usb-measurement-microphone) and to run the program. There's also things like the Studio Six Digital Audio Tools App (https://studiosixdigital.com/audiotools-modules-2/acoustic-analysis-modules/) for use with a phone or tablet along with a mic (e.g. https://www.daytonaudio.com/product/1117/imm-6-idevice-calibrated-measurement-microphone) or use of an outboard RTA (for example I have an old Audio Control R130 like this one - https://reverb.com/item/12254790-audiocontrol-r-130-real-time-analyzer-rta-analog-see-what-your-mixes-sound-like) |
Well, Decided to Setup the MCS1 speakers and REL S/812. Sounds very similar to the CS2.4’s so far but I’m not sure about setting the sub crossover exact as I should. Does anyone have tips for doing it? some frequencies are not apparent but that could be because I have standing on the floor (currently looking for stands) |
@jonandfamily have you tried the 3.6 replacement tweeter? If you did do you have the measurements with the OEM tweeter vs the replacement soft-dome? |
bill10907 You might check out my setup in my primary “Virtual System”. After having high powered Krell, Bryston, McIntosh etc with my 3.6s, I’ve been very happy with Audio Research tubes on amp and preamp.
I started with VSi60 integrated amp with KT 120s, then Ref 110, Ref 75, Ref 150 and now Ref 250 mono amps. Each amp had classic ARC sound with huge soundstage (tall, wide and deep), separation with precise imaging and I think you’d be surprised at how well the VSi60 Watt integrated amp drives the big Thiels in spite of most recommending high powered solid state amps. |
bill10907 Nice "old" system. The good news is that Thiel speakers does respond well to Tubed gear (CJ, P.S. Audio, VAC and VTL) just to name a few. I am a big fan of the CJ CAV 45 control amp. I would like to see the S3 version with more current and power output. Great opportunity there. Let's see how CJ approaches the next version. Classe' is certainly a sonic match. Now, to address your Wattage query. Anywhere from 50 to 300 watts will be sufficient. Much will depend on your room and volume preference. Keep me posted as you demo the Amps.
Happy Listening! |
Jafant, Nothing! Just my pair of 3.6. I want to get an integrated tube amp, Cardas Clear or Cardas Clear Beyond for cables, and something to stream with. Budget is 10-12 grand CAN. I don't buy new. Future will be CS6s, but not now. Used to have clear beyond cables, Classe 400 watts, ARC PH8 phono, ARC REF 3 pre, Clearaudio Performance SE table, and a Stradivari cartridge. Looking to build a new system anchored with tube amp. After using the CJ 60se in my 1.6 house system, I think the Classe "voiced" the speakers, not the tubes feeding the amp feeding the 3.6. Love CJ, but will 45 tube watts be enough? How about 75? Will I need 200 tube watts? That is my first question: wattage? |
Hi, I used to have a pretty great analog system driving a pair of 3.6s. I was powering them with 300 watts SS. I had to get rid of that system, except the speakers of course. In the meantime I was listening to a pair of 1.6 driven by a Conrad Johnson Classic 60se, a tube amp. It was a glorious match. I know the philosophy was tube preamp and SS amp, but I now believe it is the amp, the last thing in the chain, that "voices" the speaker. l have read that tube watts are entirely different than SS watts, but I thought I'd ask the gurus to weigh in. How many tube watts do I need to drive 3.6, and later 6s, to very loud levels. Garage is 20 x 20 ft with 8-foot ceilings. |
Ironically, that’s a question. I sought to answer myself, but I’m not sure I ever truly answered.
When I had both the 3.7 and 2.7 at the same time, I found it they were very close in terms of the sense of bass depth. Although I could tell that 3.7 went a tiny bit lower, and had a slightly bigger sense of overall scale.
After I sold the 3.7 s, I was generally fine with the frequency range of the 2.7, but I finally did try and integrate a couple of subwoofers. I had two JL Audio 110E subs, a terrific CR1 crossover, and a Dspeaker Anti mode for room correction in the bass.
The difference was actually pretty subtle subjectively in terms of extending the bass and what it added to the sound. I would say, yeah, it added, perhaps a bit more scale and dimensionality. But I don’t really I didn’t like this slight change the characteristics that the subwoofers brought to the overall sound. Plus I found at least my room 2.7 sounded more punchy without the subwoofers. So I sold them.
Ultimately, if you upgrade to the 3.7s what I think you’ll get is a little more reach in the bottom, but not a lot. But also some greater scale to the sound in terms of imaging and sound staging, and slightly more refinement overall to the sound. The bass is a bit more linear, The mid range and highs a bit more suave and refined, and the 3.7 speakers disappear a little bit better.
I hope that’s helpful. |
cawgijoe, I installed PowerPlene 1.2 speakers in a conventional 2x4 wall cavity (studs 16" o.c.) without problem, though my sheetrock was 5/8" thick, not 1/2". Long dimension of the speakers are parallel to the studs. I don't think the additional 1/8" is a big deal but YMMV. They've been installed since 2016 without problem. Good luck! |
cawgijoe Good to see you here again. Stay tuned until one of our Power plane experts chimes in to address your query. We have a few fans/owners of the PP on The Panel. What other gear are you planning for your retirement home? Feel free to post and save pics for a Virtual Systems page. That would be very educational. Happy Listening! |
Hey all, I’m in the process of building a new retirement home and have two Thiel Powerplane 1.2 in wall speakers that I want to install to use in a two channel system. I read the Thiel owners/instruction manual which states that you don’t just want to mount them to drywall alone due to vibration possibility. I contacted Rob Gillum and purchased two metal support templates that fit between 16” center wall studs. Looks like a good solution for support and so that the drywall people can cut the correct hole. |
@tomthiel Would you happen to have the specs to the Integrator and room compensation components on the SmartSubs? |
| Post removed |
| Post removed |
