I just scored a sweet pair of CS 2.4SE loudspeakers. Anyone else currently or previously owned this model? Owners of the CS 2.4 or CS 2.7 are free to chime in as well. Thiel are excellent w/ both tubed or solid-state gear!
I would like an opportunity to demo the Pass Labs , Conrad Johnson and B.A.T. integrated amps for openers. AudioNet, Accuphase and Audio Note also makes the list. Especially interested in SR, Jorma, EnKlein, Elrod and Kubala Sousna cabling.
My only and foundational gear at this juncture is the Thiel CS 2.4SE loudspeakers. The electronics will be built around my speakers. A simple 2-channel , yet, Reference system is all that I need.
Not sure about needing a subwoofer at this time? Happy Listening!
Back to you. We know you're seeking to finalize your system around the Thiels "by 2017" but I don't think you've mentioned your current associated gear - and what is being replaced. I know you're considering Pass for amplification, but what else?
very insightful advice regarding wether or not to use an eq. Also, solid state vs tubes and the veiling of your own "sound", in your own listening space. We all have to try to figure out the factors that work.
All listening spaces are different, all of our hearing / taste is different as well. Keep striving for the absolute sound- this is my personal quest.
unsound- as helpful advice from you, our audiophile friend. Hope you are gearing up for Thanksgiving. What a wonderful time of year to enjoy your system!
good to see everyone sharing info and experiences regarding their fave Thiel loudspeaker models.
oblgny- Thanks! for the updates. Yes, your business does have a fast run as we round out 2016. Wine and Spirits are very popular this time of Season. I would certainly keep those eq- maybe another fan can use them.
richardp01, I some how feel somewhat responsible for causing you some level of neurosis over the eq. Every room is different, and as Jafant has wisely noted, we all hear differently. Keep the eq in case you move. In the mean time, as I'm not in the habit of arguing with success, if it's working for you sans eq: enjoy!
oblgny, Sell the mistakenly purchased eq. The 3.5's eqs are just plain better. It'll end up just collecting dust. I've got a bunch of assorted boxes doing just that. Someone else might actually need it.
I have been reading the strong opinions about the 3.5 equalizer that I eliminated from my system by using a subwoofer so I tried it back in my system again. I get the same result as before. The midrange is a bit more veiled and the instruments, voices and over all image appear slightly larger, When I go back to my arrangement with the Velodyne sub and no equalizer the midrange seems cleaner and the bass is tighter.
I would conjecture that the slightly larger image that the equalizer produces in my system is due to a lack of overall focus. I can't be sure if this would apply to all 3.5 systems because: a. I am dealing with room responses that I can't really alter; but others could; b. I have a 100-watt tube amp that may be bloating the boosted bass load from the equalizer that a larger, solid state amp could better handle; c. the tighter bass due to the massive solid state amplifier and active feedback in the Velodyne system may be doing less smearing and enlarging of the midrange image or maybe not; and d. the midrange driver is no longer getting carry over of the boosted bass through it's first order, 400-hz crossover.
The Stereophile review of the CS3.5 has a graph of the equalizer response that indicates it only affects the frequencies below 300 hz so I question the notion that it is somehow improving the midrange response and image. In my situation i think it is an extra link in the signal chain that adds an extra layer of veil to the sound. So much to know, so little time.
Yes, I rushed in and bought the eq thinking it was the 3.5 eq - my error. I'm going to keep it anyway.
I've been too caught up in business this week to contact Thiel. (I'm in the wine/spirits biz and the next six weeks are NUTS). I will do so tomorrow in the morning.
I've read as much on the 3.6 m's as I have on my 3.5's and my curiousity regarding the 3.6's will bear fruit only by becoming geographically desirable. (I started out with 2's). Heck, I drove to Massachusetts to pick up my first pair of 3.5's. Finding a pair of 3.6 wouldn't make me trade off nor sell my 3.5's, either. Hell, no.
jafant often mention's a system's synergy in describing his experiences, and for myself, for now and the foreseeable future, Pass and Thiel are the best I've had. Cables and perhaps preamps may still find changes depending upon circumstances, but Thiel and Pass are my reference points. They're locked.
oblgny, I would caution you on assuming that the later Thiel 3.6's are better than the earlier 3.5's. Many would agree with that, but I don't. I much prefer the earlier 3.5's, much like I prefer the earlier 5i's to the later models.
oblgny, Let me guess; you bought an eq for Thiel 3's instead of 3.5's? The 3.5's eq was a nice upgrade over the 3's eq. I have admit, considering how the eq works, the bi-wireable binding posts on the 3's would appear to be a good option with eq. On the other hand, Audiogon member Lrsky, who used to work at Thiel around that time has claimed that the eq works beyond the bass spectrum, which would negate that consideration. While I don't doubt the sincerity of his assertion, I haven't seen anything that would confirm it. Have you reached out to Pass Labs or Thiel yet?
I'll turn 60 before the end of this year so the prospect of switching out 60-75 pound amplifiers or even heavier speakers on the timetable I have been using has gotta stop!
unsound's suggestion regarding mono-modding the eq's for my 3.5's is a much physically easier upgrade path for me - as are jafant's cabling posts.
My choice of amplifiers IS done. Speakers? I most definitely would consider moving up to CS 3.6's if any become available. I would have bought a pair of CS7's listed here for $1750 but the gent wouldn't ship them. Anyone in Florida reading? The listing ended but...hoping he'll re-list. If yer down there scarf them up!
The eq I bought in haste off of eBay is the wrong one. I'm watching the other one linked here now.
<---is an idiot. Aaaargh.
C'est la vie.
PS: this Khozmo passive pre with the PL X150.5 does have some serious merits. I keep mentioning "articulate" when I espouse Thiel and/or Pass in general, and after having the Khozmo in line all week that aspect of both is affirmed. I switched my cables to anti-cable level ones all around which haven't quite asserted themselves yet.
The Pass sounds noticeably better with at least 30 minutes of warm-in, and I've yet to make the meter wiggle but a hair, so I'm in class A all the time methinks.
Articulate. Linear. Clean. At modest to moderate levels everything is simply there.
It has taken me a long time to get to this spot and I am truly pleased as all hell. Once I find out if the Thiel eq modification will be do-able per unsound's suggestion, I'll consider myself done.
Roger that. I just bought a Thiel eq off of eBay for $108 shipped. Lucky me.
Per your suggestion I will contact Pass and explain the path I'd like to take. I'll also give a shout out to Thiel as well.
Wow, "modded" 3.5's. I'm pinching myself.
But a final word on that. I've mentioned before that I leave the eq in, largely because I figure that Mr. Thiel knew more about his design than I ever will. Secondly, by removing it I found the spatial characteristics became diminished. I did this blindfolded with assistance from my girlfriend on four separate occasions. It stays in.
I have read several times about VTL being a sonic match for Thiel speakers. This company is on my must demo list- can you suggest a VTL or VAC dealer/retailer?
Continued.... available now, or some impedance customizations for your specific gear (unlikely necessary, but heck now is the time to ask), or who knows what? Might mitigate some of the issues some claim to be bothered by with the Thiel eq?
Oblgny, you might want to reach out to both Pass Labs and BAT about your plans to do these we balanced mods. Both are amongst the biggest advocates of balanced operation. I don't have any experience with BAT, but Nelson Pass and the people he has around him have for many, many years have been amongst the most generous in the industry in helping customers with technical concerns. Some time ago there where a couple of companies offering replacement eq'for speciific speaker models such as Those fromB&W, KEF, Thiel etc. Many Since they would be going in for surgery, perhaps there are some now available parts upgrades
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