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!
Jafant, Not all Pass Labs and Krell's can keep doubling down to 2 Ohms. Furthermore, even if a manufacturer suggests that they can, it might be prudent to check third party testing results such as those found in Stereophile, etc.. I quite often find that manufacturer claims, even from some of the more popular and respected brands frequently don't measure up to expectations. While I don't have a lot of confidence in all of the loudspeaker measurements, there seems to be little to fault with regard to their electronics measurements.
my demo w/ the Aesthetix gear was in a combo Macbook server/Oppo 105D, Vandy Treo/Quattro loudspeakers. It was a little tough to discern any fault(s) in that system. Both the Treo/Quattro speakers a very difficult to set up and dial-in to a room (i have read). I can report that the room was dead quiet and sound -proofed to the max, courtsey of John Fort Audio in Dallas TX.
I did spend a few different listening sessions over a few different weeks for good measure. In the past, I have enjoyed several Vandy auditions- the 2CE/Ci and 3A / A Signature speakers. IMO, these sound better than the Treo/Quattro. Overall, Vandy is not Thiel, which is the reason why, I prefer the CS Series- CS 2.4, CS 2.4SE, CS 2.7 & the mighty CS 3.7 loudspeakers.
Do you live in France? The Paris show is excellent, I read the reviews every year. Much Thanks! for posting your thoughts and impressions.
A few years ago, I had a demo w/ a system featuring TAD speakers as well. I was not impressed, especially, for that kind of money? So, the presentation may not be of ML fault? Every time I have demo'ed ML gear, I was not disappointed- even w/ Aerial loudspeakers (another disappointment).
Have not had an opportunity to audition Dan D'Agostino's gear, Gryphon as Jond pointed out, Hegel nor MW. I have spent time w/ the Aesthetix gear- it is excellent! You will enjoy your listening time.
As always, do not forget to give a shout-out to your local dealer/retailer.
Jafant, i was at the Paris high end show last weekend and was able to audition the latest gear on different speakers. You asked in an ealier post about lastest Mark Levinson gear, well i was able to audition the n° 519 all in one network player with a pair of n° 536 monoblocks driving TAD Compact Reference and i can tell you i was very disappointed. The Mark Levinson gear was very bright and fatiguing. I was considering this gear for my CS 3.7 but for this kind of money i can have much better. I liked very much the Gryphon Diablo 300, pretty warm, organic and what a base slam.That would be the integrated to choose for the bigger Thiels. As of seperates 4 good options are the Hegel H30, the Dan d'Agostino Classic amp, Modwright KWA 150 in stereo or mono config and last but not least Aesthetix amps and preamp. I'm going to audition Aesthetix gear this thursday at a dealer's. If you have the budget and want to go much higher end you have Steve McCormack's SMC audio gear. Regards,
Never any need to apologize- unsound. There is nothing wrong w/ being practical (dogmatic) about our wonderful hobby. It is quite easy to get lost within the manufacturers' hype, as these companies, attempt to sell their wares to the general public.
I started this thread for ALL of us. The good and bad, positive and negative, difference of opinions. No doubt that I am looking for a power amp that can double-down into the 2-Ohm region. Pass Labs and Krell will fit that bill.
Am I missing any other power amp manufacturers? Ayre? Classe' ?
Jafant, please forgive me if I appear dogmatic with regard to impedance, etc., but I do believe that these considerations are paramount when qualifying amplifiers for consideration with a given loudspeaker.
Thank You- unsound for your steadfast position on the sub 3-Ohm subject. I do not know the listening habits nor levels of the owner in that particular system?
I did inquire about any problem/issue(s) that he experienced w/ the overall synergy of the gear. The gentleman in question is more Vinyl that digital, if this makes a difference?
The Gryphon gear, as jond and unsound, suggests is really exciting for sure. It is hard to justify buying into a brand that does not have USA representation. The same fares well for Cabling, as much as , I am a proponent for it. Really some fantastic brands in the EU/Germany currently.
As we prepare for a new year, I remark, new possibilities regarding these companies obtaining U.S. distribution.
It wouldn't appear as though the Rogue's are ideal for sub 3 Ohm impedances: http://www.stereophile.com/content/rogue-audio-m-180-monoblock-power-amplifier-measurements#LVjCMXjMd2M7Rf56.97
I think you might find the Rogues to be within your wheelhouse - at least certainly pricewise.
I had a Cronus Magnum 100 w per side integrated and was quite content for a while. From what I've read excellent customer care as well. I was THIS close to buying a pair of M150's locally when my house needed a roof or something...
A (prospective) gentleman contacted me over the weekend from a different forum-Audio Asylum. He reported that in his system Rogue Audio M-180 mono blocks are mated w/ CS 2.7 loudspeakers. He uses a Rogue Audio pre-amp as well, Sony 5400ES and VPI TT. A hodge-podge of Cabling rounds out his rig. Mostly into Vinyl is his preference. I did extend a cordial invitation to join us here! Hope we gain a new contributor.
Thank You- oblgny, unsound, jond and nkonor, for your dealer/retailer shout-outs!
I have never paid a trip to Chicago. It, too, is on my must-visit list. Spring/Summer only :)
Good to learn that our major U.S. cities are continuing to represent the B&M Audio operations. I know about Decibel Audio (FWIW). I have read about Qunitessence and Essential Audio, never a poor word.
I have found a Krell dealer in SE Florida, much closer than the NE or Mid-West. Hope to make that trip as well in 2017.
I haven't been there in about 8 months or so, but they do indeed offer a lot of home theatre gear which, as you stated, is probably a hefty percentage of their business. Personally speaking I ain't no fan of home theatre nor surround sound.
Last time I was there they had a headphone "bar" upfront and some nice turntables as well. I suggested they start selling vinyl again, putting lp's in the window, etc. (I am a marketing genius, ain't I?). There's still enough 2 channel gear on display to make them worth my while.
Audio Breakthroughs in Manhassett is also a nice place to consider. I bought my Bluesound Vault2 there. It's a tad funkier than SE but they're cool peeps as well. It's not very far from Manhattan and there's ample parking in the rear. They even list used gear here sometimes. SE favors eBay for some reason although they used to list here as well.
However, to trade in and buy SE has been my choice for the past few years.
Funny: I traded in a pair of Dynaudio Contours to help fund a pair of Totem Hawks a while back. I bought the Dynaudios from a fellow member in Manhattan a little earlier on. A day or two passed and I received an email from David explaining that his tech had gone over the speakers after hearing a knock in the cabinets - something I never noticed myself. His tech removed around 5 plastic dinosaurs stuffed in the ports.
Now I know why many listings here contain the "from a smoke free, child free home" disclaimer.
re: Stereo Exchange in NYC, before the net and Audiogon, et al, my friends and I would get excited as we came towards Presidents day; as Stereo Exchange would have their annual sale, great prices on everything, but especially used gear, and they stood behind their sales. The last time I was there it seemed as though it was mostly home theatre stuff. When I inquired as to why this was, I was told without the home theatre stuff they probably couldn't exist.
Jafant if you’re willing to think a bit outside the box, as I see the same brands being recommended to you repeatedly how about Gryphon? There are some very knowledgeable folks out there who consider their gear amongst the very best SS amplification out there. No US distribution currently but there are some used models on Agon right now and Gryphon does provide service in the US just not sales according to their website.
Take your time, invest your time, it's your money and they're your ears. I've bought quite a few items from Stereo Exchange in NYC without a hitch, it being one of the VERY few stores you can still just walk right into without an appointment. Alan C., and owner David are just nice peeps to do business with. The gear I purchased, 2 pairs of Totem loudspeakers, 2 McIntosh amps etc. were all in stock. (That's just the new stuff I bought there, I've bought used as well.)
Of course, building your reference system around Thiel commands the patience you're demonstrating. I'd probably have bought and sold a good many things already.
Oh yeah, just for the record, I haven't bought anything this week.
In the final analysis, my passion lies within the quest and journey for the gear. I love the thrill of auditioning gear in person. There is zero value, for me, conducting a business transaction w/ dealers/retailers, via phone nor internet w/o an audition.
I live in Chicago. Have (5) Salons within a (1hr) drive. More within a (2hr) drive. Over the yrs; All have Provided in home demos at some point. Lived in Juneau, AK. Talk about living in an Audio Void. Traveled to Seattle,WA. Once a year to demo gear. Bought my Thiel 3.5s in Silverdale, WA. Air freight to Juneau. Since July 2016; Goodwins High End - Long term demo (2 months) of Spectral 30SV ; Reno HiFi - pair of Pass XA 160.8s ; Which I BOUGHT !
If you're a "serious buyer" w/ a budget & willing to pay shipping ; there are many dealers willing to ship you equipment for Demo. Including dealers on this site.
Budget and Serious Buyer; Are Key!
This is the 21st century; I have my "beefs" w/ all the carriers. Including air freight. It is what it is! But obstacles can be overcome.
NO BUGET = NO SYSTEM
No budget does NOT = Reference System
Intergated in Reference System?
Visit more dealers in 2017 ? You mean this thread will go on for another year? I recommended a used CD player. Your response was that it was too expensive for you. So there is a limit. Again, I ask your BUDGET??
"Cabling will be top of the line in a synergistic way w/ the gear..."Again, I ask your BUDGET??
Use Your Ears and BUDGET. Buy some gear already! Stop talking the talk; walk the walk.Your smile will get bigger when you can actually listen to your Thiels.
Same answers from us no matter how many times you ask. Krell, Classe’, Ayre, Pass. Older gear in the case of the first two for sonics and all for affordability. Difficult finding them used in the showrooms. Time to pick a path?
Praise for our gear, speakers and all dealers/retailers, is welcomed- gentle men. I have zero local representation in my locale, so, I travel to visit dealers/retailers. I am a businessman myself, nothing short of respect for our B&M audio operations nation-wide. And yes, unfortunately, the proverbial list is getting shorter. During the 2000's I worked very closely w/ Jay Valentino of Audio Resource in the New Orleans area. He was outstanding- offered in-home demo of gear, generous trade-up program and turned me on to Transparent cabling! Sadly, he is no longer in operation. This has left a void in many ways.
No budget. 2 channel system comprising of CD/SACD player, pre-amp and power amp. I may go the integrated amp route if i find one to my liking. Cabling will be top of the line in a synergistic way w/ the gear.
Smiling for now- nkonor. Of course i will support a B&M dealer. I still have a few to visit starting in the new year.
I've had 2 Audio Research preamps in the past, an LS2b hybrid and an LS 3 solid state. I'm pretty much as big a fan of their preamps as I am of Pass Labs/First Watt Amps which, as you know, I've been heaping praise upon all over this thread.
Pass SS mated with ARC hybrid/tubed preamps are very well suited for one another. IMHO Audio Research preamps are more "eager" than my B. A. T. is, although both are equally excellent. I may be buying another ARC listed here simply because...well, we all know THAT reason.
Also, I've seen a lot of nice ARC preamps here at very reasonable prices from 100% positive members. Like Thiel, preowned ARC's can be a relative bargain considering their quality.
I'm going to wager that your search will end up with at least ONE of my personal faves and I will do an Irish jig when that happens.
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