Thiel Owners

I had the opportunity to speak with him a few times, and he was always a patient, perfect gentleman.
I too am enamored with the 3.5's, IMHO all things considered, it might have been his best product. It takes much more money to get somewhat better performance. Being the absolute bargains they were when new, and even more so now on the used market, I fear that some don't realize that for them to be all they can be, they need to be fed with appropriate gear that could very well exceed the current cost of these speakers.
If your ever feeling generous about wine recommendations, please share! Though they're usually a bit out of my budget for regular consumption, amongst others, I have a particular fondness for both red and white Burgundies, and late harvest Rieslings.:-) 

Unsound...

Wow - you actually had an opportunity to speak with Jim Thiel?  I'm envious as hell. 

No other component I've had gives me more pleasure than these 3.5's. For me they've proven to be my reference point for quality loudspeakers overall.  They just get it right. 

I wish I had gotten into hifi again while he was still around. It would have been nice to meet him and thank him.  As some members here may know I've been in the wine business my entire life and I know many great winemakers personally here and abroad.  It would have been nice to shake the hand of Mr. Thiel indeed.  

I'm actually proud that I own a pair of his speakers. They are art in every respect. 

saffron_boots, Yes, Jim Thiel told me that his power recommendations were based upon quality 8 Ohm ss amplification ratings that could double down, and if one were to choose to use tube amplification they should double the power accordingly.

robinbarbour, While that would seem to make sense, I can't confirm or deny that to be true. Please keep in mind that while up until very recently one could find many attributes that Thiel speakers shared, Jim Thiel got there through various means. With the speakers under consideration, the 3.5's and 6's used eq'd sealed boxes or passive radiators, different box volumes, and perhaps most importantly different drivers and at different price points.

I've always assumed the recommended power was based on an 8 ohm load since that's how amps are normally advertised. It was up to you and your dealer to recognize that you needed one that doubled down at 4 and 2 ohm. 

UNSOUND - I have always been curious about these power ratings. Are they taking into account impedance at the higher rating? For instance with the CS 6 is the higher rating due to lower impedance swing?

The Thiel CS 6's are less sensitive, the minimum impedance nearly half that of the Theil 3.5's, and the Thiel recommended more power for the CS 6's (100-400 Watts per channel) than the CS 3.5's (50-250 Watts per channel).

oblgny, The spikes for the 3.5's are intended to couple the speakers to the floor where appropriate(!). These early Thiels were provided with two sets of spikes, one set was blunt tipped for direct contact with hard, firm flooring and the other set was pointed in order to pierce through carpeting to make contact with firm flooring. The spikes when inserted into the speaker bases hardly protruded, and not intended to be used just to elevate the speakers. In fact, Thiel suggested not using them when the speakers would be placed on flooring that might vibrate with such coupling. Thiel used to offer the replacement spikes for a very nominal fee.   

Michaeljbrown...

I can heartily recommend Pass Labs X150.5 or up. I've seen a few in your price range and to my ears were the best amps for my CS3.5's. 
The X150.5 is 150 watts X 2 into 8ohms, 300 into 4ohms. I had an ARC LSB2 for the preamp. 

Also, I can recommend looking into a Pass via Reno Hifi here. I have no affiliation or mercenary connection to Reno but my two quick transactions with Mark were exemplary.  I purchased a First Watt M2 from him and almost immediately stepped up to the 150.5.  Full credit for the M2 towards the 150.5. Pass ain't cheap at any level so knowing you're dealing with a class act is reassuring. 

Have fun in your quest.  Thiels reveal!

Jafant...

My current pair of 3.5's did not have the spikes included so I simply used some isolation blocks to raise them to the appropriate height having them would have provided. The pair I gifted to my nephew did have them so I could measure. 

I've never seen a pair of this model with outriggers anywhere so I have to think they were not designed for use?  A common issue when buying this model now is with the spikes sometimes as they tend to bust the plinth where they screw in, no doubt from attempting to reposition 'em without lifting them. They're relatively heavy so that's understandable. 

This pair did not experience that problem so if I come across a set of spikes somewhere I'll buy them. Not a real issue at all for me. 

Imagine getting these for $350 like I did - from a fellow member no less.  Easily my best ever purchase. 

Happy Listening!

Guys-

I have been re-visiting some of the older Thiel threads and offering updates. They are not limited to this thread. Some are in the Amp/Preamp section, Digital section...

oblgny

the newer models (CS 1.6/1.7/ 2.4/2.4se/2.7) are all recommended the outriggers. I do not know about the more vintage ones?

A beefy solid state power amp w/ plenty of current- michaeljbrown.

I have just bought a pair of CS6's, which brings me back into the fold after a year long fling with tubes and horns. Any suggestions for an Amplifier? I'm looking in the 3-5k range, 
Lets hear it guys!

All-

hope you are having a music -filled Thiel week.

As always, Thanks, oblgny and unsound.
Happy Listening!

^ FWIW, it does appear to be a very good value, butI think you'll find the Coda integrated will have less Class A bias than the separates.

Jafant...
I visited the Coda site earlier this morning and from what I was able to decipher was that they have dealers only.  No mention of a retailer.  

I've yet to see a Coda in any of the NY retail shops I visit so...

I may very well be buying that integrated listed here simply because of the Pass/Threshold history.  I bought my First Watt from Reno without auditioning and almost immediately jumped up to the X150.5, again without auditioning.  The most intriguing aspect about a Pass integrated is the money saved as opposed to buying a pre and an amp. Pass prices have really gone up since I had mine.  Dammit!

I know. Both the Pass Labs and First Watt is really on my mind.
I would have to demo the FW amp though.

Is there a Coda dealer/retailer that you can suggest?

Jafant
I've owned 2 pairs of 3.5's actually and have had these for about 1.5 years. I purchased these from a fellow member for a whopping $350 believe it or not.  My first pair were $800 and I drove to Massachusetts to pick them up. My nephew has those to this day. 

I never used the Thiels with my First Watt M2 amp but that's what drove me to the X150.5. The Coda amp I mentioned earlier is actually an integrated capable of 600 watts into 4 ohms. Decisions decisions...

danvignau-

good to see you again. PLease keep me posted on your situation w/ Thiel. I would like to read about your story and how it relates to Thiel.

unsound-

I was referring to the newer models like the .5 or .8 amps.
I like both the x-10 or x-20 pre-amps as well.

^Some of the Pass Aleph series amps might not be suitable.

Much Thanks! guys-

oblgny, how long have you owned the 3.5 speakers? Did you buy them new? What years were this model produced?

No doubt that any Pass Labs amp would satisfy these speakers from a power and current perspective. I am torn between separates and their integrated models...?

^IME, moving from a 3 series to a 2 series is not "...moving up...".

Jafant...
I'd say 30-45 minutes overall. I believe the cabling was Cardas.  I brought along my Astell & Kern AK100 portable player simply because it sounds excellent. 
Being so familiar and impressed by Thiel in general simply didn't warrant the expenditure at this point in time. There is no need for me to replace my 3.5's just because an opportunity to "move up" was geographically desirable. They are so damn good I'll require a true "wow" moment to pry them away from me. 

I've learned from past audio experience that I'm more curious than sensible sometimes, a trait that has me regretting letting go of my Pass X150.5 amp for...I forget what!  Aaaargh!  

I will however continue to explore more Thiel as opportunity and disposable income make possible; I'm hooked. For now my 3.5's will carry on. Extraordinarily difficult speakers to beat. 

How long did you demo? Did you use CD/LP/SACD?

Thanks! for sharing- oblgny

can you describe the system, including cabling, in which your demo was conducted?  Happy Listening!

I was tortured by NY/NJ traffic to get to the place where the speakers were, but that's typical. 

Physically speaking they were as expected for their age with no deal-killer imperfections to be concerned about. We listened through an amp with a similar power rating to my current one, 300 watts per channel.  

The biggest difference I found was in the mids and highs which were different, not necessarily better nor inferior to my 3.5's.  No mistaking they were Thiel; if my 3.5's were ailing or unrepairable I would have scoffed them up immediately. I could not justify replacing my 3.5's for what I can at best describe as a nuanced or subtle improvement. The bass was equally good, albeit not as deep as my 3.5's - that would not have factored in whatsoever given the aforementioned scenario. They were beautiful sonically. 

I cannot help but feel a little bummed by the fact that Thiel is no longer what it was as I write this. Knowing there is a "guy" with his name on the equipment is a reassuring aspect of owning good stuff. Thiel is great stuff

^I can't help you with that.
 Yes, some of the Coda guys came from Threshold, and the some of the similarities are quite obvious.

unsound-

can you suggest a Coda dealer/retailer? I had read that these guys started up from Pass Labs/Threshold background.

I look forward to your review -oblgny

Oblgny, I'm confident that you would find that Coda amp very satisfactory with either Thiel.

Quite easy, Jafant

"Cyril Davies" - Ginger Baker, off of "Why?

S'all I need for any speaker. 

I wanted to take a moment and thank all of you guys on a thread, dedicated to Thiel Loudspeakers, well done!  Old or new, these are phenomenal speakers at any cost. I have learned much here and the enthusiasm keeps growing- Happy Listening!

Laughing...
decisions, decisions oblgny.  I for one, am very interested in your upcoming demo of the CS 2.4 speakers. Specifically, I am curious to read about your session and impression(s) compared to the 3.5s that you already own.

Take your fave tracks or LP/CD/SACD for  your demo. Pieces of music that you are intimately familiar, know upside and downside, to ease your experience. 

Keep me posted and Happy Listening!

The seller of the 2.4's I'm thinking about is going to allow an audition which I will probably be able to schedule this Friday. This will be the very first time I've been able to hear a Thiel before I buy!

The 3.5's are extremely difficult to best - I love 'em.  Then there's this Coda amp on here...

Interesting query- saffron_boots

I do not have an answer. Have you tried a google search?

jafant,

i know that Thiel crossed it over at 300 Hz and sloped it off accordingly to around 70 Hz. But i was really wondering about the physical capability of the driver.  i.e. If you were to create a mini monitor with it, alone, what could be the usable response as a "full range" driver?  

Tomic601,,,,I would advise to be careful of the tilt.  Floors are generally not level, and the difference accurate alignment is ...especially on phase correct speakers... is very noticeable.  Get a laser pen, put it on top of the left speaker, move it left/right to shine on the opposite wall.  Put a post-it on that wall, mark an X where the laser is.....do the other side and raise/lower one speaker to match the X on the wall. 

saffron_boots

I want to say that Stereophile reviewed and measured the CS 3.7 loudspeaker. I will try to decipher the exact issue #

I did not know about the changing of guards from John Wittman to
Thomas Malatesta though.

Thank You- dgarretson for the info. Yes, that is quite a few hands that have changed in a short period of time. Happy Listening!

Final note why I was sad to part w/ 3.5s.Had midrange " to die for "

Does anybody know what the theoretical frequency range capability is of the 3.7's coax?  Rob G. told me 3k, but I think he misunderstood my query, and just gave me the mechanical crossover point. i.e how low can it actually go?

Sounds like an interesting journey- nkonor.

Owned Theil 3.5s; never liked bass booster/ equalizer. Definitely more transparent w/o it. Straight ahead, 8-11' away, 200-300watts SS and they will sing! Kathy wrote me that warranty was at its end as she sent last midrange driver. Sold them; Went through ProAc, Wilson then ended with Avalon