Thiel SCS3


After auditioning a pair of Thiel CS 1.6's at home in my system, I've decided to sell my B&W Nautilus 804's and the HTM2 center. I love the B&Ws, but I have a relatively small listening area and I found that the Thiel's opened up at a much lower volume, making them a better match for my space. I haven't heard the SCS3, but I am a little shocked at its price. A pair of Thiel CS 1.6s will cost me what I consider a reasonable $2100, but a single coax design SCS3 is $1400. Thiel also promotes the SCS3 as a surround. Their pricing would make your surrounds more expensive than your fronts. It just doesn't make sense to me. My local dealer said alot of his Thiel sales go south because of this. Maybe the SCS3 is a wonderful center and worth the price, but I'm still a little confused. I'd love to hear from Thiel owners that use the SCS3 as a center, or better yet, possibly use a non Thiel that matches up well with the CS 1.6s. As another alternative, I'm also in the market for a used SCS3 if anyones selling one. Regards Herb
hmayh3
I'm using one between a pair of 2.3's. For years I resisted – it is startlingly expensive for a center channel, I agree. Finally bit the bullet and found one used. What can I say, it's as nice as you would expect from Thiel. Expensive though it may be, the good folks at Thiel are straight shooters, and you get what you pay for. It's a really nice speaker.

Is it worth it for a center channel? Dunno. I suspect that it's overkill for my system (the HT bits of which are running off of a Marantz receiver). I have no reservations whatsoever about the mains, which are driven by appropriately refined equipment, but I have always suspected that I may not be getting everything possible out of the center due to what I am using to make it go. What more, the level of expectations that I put on a center channel are much lower than what I demand from the mains – which pull primary duty in a dedicated 2-channel system. When it comes to the HT (the only time when the center is put to work), my only real requirement is that I can understand what the hell people are saying. Yes, I am happy to presume there is a seamless soundstage across the front because of the similar drivers, blah, blah, blah – but what do I know? Perhaps it’s just so perfect I barely notice it – and would scream and tear my hair out if it were gone, but I’m not entirely convinced that a much more modestly priced speaker couldn’t play the dialog bits just as adequately. Glad to have it, to be sure – but I hesitate to say I need it. (Ok, I clearly NEED it in the sense we all understand too well, but that goes without saying…).

As for the surrounds, not a chance. I went with a pair of Definitive Technology bi-polar surrounds, $450 used for the pair used, hung from the wall, and have no regrets. Perhaps I’m wrong, but just not convinced there’s all that much critical info coming from the back. Whistles, bells, bullet zings, and a host of gee-wiz effects-type stuff, sure – but do you need a high-end, refined and (above all) expensive speaker to pull that off? Not in my house.

If you like the Thiels, why not hang onto the B&W center for a bit and see how it goes? If you don't find yourslef wishing for a Thiel center, don't. If you do, then you'll clearly have your reasons (defining "need" is so insideously personal, after all...) and there you go. Just my thoughts. Enjoy.
Thanks Mezmo, is that your real name, if so, great name. I agree with you entirely. I'm very unpicky in regards to HT. My main concern is great stereo. That being said, I have a feeling that I'll also bite the same bullit you bit and buy the SCS3, if I buy the Thiels. When I demoed the CS 1.6s in my system the 1.6s were playing at a comfortable level before the B&W HTM2 center even made a sound. That's the main reason the 1.6s are still at the top of my list. Today I went and listened to a pair of Spendor S5e's and ProAc studio 130's. I was very impressed with both. The dealer had them set up with tube amps so I can't really translate the experience to my system I gave the edge to the ProAcs but have a feeling the Spendors would be a better match for my system and listening area. I'm a dealers nightmare, "can we move these speakers into this room?" I also want to take everything home for the ultimate test with my room and equipment. Regards Herb
I have the 1.6's and use the SCS3 as my center channel speaker. I bought the lot here on Audiogon. They are an excellent trio, but at used prices only. Especially the SCS3. It's retail price is absurd. While I've found it important to match the three front speakers, for the surrounds you can go with something different. I use M&K and they work fine. So, find yourself a used SCS3 and have your dealer help find you find some less expensive speakers to use as your surrounds.
I've got the same as Egrady....until we get to comparing wallets.

(Bought all three from a dealer.)

Have to admit that the SCS3 is an amazing center. Even gives local news anchors an amazing quality.

My room is tiny so I stuck some Gallo a'Diva sphere's up for surrounds...they're not too bad. (for the size and $$)

Don't forget about the PowerPoints -- they'll match your 1.6's and are easier to find used or demo.

--ksr