What's wrong with Thiel?

All I can say is that I'm a long time Thiel owner and all the advise above is right on! Don't be afraid to call Thiel, their customer service is second to none.

Hackmaster, I don't think the newest Thiel's speakers impedance load is that much different than his other recent entries. They are more sensitive. Some of Thiels older models were more tube friendly, particularly the CS-2's with a 6 Ohm nominal, 5 Ohm minimal load and The 3.5's that were 4 Ohms nominal , 4 Ohms minimal load. The 3.5's did require a beefy tube amp due to the use of an active equalizer. While Thiels recommended at least 50 watts that rating was in reference to standard quality solid state ratings where the amps would double down. As such one would need a tube amp with double that rating from it's appropriate tap. These impedance loads were very steady compared to most other speakers. Unfortunately high powered tube amps usually(!) cost more that similarly powered solid state amps. Most amps enjoy the freedom from roller coaster demands that steady loads provide. The point being that it's not that all Thiels have been unwilling to work with tubes, it was just usually more expensive to do right.

Again Sean and Zaikesman are right on. I should point out that a lot of the caveats are with respect to getting the most out of Thiels. In many ways they are easier to place than some other audiophile speakers. Compared to many panel speakers the Thiels are a lot less fussy.

I'm sure that other manufacturers send out items that aren't up to snuff occasionally. I wonder how many of these other manufacturers would be so quick to admit it, and how many would have the outstanding customer support Thiel has to rectify it. Some people don't have the room to support deep bass but still seek quality sound for that room. Thiel offers different speakers for different applications. I've seen much more expensive speakers than the Thiel 1.6's that offer even less bass. Yes the Dunlavy's and the Vandersteen's are worthy of comparisons, but that doesn't necessarilly make them a better purchase for a given application.

Yes, the Thiels require a quality amp, and Porsche's require high test. Hardly as demanding as some other speakers, like certain Apogees. There are some relatively inexpensive amps up to the job. However, the Thiels will be transparent enough to appreciate better quality stuff. One needs to use the appropriate tools for the job. As far as needing particular cables to tone down a problem, I beg to differ. I have used the rather inexpensive and fairly neutral (it's all relative) Straight Wire with much success for many years. As for Sterophile's testing procedures and recommendations I'm sure most everyone here is sophisticated enough to know tht Zaikesman was right on. I can hardly wait untill the time when everything worked perfectly all the time. Till then I'll suspend my move to Utopia. Even very expensive luxury cars have recalls. I'd venture to say that Thiel probably has had less defective products leave their house than most others in the industry. In the mean time I'm content knowing I'm dealing with a company that makes a top quality product and has the best people offering the best customer service in the industry. Just ask anyone who has ever dealt with Shari at Thiel.

Good luck.