2. speakers
  3. 161864-131781

Thiel CS 3.6 vs 3.7

Replacing my model 3.6 speakers has come with a great deal of hesitation. I purchased them used from a dealer in 1993 after owning the model 2 2s. I have recently acquired a pair of 3.7s that are shipping as I write this. I understand that "beauty is in the ear of the beholder", but has anyone had both and had a preference? I ask because I do think collective wisdom is important and I do not want to be in the position of letting the "newer and improved" mentality creep into my judgment. What differences could I expect to hear? Context is Hegel Mohican to Audio Research Ref 3 to McCormack (SMc Audio) DNA 1 with almost all mods including Plitron transformer. Balanced throughout with AQ Columbia XLR and Kimber Monocle XL speaker cable. AQ Niagra 1000 conditioner and Shunyata Alpha HC power cables. Thanks in advance.
yabe1951
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Just as a side bit of info, they are almost identical ***** to drive, you could almost overlay these two impedance v -phase angle plots. I owned the 3.6's they loved an amp with big current down to 2ohms, (that leaves Class-D, Mosfets and Tubes out)
 https://www.stereophile.com/images/archivesart/Cs36fig1.jpg
https://www.stereophile.com/images/archivesart/1208T37fig1.jpg

Cheers George
yyzsantabarbara
4,553 posts
 
I just bought a CS3.7 and discovered a shed load of issues. There is a support person in KY that can provide technical support to resolve all of these problems. If you buy a CS3.7, I suggest you take some measurements to make sure your speaker is up to spec. If you can (with good shipping materials, send it to KY to have the tech guy, Rob Gillum, test it out.

A few days ago Tom Thiel posted a long historical description of the 3.5 and the 3.6. It is on Jafant ’s Thiel speaker thread.
yabe1951 OP
34 posts
 
Thanks so much for the very wise advice. The seller shipped the pair to Rob who checked them carefully and listened extensively. They passed his inspection, so I am confident that they will be correct. He did replace a tweeter in one coax, but other than some minor cosmetic issues, he gave the green light. I am hoping to get them installed during the 1st week of December. Thanks to all who posted such insightful comments- I am so pleased with the 3.6es, I can hardly imagine anything sounding much better. But I can try both and decide which to keep. 
yyzsantabarbara
4,553 posts
 
That is great that you sent it to Rob. If I sent mine to Rob he would say "no mas".

I also had a few cosmetic issues. The first one being the aluminum shell had a few annoying looking scuff marks. I contacted Rob and he told me to use a specific spray paint on it. I did that and it looks great now.

I had a lot of marks on the veneer and I decided to paint the veneer black to make an all black speaker. I bugged my local paint store half a dozen times for advice before I had the confidence to paint it. That paint job also turned out great. Not as good as a factory job but a ton better than the scratched up used speakers I bought.

I am also putting 2 new COAXs (from 2014) and replacing my COAXs from 2008 and 2012 (maybe keep as backup if they are not damaged). I also got some outriggers in the case my son tries to climb it. I have a feeling my crossovers will need some repair. Fun times.

BTW - I never heard the 3.6 but the 3.7 is one of the best speakers I have heard. I have heard quite a few speakers. The 3.7 always sounded correct to me (my current messed up used speaker notwithstanding).
jafant
18,896 posts
 
yabe1951

Nice score! on the CS 3.7 loudspeakers. Your gear is a sonic match for this model. I am especially interested in reading more about the system featuring Hegel Mohican cd player. 
Once the CS 3.7 settles into your room/system, feel free to join us over on Thiel Owners thread. We have several 3.7 fans/owners on the Panel.

Happy Listening!
More to discover