Jafant
My system is VPI HW19 MkIII with Premier FT3 arm and Grado Sonata low output, ARC CD3, ARC SP9 MkiII, ARC Classic 60 feeding the CS 3.5's. I know you're a cable guy, so I replaced initial Audio quest speaker cable and FMS Blue interconnects with MIT MH 750 and MI 330 which was a classic combo which had great bass and resolution while keeping the top end smooth. I more recently upgraded to all MorrowA5 interconnects and SP6 speaker cable and Morrow power cords. Nice improvement in all parameters while being very natural sounding. Unlike many on Audiogon, I've had this setup since about 1988 with the cable being the only real change.
I've recently purchased a townhome with smaller space and (horrors!!!) I've downsized from the 3.5's to PMC Twenty5.35i's, These have worked out in the context of my existing system and space. My black ash, one owner, all original and updated CS 3.5's are now at Holt Hill Audio to be consigned if anyone on this thread is interested. Brian Salazar has not put them up on his website yet, but I doubt you'll find a better pair and with a known history. While the PMC's are working well for me, it's like parting with an old friend!
Unsound
I was referring to how often people generalize and apply the "big watts, tough to drive" to all Thiels, as it's not really true of the 3.5. That's all.
