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Thiel CS 5i, 7.2. and others


Hi Folks:

In reference to an earlier post that I found discussing the merits of Theil's present flagship versus other high priced speakers, it's really true about the passionate opinions about the 7.2.among other's in the line.

Thiel's former sales manager (I believe) really nailed it when he said that the line has a distinctive sound and not everyone goes for it.

For those of you who have seen my posts over the years, you know what side of the argument I am on. The 7.2 is the best overall speaker that I have ever heard and I have heard others costing three times as much or more. I am slowly moving "up the line". First owning a 1.5. and graduating to the 2.3 last year.

Even another speaker I heard that costs $130K, as good as it is, just doesn't sound quite as accurate or natural as the 7.2. does. Granted the $130K speaker is fantastic in other ways, but for my money, I'd still purchase one of Jim's creations. Which leads me to this question: For those of you have heard or better yet owned both the 7.2. and the former flagship (discounting the 7), the CS 5i, What are the strength's and or differences between them? How much better or different is it over the 3.6? Also can anyone tell me how efficient the 5i is?

D.H.
danhirsh

Showing 5 responses by unsound

unsound
7,310 posts
 
I haven't heard the 7.2's. I haven't heard any speakers that bettered than the 5i's. That said, I think they are more demanding about room and placement than other Thiels I've heard, and man oh man do they need a serious amplifier budget to really get the most out of them!
unsound
7,310 posts
 
Lest anyone get the idea they can easily drive the 6(?)Ohm CS 5's. I believe the Thiel CS 5's have a 3 Ohm nominal impedance and a 2 Ohm minimum impedance.
unsound
7,310 posts
 
Larry, all excellent points! I've always thought that Jim's best designs were his sealed boxed ones. I suspect his sealed boxed speakers were better able to maintain the time and phase coherence that were at the very least part of Thiel's hallmarks.
unsound
7,310 posts
 
Larry, my "significant other" gives me carte blanche on such matters, except of course for expense:-). I've heard the CS5's often, and think they are amongst the best I've ever heard. Unfortunately the amplifier requirements scare me. I am thinking of going to something similar, but easier to drive; Dunlavy SCIVa's
unsound
7,310 posts
 
I've heard the CS5's with Adcom, Krell and Levinson. I didn't care much at all for the the Adcoms, was somehat impressed with the Levinsons, and never heard anything sound quite so good (before) as with the Krells. I have heard the Dunlavy's sound quite good with less expensive amplification than the Cs5's seemed to need for my satisfaction.
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