Jim Thiel was the best. I met him once and knew he was a perfectionist. I do wish he would have passed on his knowledge to someone who could have carried on his legacy. However, as hifiguys stated, that wasn't Jim. Vandersteen is excellent as is ProAc, as are my Tannoys. Yes, Senor Rutan is one of the best as well. When/if I can afford a second system, it will consist of Vandies. I really want the Vandy 1ci with a tube integrated, i.e. Line Magnetic. Regards........