Wow, what an impressive thread....
I just stopped in because I will always be a huge Thiel fan. Here's my story.
My first pair were 1.2's. I loved them for a couple years and couldn't wait for my income to improve until I could upgrade. Then I bought 2 2's. Likewise, I loved them and looked forward to being able to climb the Thiel ladder. Finally, I was able to afford a pair of 3.6's.
Audio Nirvana! Unquestionably, the best speakers I ever owned. I paired them with a Krell KSA 200 and Audio Research LS26. I used to go to RMAF and listen to the uber-priced goods on display. Then, I'd go home and power up and realize that my system gave no ground to anything I had heard for under $50k.
But I sold my 3.6's, for a couple reasons: Jim Thiel died, and I began to have concerns about the company's future and availability of parts/service. Also, as good as the Krell was, it was an enormously inefficient amp....it wasn't noisy, but there were times I thought I could hear the whir of my electric meter when it was running. So, I jumped and sold the 3.6's.
Next, I bought Revel Studio 2's. A darn good speaker, but too big and imposing for my room, and they really needed the Krell as much as the Thiels to sound their best.
Meanwhile, I craved simplicity and moved to an integrated amp, an
Ayre AX 5 Twenty. A great integrated and I don't see myself going back to separates in the future.
The Revels always seemed to need more breathing room than my listening room allowed and I finally decided to let them go.
After a lot of auditioning, I landed on Vandersteen Treo CT's, my present speakers. It's a really good system and the Vandy's remind me so much of my Thiels....amazing musical and open sound and ability to listen deep into an ensemble.
As happy as I am with my present system, there are plenty of nights when I close my eyes and recall that Thiel/Krell/AR rig. Taut, fast, deep, transparent, unbelievable sound stage, wide and tall. Like my present system with an extra gear.
I don't want to disparage either the Revels or the Vandys...wonderful speaks. But the 3.6's were the BEST speakers I ever owned and among the very best I've ever heard.
I just stopped in because I will always be a huge Thiel fan. Here's my story.
My first pair were 1.2's. I loved them for a couple years and couldn't wait for my income to improve until I could upgrade. Then I bought 2 2's. Likewise, I loved them and looked forward to being able to climb the Thiel ladder. Finally, I was able to afford a pair of 3.6's.
Audio Nirvana! Unquestionably, the best speakers I ever owned. I paired them with a Krell KSA 200 and Audio Research LS26. I used to go to RMAF and listen to the uber-priced goods on display. Then, I'd go home and power up and realize that my system gave no ground to anything I had heard for under $50k.
But I sold my 3.6's, for a couple reasons: Jim Thiel died, and I began to have concerns about the company's future and availability of parts/service. Also, as good as the Krell was, it was an enormously inefficient amp....it wasn't noisy, but there were times I thought I could hear the whir of my electric meter when it was running. So, I jumped and sold the 3.6's.
Next, I bought Revel Studio 2's. A darn good speaker, but too big and imposing for my room, and they really needed the Krell as much as the Thiels to sound their best.
Meanwhile, I craved simplicity and moved to an integrated amp, an
Ayre AX 5 Twenty. A great integrated and I don't see myself going back to separates in the future.
The Revels always seemed to need more breathing room than my listening room allowed and I finally decided to let them go.
After a lot of auditioning, I landed on Vandersteen Treo CT's, my present speakers. It's a really good system and the Vandy's remind me so much of my Thiels....amazing musical and open sound and ability to listen deep into an ensemble.
As happy as I am with my present system, there are plenty of nights when I close my eyes and recall that Thiel/Krell/AR rig. Taut, fast, deep, transparent, unbelievable sound stage, wide and tall. Like my present system with an extra gear.
I don't want to disparage either the Revels or the Vandys...wonderful speaks. But the 3.6's were the BEST speakers I ever owned and among the very best I've ever heard.