Thiel Owners

prof

Over the years I have had Audioquest, Cardas, MIT, Straighwire and Transparent cabling pass through here. All models were mid-level for casual listening around my Life/Work cycle. Patience has been a virtue. 

Happy Listening!

Good evening!

I’m looking for some advice, first time posting and relatively new to the audiophile world but longtime Hi-Fi and music lover.  I’ve been reading these posts for about the last 8 months and have read around 150 pages worth and have been impressed by the knowledge of the contributors, especially Tom T., duramax747 and the DYI guys. 

I am hoping to receive some input on my system and where I should go next.  With that said, I have a pair of Theil CS 2.2 Speakers (Zebra Wood finish, Serial #’s 2651 and 2652) that are in great physical shape and appearance.  I am the second owner.  As far as I know, the 2.2’s have never been serviced (would like to take to CSS for service).  I am currently using a Hafler XL-280 Power Amp that I believe was purchased at the same time as the 2.2”s from the now defunct Stereo Lab in Cincinnati Ohio.  I recently purchased a McIntosh C-52 Pre-Amp (replaced my Rotel RC1070) that I obtained through Audiogon.  My question is, should I be looking at upgrading from the Halfer XL-280 and if so, what should I be seriously looking at?  I have been looking at a lot of different amps (mainly used class A, Krell, Pass, Clase and Mark L.) and have narrowed it down to a new ARC S200, Accuphase A-80 or P-7500, McIntosh MC 312 or Luxman M 10X.  I really like what I see in the Accuphase A-80 and have an opportunity to purchase one at a very good price but am unsure if the 65W/8Ω, 130W/4Ω, 260W/2Ω, 520W/1Ω will be enough to work well w/ the Theil CS2.2’s.  Unfortunately, I will not be able to audition the A-80’s.  I will be auditioning the ARC S200’s next week and hoping to do the same w/ the Mac312 at some point. I’m looking for any advice on these amps and how you think they would work with and synergy with my Mac C-52 pre-amp.  Or the other side of the coin, should I stay w/ my vintage Hafler XL-280?  Any and all thoughts and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

I have what I call a “low mid-level audiophile system” with a sprinkle of newer and vintage components that have been getting upgraded in the last couple of years.  My system is currently made up of the following: 

• Hafler XL-280 Power Amp (would like to possibly upgrade?)
• McIntosh C-52 Pre Amp
• Theil CS 2.2 Speakers, Zebra Wood finish, Serial #’s 2651 and 2652 (would like to take to CSS for service)
• Pro-Ject X1 Turn Table with a Ortofon MC-X30 MC cartridge.
• Esoteric K-05XD CD Player (recently replaced my Rotel RCD-1572MKII CD)
• Luxman T-02 Tuner
• Morrow Audio SP-5 speaker cables, and IC-4 IC’s and power cables
• Listening room (non-dedicated): 13’ x 29’ with 8’ ceilings and hardwood floor (large openings into kitchen / family room, hardwood also)
• I listen to everything from classical to punk but no rap or video dance garbage.

Note: The Hafler XL-280 Power Amp continuous power output is rated at the following: Into 4 ohms at 200 watts per channel and into 8 ohms at 400 watts per channel (mono mode).  The only mention of 2 ohms is listed under “Continuous Power at Clipping”: into 2 ohms is 360 watts per channel and into 1 ohm is 325 watts per channel.

Thank you in advance for your advice and help!

Greg / Frodo12

Cincinnati, Oh

Greg

Welcome sir and a very insightful first post. 

Regarding amps I view them as a tool in the tool chest. My encouragement to you is to have a list of amps that will drive your Thiel’s easily with enough dynamic headroom. The sonic flavor is subjective. Having enough power is not subjective. This coming from the designer himself. 

For your Accuphase choices the P-7500 will be the better performer at mid/higher volume levels and better bottom end. 

With Thiel’s I never warmed up with the pairing of them with Esoteric. I had the K-01XD and although it will WOW you with its clarity and transparency it just never made the emotional connection with me and the music. It mated better with a speaker with a slightly warmer presentation. 

The way to find out is switch your DAC out with a R2R ladder or a analog sounding Delta Sigma such as the Bricasti M3 and models above. 

I’m not promoting a component brand. I’m promoting to test what you have with what you do not know. 

You have put together a nice rig so congrats. There is no “low mid-level audiophile system”. It’s "your" system to be enjoyed by you and those you chose to share it with. Your money, your choices, your enjoyment.

The issue, and probable death to this hobby is the belief of a hierarchy that the more you spend the more you must love music. 

I’m confident you will get better advise from the many knowledgable Thiel members here and hope they welcome you as you haver a seat at the table also. 

All -

Today, is a very special occasion indeed as we celebrate and observe the 10th Anniversary here on AudiogoN. It all started with Post #1. Now there are 283 Pages, 14134 Posts and 1,241,571 Views (and counting)!.  Since inception, my objective was to find a few like-minded Souls and spread the word about Thiel Audio Loudspeakers. As it turns out, there are more than a few of Us who enjoy and support James Thiel's vision on the ultimate speaker. Modern or Vintage, there is a Model for every Audiophile. No doubt , that 2026 will be another banner year for new members and opportunities to continue Our mission. 

I Want to Thank The Panel For Making This Thread Happen Since 2016. 

This thread is dedicated to Audiophiles, Fans and Owners of our beloved loudspeakers.  Salute!

Happy Listening!

frodo12

Welcome! Greg to this thread.  Thank You for posting such an insightful first introduction. Continue reading through all of the pages here. There is a plethora of information to absorb. Now, to address your query. The McIntosh C-52 is a pre-amp with modern technology. Have you considered a few options for a MAC power Amp?  Otherwise, the Accuphase P-7500 is a fine choice as duramax747 outlines.

Next, I would stop by Audible Elegance there in Cincinnati to check out other considerations. It never hurts to shop around for advice plus an in-store auditon. The Zebra wood finish on your CS 2.2 speakers is quite beautiful. I look forward in reading more about your journey.

Happy Listening!