THIEL Audio MCS1, SCS3 and SS2 Loudspeaker Review

[steve]

The much anticipated THIEL Audio speaker review is complete. We also added a one on one dialog between Jim Thiel and Audioholics which can be found on page 8 of our review. Page 7 contains nearfield and farfield measurements which were conducted after our review using Sencore's Audio Analyzer. The measurements show significant correlation to our listending audition.

Audioholics THIEL Audio Review

 

[WmAx]

I just hope that you can manage to products for review from Theil in the future after that cable discussion..... lol

-Chris

 

[gene]

It was really weird that Thiel even brought up cables at all then when they did I was shocked. It was like listening to an exotic cable manufacturer all over again

 

[RJKuzma]

No mention was made in the review of the SS2 of the rather audible hiss from the subwoofer. I own 2 SW1s (same as SS2) and they both have a very audible whoosing sound that emanates from the drivers. This noise contains frequencies well above the intended frequency range of the subs, and must be coming from the amplifier and/or associated tuning circuitry. I complained to Thiel about this and they replaced my first two SW1s with newer models (SN >300), and the whoosing noise was slightly reduced. However, the noise is still quite noticable to the extent that I had to turn the subs to the side, so the noise would not be directed directly at the primary listening location. I find this level of noise performance unacceptable in a device that costs $5000 each. The sound quality of the subs however is excellent. They are fast and musical and can play fairly loud. I don't think they are quite as good as the built in subs of my main channel Vandersteen 5As however. When hooked up with identical program material, I can bottom the drivers of the Thiels and send them into overload while the Vandys continue to sing. I assume this is due to the Vandys feed forward correction. So, overall the SS2s are good but noisy, and way too expensive for the overall sound experience.

 

[gene]

For the money you spent, you should not accept the noise and bottoming issues. I suggest contacting Thiel or your dealer for an exchange or refund. At this price point less than perfect performance IMO is unacceptable. This is especially true when you can purchase subwoofers for about 1/5th the price that do not suffer from these issues. I hope you get everything squared away, especially considering the costs involved.

 

[RJKuzma]

Thiel subwoofer hiss

I had previously contacted Thiel and my dealer, and they both said that this hiss is normal for this speaker. I recently had one amplifier module replaced when the first one went bad, and the hiss is just as much there. The hiss is apparently some artifact of this speaker's electronics. So far, I've had five different SW1s in my home, and they all hiss, with model numbers >300 a little bit less noisy. The reason I submitted this posting is because I wondered why the reviewer of the SS2 did not comment on this "normal" hiss. It is easy to notice. It is a hollow "whooshing" sound with frequencies well into the midrange.

The bottoming of the drivers is simply from overdriving. The protection circuit kicked in as designed to protect the drivers from damage. I only pointed this out in my original post as a comparison to the Vandersteens, which seem to have a superior, acoustically transparent method for handling an overdriven situation.

I agree that at this price point (or even considerably less) the hissing noise is unacceptable. With very favorable reviews of the SW1s and SS2s cropping up from many sources, I expected to find some commentary about this noise, but I haven't yet seen any mention of this. Perhaps the Audioholics reviewer (Ken Stein) would comment on this aspect of this subwoofer. I've had the subs for over a year now, so returning them isn't an option. However, I do plan to replace them. I'm just very surprised that Thiel can get away with this noisy amplifier in such a premium priced product. If anyone else owns a pair of these subs, I'm curious as to their experience.

 

[gene]

RJ;

I will see if we can get Ken to comment on this. I personally didn't hear or test the subs. I did however listen to the speakers and wasn't overly impressed, especially considering the price. I am not a big fan Thiel design approach but one mans meat is another mans poison I suppose.

 

[UmAlum1990]

Thiel Review

It was nice to see a review of Thiel Brand Products, even though the review was only of "bookshelf" type speakers. Unfortunately, I cannot comment on the SS2 Sub. I am an owner of Thiel CS 1.6's and have heard the 2.4's on a few different occasions. My 1.6's, although not strong on the low end, are very accurate, have a wonderful soundstage, and disappear... once set up properly!! I also own the SCS3, which I use as my center channel.. so far it has preformed wonderfully. I have this equipment wired into a Rotel RSX 1067 using Transparent Audio Cables. I mention the cables because of the reference to Jim THiels comments on cables, and feel that the Transparent Audio cables are superb.

I would like to see other reviews of Thiel "floor standing" speakers in the future.

As a relative newcomer to High end audio, I rely on the reviews and forums of sites like Audioholics. I appreciate the unbiased comments and indepth analysis, although a bit too technical at times for myself. Thank you Gene and your staff...and other Audioholics members, for your reviews, comments, and feedback that has allowed me to gain a greater understanding of the wonderful hobby!