Thiel CS3.7 - best speakers for under $5K?

[Fastnbulbous]

*Standing on chair, doing the bumpety bump dance*

So any other opinions? Did the new Thiels come out yet?

 

[kgturner]

i imagine the CS3.7 will be the best speaker if you pay under $5k since they are supposed to retail for around $8k.

kevin t

 

[Fastnbulbous]

Hrm. Maybe I should start a new thread. The original press release said the Thiel would be under $5,000. If that's not the case, I'm more about finding further opinions on peoples' particular favorites.

No rush I guess. I'm sure I won't have the cash for them 'til about mid-2008, ha.

 

[GreenJelly]

I disagree. I like Thiel Speakers, and that "fundimental" flaw your talking about is becoming better.

The real issue with these speakers is POWER... and you need LOTS of it.

Second, your talking about a company that is reaching about 25 years old. They have just started to reach their prime, so I wouldnt disregard these speakers as beign poor.

Third, I enjoy the sound of Thiel... ALLOT... They are a bit reserved, and they are amazing at low volumes. They have been getting more and more praise with each revision. I expect the 3.7's to start beign some of the best speakers on the market. I wouldnt discount them, they have really progressed with each step.

Old Thiels are amazing, because their used price is VERY low. This is due to high power requirements, and that they were really high price / Quality when new. I would recommend to anyone to buy a pair of used Thiels.

3.6's dont share a low resell value, though its not as high as some other brands. When it comes to sound reproduction, NEVER count the Brits out until they are out.

Mike

 

[zildjian]

I havent heard the CS3.7's yet, but I can't wait. A few months ago, I talked to Gary @ Thiel to begin making plans on driving over to Lexington to spend a few hours in Thiels demo room this fall/winter, but I haven't had the time yet, and I want to wait till the CS3.7s are there to demo. The CS2.4's are fantastic speakers that I spent a lot of time with last summer when looking into a new pair of speakers for a stereo only set up, but that's when I first talked to Gary and he told me about the 3.7's, so I've just been waiting. I haven't had the cupping sound issue with the CS2.4's that was described above. I'll try to post my experiences w/ the visit to Thiel headquarters whenever I do end up going. If anyone has gotten to hear the CS3.7's, do post about it.
Brad

 

[Rob Babcock]

Of all the speakers on your list, the ones I'd most love to have would be the Salk Veracity HT3's. I lust for them in the worst way.

 

[rockadanny]

How much power for the Thiels?

OK, How much is "ALOT" of power? For example, I have a Van Alstine Ultra 550 amp (hybrid) which specs at 250 wpc, but is probably closer to 300. Is that enough?

 

[rockadanny]

$5K Speakers

What do you think about adding EgglestonWorks Fontaines to the list, eh?

 

[Sleestack]

What do you think about adding EgglestonWorks Fontaines to the list, eh?

I love my Andra IIs. Perfect dynamic speakers IMO... but they aren't under $5K.

 

[porziob]

Thiel 3.7

If the Thiel 2.4 is $4,400, how can the 3.7 be under $5,000? Look for it to be closer to $10,000.

 

[GreenJelly]

OK, How much is "ALOT" of power? For example, I have a Van Alstine Ultra 550 amp (hybrid) which specs at 250 wpc, but is probably closer to 300. Is that enough?

Im sorry, but I am not qualified to specify which amps have the power and quality you need. Someone else here will be able to help you, or your local Thiel dealer. Whats important is the impedience not wattage. You would want a 2 Ohm Amp, with a solid signal at that level. Many Amps can provide that power, but may not sound good. A/V Receivers such as NAD can provide the power, and I suspect Thiel is reducing their impediance requirements due to the current market situation. The 3.5's where the absolute power beasts of the Thiel line and I beleive things have gotten a lot easier on the consumer to find amplifiers that will fit the 3.6's. I expect this trend to continue, though I am sure Thiel is fataly convinced to produce 4 Ohm speakers. It seems to be an identifing feature they have set for themselves, and tout it with pride.

 

[zildjian]

If the Thiel 2.4 is $4,400, how can the 3.7 be under $5,000? Look for it to be closer to $10,000.

3.7's should be between $5-6K a pair, depending on which wood finish you choose.
The CS6 is $9-10K a pair, CS7.2 $16-17.2K a pair. These are the price quotes from last summer when I was looking at the Thiels, couldn't have increased some since then.
Brad

 

[kgturner]

try again. thiel is setting the msrp at $9900 per several reports from the recent rocky moutain audio fest:

"After seeing them a number of times, I finally got to hear the Thiel CS3.7s, though not a completely finished, production version. They sounded squeaky clean and very extended up and down, as Jim Thiel's speakers do. Electronics were from VTL, and the source was a Marantz CD/SACD player. The CS3.7, whose price has been set at $9900/pair, may be the next big thing -- once it's finally in production."

http://www.shows.soundstagelive.com/shows/avtour2006/rmaf_diary_marc.html

kevin t

 

[zildjian]

You're right. CS 3.7's are $9,900-11,000/pair depending on wood choice... Ouch! so much for replacing the previous CS3 model price point, it's now more expensive than the previous CS6! The CS6 isn't even showing up anymore on the price quote sheet. There's now a big gap between the 2.4's and the 3.7's price wise. Thanks Kevin.

 

[GreenJelly]

I thought they were replaceing the 2.4's

Mike

 

[zildjian]

they are replacing the CS3.6 which were around $5-6K/pair, but they cost twice as much as they CS3.6... so pricepoint wise, they're now in the CS6's old spot.

 

[kgturner]

i heard the cs6 has been or is being discontinued. that would explain why i've seen them popping up on audiogon every now and again for $4k and under on occasion.

kevin t

 

[GreenJelly]

Weird, very weird... You got the .7's which are great, but are not good alone... 2 series, then the 3 series... With huge differences in prices...

At least if they came out with a 3.61, 3.62, 3.63

so people could pick a total system. But I think Thiel is going after music and not home audio with these speakers.

 

[Fastnbulbous]

I don't think that price range is gonna work for me anytime soon, so I made a new poll of favorite speakers under $3K.

Come by and vote, make suggestions!

 

[Bigalva]

Raw Acoustics HT3

I built this kit and it's fantastic! I love robbons and they're so well matched wit hthe mid-range 4.5" driver. Love 'em love 'em.