Thiel Owners

But a subtle difference between the 2 and 3 is that the smaller woofer and midrange of the 2 gives it an advantage in delicacy; since smaller drivers weigh less and move less air, they are slightly more nimble.

 

That’s an interesting point, Tom. I venture to guess, all other factors equal, that advantage *could* result in relatively better dynamics/transients and resolution. But this would be countered by the X.7 coax with breakup modes further out of band, a notable benefit when using low slope filters. Would be interesting to compare my modded 2.4s to the 3.7 (I’ve only heard the 3.7 once, at RMAF in the Rowland room). And the low frequency extension of the 3.7, judging from Stereophile’s measurements, reaches “only” 2-3 Hz lower than that of the 2.4. Yet another example of the tradeoffs in speaker designs.  

Cool, jafant! By extrapolation, Tom Thiel’s 2.4 upgrade widens the gap for *that* sonic parameter. 

I now have Cardas input/output wire plus double binding posts in one channel. Letting it cook for a few days before I compare to the other channel with FST wire and OEM Thiel binding posts.

@ronkent I am in Utah, been many years since I visited NC. Unlikely we can hear each other’s systems.

@jafant so, you directly compared the 2.4 and 3.7 and found the 2.4 to have superior microdynamics?

My configuration is almost certainly a one-off. It’s a beta test mule of sorts and I will end with up with *every* passive part replaced from terminal posts to driver hookup wire. I suspect Tom will make a few different choices for the kits, probably keep some of the OEM parts. 

I don’t get the Magico hype. If I win the lottery, they will not be on my short list.

Luckily, Jim Thiel gave a good landing spot for those of us with more modest means. And Tom Thiel is now adding a path to climb to the next tier without breaking the bank.

$1300 for CS2.4 is a great deal if they’re in good shape (clean drivers and decent cabinets). Pairs in good condition (eg, 8/10) more typically fetch about $2000. 

I haven’t heard the Revel 208. Years ago the M20 was on my short list and I auditioned it but ended up with Thiel CS1.6. I heard the top of the line Salon IIs at RMAF and was underwhelmed. Maybe it was the Levinson electronics but I thought their performance was pedestrian compared to the rave reviews. The 208 probably has deeper bass than the 2.4 but I’ll take the Thiel all day every day, all the more so with the possibility of Tom Thiel’s crossover upgrades.

replacement parts are pretty much nonexistent

Not quite that bad. Some parts yes, some no. In the case of my CS2.4, Rob Gillum said replacement drivers are not available but he can rebuild broken ones. And he does have some drivers for a few models. He did supply some of the coils used in my new crossover build. Sounds like that 3.5 midrange, however, is a conundrum. 

After getting the Cardas hookup wire in the second channel, whatever last doubts I had about these 2.4s being my last speakers has evaporated. 

how much do you think the Thiel CS2.4 would be retailed for in today money (if they are built today?)

Using a simple inflation calculator, the standard CS2.4 would retail for ~$5500 today. But that ignores much steeper inflation for copper and magnets, so call it $6000-8000. Adding the passive parts I put in could push retail north of $10K.

@james63Without knowing what new sound you're looking for, I suggest upgrading the crossovers. The CS2.4 cabinet is very good and the drivers are outstanding. There are some *really* nice gains to be had with improved passive parts. This is a huge thread but it might be worth your time to look at posts from Tom Thiel starting January 2018.
That said, if you're looking for more bass you need to add subwoofers or get something entirely different. For myself, the 2.4 bass is good enough for me (~30 Hz) and the modded XO otherwise puts the SQ on par with $$$ designs.