Thiel CS6 vs CS3.6

[John Ebden]

I have a chance to purchase a one year old pair of Thiel CS6 speakers -
what are opinions on these? Do they give value for money over the CS3.6?
I have checked the specs for both speakers and the CS have a higher top
end (34 kHz as opposed to 22 kHz) and are much heavier due to a concrete
baffle. In fact they are lighter than the new CS7.2.

The CS3.6 received rave reviews from some magazines and was speaker of
the year for Stereophile a while back.

My system includes ADCOM GTP 500 II preamp, ADCOM GFA 555 II power amp,
and ADCOM 575 CD player. I presently have PSB New Stratus speakers and
Audioquest cables that run under the floor and enter right under the
speakers. Thus the speakers are out in the living room and no one sees
(or trips over the cables). I am limited to speakers like the PSB and
Thiel which have a pedestal base. The new Stratus Gold would be an
obvious choice but they don't have the pedestal base anymore.

I have thought of keeping existing speakers and adding a HSU sub but am
a little scared if it doesn't work out.

Thanks and Happy New Year,

John Ebden

[David erow]

My experience with these 2 speakers has made me prefer the CS6 by a large
margin. It is one of the most beautiful sounding speakers I have ever heard.
The 3.6 in comparison is brighter on top, the CS6 smoother and better
integrated with the rest of the spectrum. Bass on both is excellent. The CS6 is
just that much closer to sounding like the real thing. They are both a tough
job for the amplifier, though. Keep that in mind when mating your "budget"
Adcom gear with these truly magnificent, high-end speakers. I would suspect the
555's inherant brightness and tendency toward harshness would not mate well
with the 3.6s. It is just not a very refined-sounding amp. Remember, Thiels
reveal ALL. Also, be aware, the 3.6 is rumored to be replaced this year which
should allow you to get a really good deal on a pair of those too. Tough
choice, but if the deal is good on the CS6s, I wouldn't hesitate for an instant
over the 3.6s. But I'd seriously recommend an amplifier upgrade before you
purchase Thiels.
David

[JeffC 1474]

>I would suspect the
>555's inherant brightness and tendency toward harshness would not mate well
>with the 3.6s. It is just not a very refined-sounding amp.

My thoughts exactly. I once used that amp with Vandersteen 2Cis which I think
are more forgiving in that regard. But even then I ended up feeling the
same way about that amp (it's got a lot of bass guts though.) I agree you
should consider a better amp or a different speaker.

Regards,
Jeff