Lots of mention about room size but how many have actually listened to the 1.5's in a big room? When I bought mine in late '98, the room was 16x25x8. They were set up fairly close to the side walls but 8 feet from the rear wall. Sound was intimate, warm, engaging. Four months ago moved to a large room, 35x32x20. They are set 4 feet from rear wall, 9 feet apart and I listen from 10 feet. Modest source; Sota/Grado or Sonograph into Classe CAP 150. Incredible soundstage. No height? Not in this room, although is somewhat "arced" with more height in the middle of the soundstage bending down a little toward speakers. Width way outside speakers. On Wildhild's "Mojo" the organ sounds a good 4 feet outside the outer right edge. The rear of the orchestra on classical works is out in the courtyard. Can they get really loud? No. Do they go really low? No. Are they glorious? Yes. Currently auditioning new CD players to replace the 10 year old Sonograph, seems like having brand new speaks.

I fully agree with Dave Ivie and would add the following comments. I first heard these speakers when I was auditioning amplifiers and didn't consider myself in the market for speakers. I had read lots of speaker reviews out of curiosity and didn't think the Thiels would be my favorite in the price category. But their realism blew me away the first time I heard them, and in direct A/B with Martin-Logan Aerius the Thiels emerged as the clear winner.

One of their main strengths is a completely uncolored, tight, flat, neutral, and tuneful bass and midbass (the Aerius, by contrast, had an unnatural midbass bloom that none of the reviews seem to note, but the dealer admitted he was aware of it after I commented on it). The Thiels are flat down to 40 Hz and don't have much below that, but double basses only go to 40 Hz so I'm not too concerned about the bottom octave. Cellos, double basses, and timpani sound far more natural through these speakers than through any others I've heard (including big Dunlavys at several times the price).

Another outstanding strength is the Thiel's time coherence, which helps both in imaging and in natural timbres throughout the range, as the overtones actually line up with the fundamentals. This is a rare quality that the Aerius and most other speakers obviously lack; some folks are more sensitive to it than others, so you'll have to listen for yourself. It's a big deal for me. Vandersteens and Dunlavys also have this advantage, but in A/B comparison the Thiels were far less uncolored than the Vandersteens. (I have only heard Dunlavys in other systems, but can't say I preferred them to the CS 1.5.) To my ears, the time coherence gave the Thiels the nod over otherwise worthy contenders from Acarian Alon, Proac, and Epos, among others.

The sound is super-clean, very dynamic, much more transparent and resolving than most other speakers, and natural. I prefer it to the similarly priced B&W Matrix 804, which has a midbass hump and a less tight and tuneful bass. The CS 1.5 gives a more immediate perspective than similarly priced and clean Magnepans, though I can certainly understand the Maggies' appeal. The CS 1.5 is so clean and transparent that ANY flaws upstream in the system or recording will show right through, mandating careful selection of amplifier, front end, and interconnects. Also, there is a touch of residual brightness that further complicates optimal system matching.

I had fits finding a decent amplifier match for less than the cost of the speakers (which, I've heard, may be an unrealistic target for any good speakers, though). I initially sought something reasonable in the $1000 range but had to raise my budget before I was really satisfied. I even called Jim Thiel directly for advice, but had already heard and rejected the models that he mentioned. So, for the possible benefit of others who may end up in the same boat, I'll share some of what I learned in that regard:

INTEGRATED AMPS I'VE TRIED WITH THE CS 1.5:

With these speakers, the Acurus DIA 100 Mk II delivered world-class mids and bass, with phenomenally good-sounding piano and woodwinds. There was some excess brightness, however, that rendered solo violin somewhat metallic.

Arcam Delta 290: Maybe with more break-in, this one might have worked. The midrange was a little smoother and more transparent than the Acurus. But the highs sounded a tad smeared above about 3 kHz in the new unit that I heard, and I had to make a decision before continuous burn-in fixed that problem. The Arcam sounded like a high-feedback design (see Martin Collums' article on feeback in the January 1998 Stereophile), and didn't allow the Thiel's fine tweeter to strut its stuff cleanly.

JoLida 502A: though very fine-sounding with other speakers, this one evinced additive and fatiguing coloration in the midrange through the CS 1.5s. I suspect the JoLida 302 would have worked better with the Thiels because of its smoother EL34 output tubes, but didn't have the opportunity to try that combination.

AMC CVT 3030a: Very nice hybrid integrated amp with EL34 tube output stage, biased in class A. Smoother mids and highs than either Acurus or Arcam, and perfectly adequate bass for the Thiels. A cost-constrained compromise, like the others in this group, but an intelligent and even modestly refined one. The only two sonic anomalies I heard with this unit through the Thiels were a limited retrieval of hall ambience (despite an overall impression of good resolution) and strange imaging in which instruments appeared far left, far right, or dead center.

Densen BEAT B-100 (zero-feedback design): By far the cleanest and best-imaged highs in the group, with stunning retrieval of hall ambience and instrument decay. The original model, however, was unable to drive the Thiels satisfactorily in the bass--apparently a result of inadequate power supply, which has since been upgraded, though I haven't had the chance to hear the new version with the Thiels. Also, there was a slight solid-state glaze in the midrange that wasn't present in the AMC or the the upscale Densen DM-10.

Densen DM10 (zero-feedback): The most expensive of this group at over $2000, but well worth it if you can spring for it. Does bass like a Krell, retains the image purity of the B-100, images like a champ (especially depth and layering), and has a smooth midrange. Sounds like a much more expensive amp; very fast and revealing without being analytical or etched. Solo vocal through this combo are especially arresting. The midrange is less liquid than in some other amps, however, resembling that of the Mark Levinson No. 331. The DM10 is what I bought, and I'm happy! (Densen is available from Audio Outlet in Mt. Kisco, NY or from MBC Audio in Denver, CO).

POWER AMPS:

Forte 4 (tried with high-quality passive attenuators): Sounded smooth but cloyingly sweet at all frequencies, with a plummy bass and some midbass emphasis. Less resolving than the Sonographe SA250.

Classe CA100 (tried with both Classe preamp and passive attenuators): Darker than neutral, with an upper bass emphasis centered perhaps 160-170 Hz. Overtones didn't line up in the top octave and a half, giving an artificial quality to cymbals, solo violin, musicians' sniffs, etc. Not the best choice with these speakers.

Rotel RB-990BX: Artifically sweet highs provided unnatural rendering of massed strings. Inoffensive, but not the best for these speakers.

BEL 1001 Mk II (original version, used with passive attenuators): OK, but can do better for the price with these speakers. Sonic character resembled the Acurus without the brightness, but excelled in no single area and had the ignominious distinction of being the only amp I've ever heard that muffled timpani strokes through the Thiels.

Sonographe SA250 (Conrad-Johnson): an outstanding amp at $1000, particularly when used with a high-quality preamp or passive attenuators. Utterly neutral, fantastically resolving, huge soundstage, both powerful and delicate. Exceptional microdynamics convey the emotion of the music. But the sound is a bit on the dry side for the CS 1.5s. Matches better with the less expensive Thiel CS .5.

Conrad-Johnson MF2100: outstanding synergy with the CS 1.5s, as it has a warmer and more liquid midrange than the SA250. It's less neutral, but no worse than the Classe CA100, with some midbass emphasis (pitched lower, at perhaps 110 Hz, which I find more pleasant through the Thiels) and maybe a touch of high-end rolloff. Musically involving sound, same huge soundstage and amazing resolution as the SA 250.

I hope this helps. In closing, I haven't found any speaker that I prefer at any price, and the only close contender in the price range might be the Apogee Slant 6 (which goes an octave lower and has really nice mids and highs, but you have to be on the correct vertical axis to get the full range). I've heard that the Thiels won't blast well, so if that's a consideration then be forewarned. I don't listen much beyond 100 dB--usually peaks of 90-95 dB--so that doesn't bother me.

The Thiel cs 1.5 is an excellent speaker capable world class presentation ....really a high-end speaker though...needs to be partnered with equipment and source of equal quality..., is it the best in it's class...? For many people , yes, but it depends on your tastes and equipment...amonst the best definantly..., works in small/medium rooms...,

Lou Olsen's review isn't quite accurate. How can someone audition the high performance Thiel speakers on cheap crappy "receiver" such as Denon or even more crappy Crown DC300. I mean, why didn't you hook CS1.5 on your PC? For christ sake! By no means, I have any intention to slender you. However, I think you need a better or equally performing corresponding equipment to test another. If you don't understand me, then please refer to some audio magazines and see how they test a new equipment. From my experience, I think Thiel speakers are excellent in terms of price and sound.

Auditioned the Thiel 1.5's against Vandersteens and Martin-Logan Aerius. For a small to medium room, you can't beat these things. They have a liveliness and immediacy to the sound that is truly stunning, and they're a great alternative to "mini-monitors" for those with small listening rooms or apartments. The bass doesn't go really low, but it maintains a delicious, purring "tightness" all the way down toward the roll-off point - much better than what you get out of the typical mini-monitor, in both quality and quantity. The Thiels are very flat in tonal response and will expose any deficiencies in source components and/or material. I'm using them with superb (in my opinion) amplification by Bryston (BP-20 preamp / 4B-ST power amp), but I had a problem using my Denon DCD-1500 CD player as a front end. The highs were making my ears bleed until I scraped up additional cash for a Sonic Frontiers TransDac. What a difference!
I wouldn't recommend abusing these speakers by over-driving them or otherwise playing them at very high volumes. If you have a big room and you like your music loud then you need to look for something with more brawn and less finesse.

BENEFITS SUMMARY:
1> Lively, natural sound, like an electrostatic w/out the "placement" hassles
2> Easy placement in small or cluttered rooms, apartments, etc.
3> Ruler flat response down to 45 Hz or so
4> Striking visual appearance and no-holds-barred quality
5> Imaging qualities of mini-monitors w/out the lack of bass

DRAWBACKS:
1> Not for head-banger volume or rocking the entire floor of a college dorm
2> Very revealing: "bright" or "dark" sounding electronics may result in unsatisfactory system performance overall.
3> Not ridiculously expensive, but not exactly cheap either. I originally balked at the idea of paying 2K+ for these diminutive Thiels until my girlfriend reminded me to shut up and listen!

Let me start out by saying that I am by no means an audiophile, but I certainly can appreciate the drive to be one.
I currently have what I consider a low end system, which I am hoping to improve over the years. Obviously, budget is limiting factor. The only components worthy of mention are the Thiel CS 1.5s, Classe Audio 30 preamp and Classe Audio 70 amp all connected with Kimber 8TC and PBJ (all 3 years old). The rest of my components aren't even worth mentioning. :) And I'm sure being cramped into a little apartment with a behemouth of a wood entertainment unit smack between the speakers aren't helping (my SolidSteel racks should be in any day :)

I couldn't be happier with these Thiels (for what I paid for). Not being an audiophile, I do not have a well trained ear, but I certainly can tell the differences between these and those sold in the consumer market. I find these speakers to be incredible in the highs and mids. Instruments are very crisp and natural. Vocals (especially female) are amazing as well. I am dissapointed by the lack of bass, but every once in a while it really surprises me as to just how low it will go. What little bass it does have, it seems to be pretty clean. These are definitely not the speakers to buy if you're into video! I don't listen to my music very loudly, but I've heard numerous times that these speakers aren't for you if you like to crank it up.

I'd have to disagree with part of the last post,...the Thiel 1.5 offer incredible detail...and are magnetically shielded...they would be great for video,...fantastic with sound effects,...if the goal is resolution and accuracy over rough grunt then the 1.5's should definantly be considered...

Given the price and performance, I don't know how this speaker could be rated less than five stars . The speakers are built to an uncommon level,...and sound brilliant ....it's true that the electronics need to be good ( or the deficiencies will be magnified )...so if you have a crapy amp or cd , which you do not plan to change,...then stick with a speaker that will mask this for you .... The price paid is in distance from the recording,...,, I recommend you bring Dextor Gordon to the audition ...

My feelings in reference to this speaker, after living with it for almost a year, is that they really are an outstanding speaker. I have compared them in my system with the ML Aerius i's. I have to say that the Theil's were far superior in every respect-I'll spare you with the typical audiophile jargon. At first I was hesitant because of the cost, I purchased them new, but I sure don't anymore. I would like to tell you about one tweek for these, Teknasonics C-10's, I'm using two pair on them and they have taken this already incredible speaker to another level. The system these are in consists of Chang Litespeed 6400 20AH, Synergistics Research Reference A/C Master Couplers throughout, Theta "Miles" CD player running directly into a VAC 80/80 tube amp connected with Synergistics Research Designer's Reference interconnect (3ft.), and from the 80/80 an 8ft. pair of Synergistic Research's Resolution Reference speaker cables. Both components are on Bright Star's Big Foot bases and a Little Foot on the CD player, and everthing is on a Target B2 stand.

First class loudspeaker in every respect. Not overly loud or overly expressive in the lowest frequencies, but superbly competent in all other areas. Requires sufficient amperage to sound their best, but with tube gear of proper power becomes addictively musical while maintaining Thiel's trademark detail and precision. Belongs on everyone's short list under $3k.