Coherence, Dynamics, Timbre, Soundstage

slightly soft highs

These are 1988 models, I believe. I recently bought them used after selling them some 7 years ago because they were bright. The new pair was intended for a 2nd system so my expectations were not very high. But when I fired them up I was taken aback by their quality - better than I remember from before. Surprisingly, they are more coherent and have a better midrange than my newer Vandersteen 2CEs (though the Vandies go lower and have more "air" on top). I was not prepared for this level of quality from a 15 year old design. By today's standards these things are still incredibly smooth and natural sounding. They only lack a bit of crispness on top compared with newer designs with metal dome tweeters, which are probably hyped anyway (I know lots of folks who don't like them). Used with good amps I'd say these speakers can still compete with anything under $2500 today if you can accept their soft highs.

Similar Products Used:

Vandersteen, PSB

Smooth Lows, broad stage, appealing design, crisp to 80% of Crisp, not fatiguing over extended periods at higer volumes

Difficult to position correctly.

Before I start: these speakers are not '95 models, but somewhere around '83-84 I think, maybe. The Product review software forces an entry here, but is inadequate to accept anything earlier than 1995. So, that out of the way, I shall proceed. First heard some matched zebra-wood CS-2's in '94 hooked to a vintage Mcintosh source(s). Found they filled this cavernous 2-story room w/a warmth & clarity unknown to that date. Came across a pair at the local Salvation Army for $200 in mid '98. Demoed them w/a bannana rig from home (Fried G-3's) and bought them, quickly. "Hurry up buddy, let's get'em into the car!" Power them w/an Acurus 150 amp, and an NAD tuner/preamp, NAD single CD, AR turntable w/some sort of Shure rig in it and a universal Japanese tape deck. Substantial, but common stuff. Find these units sound as good as they look, kind of a light "honeywood" finish. Seems they have Dynaudio drivers as best I can tell, even had the business card of the QC inspector still stuck under both data plates. Can't give you a very erudite review here save the DICK's PICKS discs come through very cleanly, E. Power Biggs from the Brandenbug Cathedral on RCA vinyl is expansive on both ends of the spectrum, save that very annoying bass squat I also get on Aoxamoxa from the DEAD. I remember reading somewhere some AUTHORITY felt the CS-2's were a little "slow" whatever that means. Hell, they sound pretty good to me. Say loud, and Clear. Deviating a bit, the current Thiel Factory Brochure is very impressive, outlining Mr. Thiel's philosopy, his trials, successes, failures, and committment to putting out a product that meets his criteria. Apparently not being market driven, nor corporately subsidized, he has still achieved the enviable goal of producing a superb product, at home in Louisville, KY. Now how about that! In closing, I can confidently say these boys are strong, clean, aesthetically pleasing, and worthy of purchase, not a casual listen. They are hungry, requiring 100 continuous into a nominal 4 ohm load. You will not be disappointed.

Similar Products Used:

Fried G-3

soundstage and timber accuracy

genuine dynamic

Thiel 2 has been with me for over ten years. Now served as third system in my office, driven by all tube gears. All the brigheness and tightness originally felt has gone. More relaxed than Thiel's later models (which use metal units). Not comparable with Apogee and Extrema, nevertheless still a nice pair.

Similar Products Used:

apogee duetta signature, Sonus Faber Extrema, Electa Amator 1, AE2,