Resolution, dynamics, soundstage, accuracy

Location of speaker binding post

I am not an audiophile, but I have listened to lots of different brands of speakers costing from $1,500 to over $20,000 The only speakersI liked better were the Theil 7.2s. When I bought the C6 I was concerned because I had heard it needs lots of power and I was using a McIntosh 275 which puts out 75-85 watts. The McIntosh and Theil combination is great. My plan was to get the new 600 watt McIntosh, but I like the sound so much I wonder if it can get any better.
My system consist of:
- Theil C6
- McIntosh 275 amp
- McIntosh C42 preamp
- TaraLab Air 1 cables
- Cary Tube CD/DAC

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Wilson, B&W, Maagnepan

Resolution, imaging, dynamics, and bass response.

Need good front end and plenty of amplification.

The Thiel CS6 is an outstanding speaker for the price range. Challenge anyone to find a better overall speaker for $7K.
I run them with ARC amplification, ARC CD2, and Synergistic Research cabling.

Overall sound.Just right.

big speaker.

Just a very fine speaker.To the ones that can not hear it I wish good luck.

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wilson,psb,eggleston.

great imaging and soundstage, bass is fantastic, brings out lots of detail

large size

Am very pleased with these speakers. I listen to many types of music - primarily country and smooth jazz - no hard rock. Speakers perform very well for my tastes and the music I listen to.

I recently upgraded a Mark Levinson 334 amp to the 336, a Proceed CDP to a Mark Levinson 390s and all interconnects and speaker cable to Transparent Ultra. These upgrades made a DRAMATIC improvement in the performance of the speakers - other reviewers have indicated the need for a good front end for these speakers and I would agree completely. Biggest improvements were in soundstage, imaging and bass. The overall presentation is very detailed and fun to listen to. Can not get over the improvements in sound with the upgrades.

The Thiel MCS1 works well as a center channel with the CS6 speakers. They seem to be well matched with the MCS1 adding a lot to the surround experience (was using the Thiel SCS3 as a center before). The base and incredible detail to these speakers make movies a kick. Unfortunately I can only crank volume when my wife is not at home and that is when it is best for movies - (the size of the MCS1 as a center channel did not go over with her at all). I am using the Bryston SP1 as a preamp.

Overall I think these are great speakers and am glad that I have them. The speakers sounded very good using the ML 334 amp and Proceed CDP but now I know what I was missing with that set up in performance with these speakers. Would like to give the Thiel 7.2's a try but for now they are just too big for our house.

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good bang for the buck. has alot of qualitys you would expect from a lot more money speaker.

large hard to move around

just listen.you will be amazed.

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wilson,psb,b&w.

Well defined images and great soundstaging. Tight bass and non-fatiguing upper end. Very coherent.

Hard to move around.

I've owned the CS6's for nearly 3 years now and I enjoy now every bit as much as when I first purchased them. I listen to a wide range of music (rock, folk, jazz, blues, and classical) and they sound great on all of them. The vocalist are well defined and centered. The soundstage is very wide and has good depth. The dynamics are excellent and the bass is deep, tight and well defined. The speakers are very revealing of any weak links in the system. I enjoy listening to music for hours upon hours without listener fatigue. My system includes: Classe CA400 power amp, CAT Ultimate preamp, Meridian 500/566 24 bit DAC, Linn LP12 Lingo/Ekos/Grado Reference, MIT MH750 speaker cables, MIT MI330 interconnects, Synergistic Master Reference, Master Couplers and ESP power cords, MIT Z-center power conditioner and Room Tune PLZ wall mounted acoustic treatments.
Before purchasing them, I compared the Thiels to Martin Logan Requests, Alon V MkIII, Aerial 10T's, B&W 801 and 802's, Proac 2.5's, Audio Physics Virgo, and Magnepan 3.5's.
I recommend the Thiel CS6 very highly. I can't imagine how anyone can rate them lower than 5 stars. They aren't cheap but I've had them for 3 years and I haven't heard a less expensive speaker that sounds better.

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very good on live music. for the price

big,hard to move around

I think this is a good speaker.

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wilson,psb,polk

After a year of agonizing indecision, I finally chose Thiel CS6's to replace my Apogee Acoustic Slant 8 speakers. I listened to Magnepans, Martin-Logans, B&W's and a few other brands. My preference to this point in my audio "career" had been for electrostats and ribbons. The vocals and chamber music I enjoy sounded better with that technology. I heard enough of what I liked in the CS6 to take a risk on a dynamic speaker. The Thiel sound takes time to grow on you but it is addicting. 
I took the plunge a few weeks ago and bought the dealer's demo pair. After we got the beasts into my listening room and hooked them up, I admit I was a little disappointed. The sound was good but not what I expected. As it turned out, my Transparent speaker cables were back at the factory for a network update. I was using a set of cables that my dealer loaned me in the interim. They made the speakers sound bad. When I got my Transparents into the system, I didn't even make it back to my chair before the difference overwhelmed me. The soundstage became huge, accuracy incredible, bass indescribable. Even my Levinson amp ran cooler with the Transparents in the circuit.
 
The biggest difference I heard in the new set-up is the "density" of each sound. I guess that's what Thiel means when they say Coherent Source. Incredible weight yet still delicate like my ribbons. Detail is also much improved from my ribbons...I didn't think I could ever say that about a dynamic speaker.
 
One problem.. the bottom mounted binding posts are a royal pain in the butt. My cable lugs are angled which makes getting them on and off even more cumbersome. They also weren't as beefy as I would like to see them on a speaker in the CS6's price range. This is a small complaint in comparison to the sonic purity the speaker provides.
 
Thiel did a great job with the CS6. I'm a new disciple of first order cross-overs and phase coherence. Five stars for accuracy, soundstage, detail and bass.

accuracy soundstage

They are very good speakers,when it comes to recreating live music.Most people do not attend enough live musical events, so they do not know how the live instruments sound as well as they know the recorded one from their systems. Are there better speakers? Sure the Revel Salon, the Avalon Eidolon,at about twice the price.They are one of the best in their price range.

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eggleston,genesis,wilson

Bass,overall presentation very musical.

Large speaker better have the room,and the power they require.Will show weaknesses with poor equipment

I have very much enjoyed me time with this speaker. For the price I find no equals. But I am in search of a new pair of Revel salons. Just hope that they will give me as much satisfaction,and enjoyment for the price that the Thiels have.Please do not just read the reviews,but go out and listen for your self.

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