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From: tarr-michael@CS.YALE.EDU (michael tarr)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Re: Taming Thiels
Message-ID: <9419@uwm.edu>
Date: 8 Feb 91 13:57:24 GMT
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Approved: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu



I have a set of Thiel CS2's with the following gear:
 Belles 150 Amp
 Sonographe Preamp
 Sony X33ES CD player
 MIT 330 interconnects

I have never had a problem with the harshness or brightness that some
have reported with the Thiels. My best guesses are:
(in order of my perception of correctness)

1. Use of an active preamp. Passive boxes just don't cut it in most
cases (see recent letter from CJ in back of stereophile). Everyone I
know with a passive has been much happier when they moved to an active
line stage.

2. Belles Amp. In side by side comparisons with the Adcom (MK I), the
B&K ST-140, and a Hafler, it toasted all of them. Everyone who listened
(about 30-40 gnurds in my dorm at MIT) agreed that the Belles was by far
the best sounding. A steal at $600. Also everyone I know that has
listened to a Belles before buying an amp has ended up with a Belles.

3. MIT 330's. They are reputed to roll off the high end a bit, giving a
more mellow sound. I don't know about that, but I found them to be
extremely neutral in the midrange compared to cables of equivalent cost.

I have a friend with CS2's and a B&K ST140 and a PS Audio 4.6. He too is
quite happy and has not complained (so far as I know) about overly
bright or harsh sound.

By the way the Sony X33ES was an insurance replacement for a recently
stolen CD player. It has an amazing soundstage. But too many annoying
bells and whistles. At least the display can be turned off.

-- 
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 * Michael J. Tarr                              Department of Psychology  *
 * tarr@cs.yale.edu                             Yale University           *
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