This system is built around the Thiel CS3.6 speakers, which I purchased in 1995. The resolution of the Thiels is such that every change I have made to the system since I bought them has been readily audible, and has only increased my satisfaction with them. They create a wide and deep soundstage; I listen to classical music exclusively, and the sonic picture that the Thiels project has the weight and heft of a real orchestra. The sound image begins about three feet behind the speakers and goes back from there; lateral spread extends past the speakers. Instrumental voices come from their appropriate locations in the sound stage; the speakers seem to disappear, leaving only the individual voices. Listening to symphonic recordings on this system is very satisfying, but recordings of chamber music are also effectively rendered.
My listening room is about 13 feet wide by 21 feet long. I have the speakers about 8 feet apart, and about 5 feet from the back wall, firing lengthwise down the room and toed-in a few degrees to compensate for the distance to the side walls being only about 2.5 feet. The listening position is about 11 feet from the speakers. The equipment rack is on the back wall, between and slightly behind the speakers.
In its present configuration, the system provides a smoother, more open, and more natural presentation, with better imaging, both lateral and front-to-back. With the combination of the Audio Research CD3MkII and the Dodson DAC, the system sounds more revealing than ever, and the listening experience seems to be limited only by the quality of the recording.
This system affords much musical pleasure, and all of what I considered outstanding issues have been addressed. Much of the system was purchased used or as inventory liquidation; with careful and patient shopping, this system can be assembled for around $18K.
Superb CD player that can also be used as a transport.
Harmonic Technology Magic Digital One
1.0m digital cable, XLR
Dodson Audio DA-217MkIID
24-bit 768kHz up- and oversampled converter; a great bargain when purchased used! This one has the DA-218 software upgrade, input transformers, and optional XLR input.
Harmonic Technology Magic Link One
1m interconnect, XLR
Balanced Audio Technology VK-20
Solid-state preamp with remote; open, detailed and natural, with a great user interface. This VK-20 has the Six-Pak and power supply upgrades.
Harmonic Technology Magic Link One
3m interconnect, XLR
Rowland M201 monoblock
250 wpc @ 8 ohms; 500 wpc @ 4 ohms.
Analysis Plus Oval 8
Massive 3-foot speaker cables.
Thiel Audio CS-3.6
Floorstanders that are very revealing, with good imaging and tight, deep bass. The better your system, the better they sound. Used, a fabulous bargain!
ExactPower EP-15A
15-amp voltage regulator that removes garbage from the AC line; very efficient.
ExactPower SP-15A
Balanced power transformer; enhances the purity of sound by eliminating AC noise.
Atlantis Reference 5
A solid, attractive equipment rack that is reasonably priced.
Analysis Plus Power Oval
Power Oval on source components, Power Oval 10 on power amps and ExactPower
System edited: After the ExactPower EP-15A/SP-15A combination failed and could not be repaired, I replaced it in November 2009 with a PurePower 1050, which improved the sound of the system and protected it from power outages. The batteries in the 1050 lasted 5-1/2 years, after which I attempted to order a new PurePower+ 1500 as an upgrade. This order did not turn out well; my negative experience can be read on another post by searching the Forums for "PurePower", clicking the first entry, and scrolling down to the end. Fortunately, I was able to replace the batteries in the 1050, and my system sounds as good as ever.
Yes, I'm very happy with them. As I mention above, I've had them since January 1995, and with each change I make to my system, they sound better and better. After a listening session, it's hard to turn the system off!
I've found that listening room set-up is very important. The 3.6's need space around them to image properly and to produce the required weight and body of sound. See above for how I have them positioned. Having them too close to the back wall thins out the sound, robs it of weight and impact, and destroys the front-to-back depth of the image.
System edited: Most recent changes: 1) Replaced Denon DCD-1650AR CD player with the Audio Research CD3MkII, to be used as a transport. 2) Replaced Harmonic Technology Magic Digital One 1.5m RCA digital cable with 1.0m XLR version of the same cable. 3) Updated the Dodson DA-217MkII-D DAC by adding an XLR input, incorporating the 218 software upgrade, and adding isolation transformers on the RCA and XLR inputs. 4) Updated the BAT VK-20 preamp by adding the Six-Pak output capacitors and the power supply upgrade. 5) Replaced the Harmonic Technology 1.0m Magic Link One XLR interconnects to the power amp with 3.0m versions of the same cables. 6) Replaced the Aragon 8008BB stereo power amp with a pair of Jeff Rowland Model 201 monoblocks. 7) Replaced the Analysis Plus Oval 9 8-foot speaker cables with a pair of Analysis Plus Oval 8 3-foot speaker cables. 8) Added Analysis Plus Power Oval power cables on the CD transport, DAC, and preamp. 9) Added Analysis Plus Power Oval 10 power cables on the Rowland monoblocks and the ExactPower SP-15A balanced transformer. 10) Added Z-Stand amp stands under the Rowland monoblocks. 11) Added Sound Anchors Cone Coasters under the equipment rack, amp stands, and speakers.
Very nice A hayman. While our musical tastes are different our appreciation of these great speakers is the same! Especially when positioned right in a listening room.
