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The bass-proficient Thiel CS2.3, by using the similar driver technology as the
MCS1, integrates well with it as a right and left speaker. The sloped front
baffle positions the outputs of each of the drivers along a vertical axis.
Thanks to the sloped, rounded front
baffle on the CS2.3 and the driver
positioning on the MCS1, this require-
ment has been well met by Thiel.
Perfect woodworking craftsmanship.
Yet all these endeavors on the technical
side only come to bear with an adequate
enclosure. For this reason, Thiel pays
much attention to building rigid cabinets
with minimal resonance. If one knocks
on the cabinet walls, one gets an idea of
the complex interior bracing—outside of
aching knuckles. Aside from our MCS1
review sample cabinet finished in shiny
black laminate, every type of wood
conceivable is available, as can be seen in
the example of the floor-standing CS2.3
speakers, shown above, finished with
fine rosewood. Three floor spikes ensure
the CS2.3's secure set-up, while stands
(filled with sand and spike-reinforced for
DM1,200/$580 U.S. in Germany) for
horizontal, as well as vertical positions,
are available for the compact MCS1.
EXCLUSIVE
Powerful output, high precision.
Already, after only listening for the first
time, the sonic result of the effort
undertaken by Thiel is overwhelming.
After several days' of warm-up time and
during intense listening, ultimately the
subtle details, such as spatially precise
positioning, are uncovered. In particular,
the center channel especially benefits
from the breathtaking fine resolution
and natural voice reproduction, while
the rich bass as well as powerful dynam-
ics are achieved with music and films.
One should only note that the CS2.3
requires placement a good distance from
walls (1 meter to the rear, preferably
more to the sides) in order not to over-
accentuate the low frequency range. In
tests, there is often talk of rhythmically
The tweeter/midrange driver works with a single
voice coil. Thanks to the coupling connection with
the inner dome, the outer diaphragm rolls off on its
own at high frequencies. Thiel calls this a mechanical
crossover.
Two excellent woofers and the unique midrange/tweeter mounted
in a massive front baffle creates the basis for great sound.
jigging feet or goose bumps and some-
times a shiver running down one's spine.
No question, this may also happen with
Thiel speakers. However, as has always
been the case, the performance in the
recording is responsible for such emo-
tional outbursts, while speakers act no
more and no less as agents between the
soundtrack or music and our ears. And
this role of an impartial agent is exactly
filled by Thiel's speakers in a thoroughly
outstanding manner. And thanks to their
dimensions as well as their distortion-free
and bass-proficient construction, they are
also capable of terrific and fierce thunder.
Conclusion.
Jim Thiel's speakers'
craftsmanship quality and extraordinary
technical finesse already arouse enthusi-
asm. We were astonished to experience
the worlds of sound revealed at last: light,
dynamic and with utterly natural sound,
Thiel's products can be counted among
the best speakers for film and music.
Thiel CS 2.3 / MCS 1
Sales:
Sun Audio, Munich, Germany
Dimensions:
MCS1
CS2.3
Price (each, in Germany):
MCS1
CS2.3
(W x D X H)
10" x 12.25" x 28.5"
11" x 15" x 41.5"
DM6,000 ($3000 US)
DM4,900 ($2400 US)
Heimkino
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