This system has been a work in progress Since 1980. I bought my first audiophile gear at Hi Fi Haven, which was a high-end audio dealer in my college neighborhood in NJ. This was not a part of town you'd expect an audio store, on its left was a strip club and on its right was Greasy Tony's Cheesesteaks, which was open all night and staffed with the shadiest motley crew imaginable. Ah, you gotta love college in NJ when the drinking age was 18. Most of my friends frequented the two latter businesses, I think I was the only one who added HiFi Haven as a point of interest.
At HiFi Haven, a guy named Peter Cuddy took the time to teach me how to listen, not just hear. For that I'm not sure if I am eternally grateful or really pissed off for letting a college kid buy a cassette deck in the 4 figures. I wonder if he's still around? Can't blame him, since way before we met, I had (as an adolescent) been putting what my wife calls audio-porn up on my bedroom walls. The one I remember distinctly was a cool Sansui receiver with a lit up FM dial I was drooling over at 14 years old. I also remember enhancing the sound of my crappy plastic all-in-one's speakers by reinstalling them in... wait for it, empty one gallon cardboard milk containers. They sure sounded way better... By 15, I was totally hooked.
As an adult, I tend to choose very good elements that sound great together and hold on to them for a long time while I enjoy my system thoroughly. Only recently did I sell that first piece of gear, which I admit was a strange way to start my Audiophilia a Nakamichi 680ZX. All those cool phosphorescent lights and knobs to play with... who knew a source component would have been a better choice?
I love gear, but what I really care about is music. As I write this, I've got my AKGs on (wife's asleep), listening to Dexter Gordon's One Flight Up on a pristine Blue Note test pressing. The combination of my analog front end (both the Alphason/Madrigal set-up and the Townshend/Kiseki rig), fed through the VAC and driven by the Raptor is producing such gorgeous, live sound that it's hard to imagine it getting any better.
Stop laughing, I know we've all felt this way many times... until we reach the next level, where we are once again slack-jawed and astonished that "we've never heard that before!"
Thanks for reading. Your thoughtful comments are most welcome. Except about the photos, I know they suck. I'll get to them one day. Cheers!
Nice to hear from another CS3.7 audiophile. They do still sound unbelievably good in my system, even against $50k speakers. I got one of the last pairs from a dealer after Jim Thiel passed away and the company went through its ugly sale to amateurs who then had to shut it down. I tell anyone who will listen the if you can find an undamaged pair on the used market, don't hesitate... owners rarely part with these gems when fed by the right source and amplification.
Enjoy your Thiel 3.7s, as they are a very special gift to the audiophile world!
Hi Jeff, I still use the "system I had before" in that I still enjoy my vintage Alphason Sonata with the pure Titanium tone arm that I bought in 1988 in Toronto. It still sounds amazing, but after almost 30 years of continuous use, the motor started showing signs of age. So now I've got a cool DIY project as I'm upgrading the deck with the addition of an outboard DC regulated motor.
I used to own a wonderful 3008A Tandberg Pre-Amp, and I still have my original Electron Kinetics Eagle 2A SS Amp. I've been in love with the Thiel sound for decades. I had a great pair of CS 2s for many years.
As to how to pick components... it's different these days: a lot of audio gear is purchased online, with the buyer never having heard the sound. If you're lucky enough to have a high-end audio dealer within an hour or two, go there! And whatever you take home, make sure they offer a trial period for full refund or credit in case it just doest work in your system.
I got really lucky with the Rock 7. I bought it on an intuition after reading a stellar review by Robert Greene. I have some audio design heroes, like Kevin Hayes of VAC, who uses Thiel CS 3.6s to voice his amps before shipping, and of course the late Jim Thiel himself, whose CS 3.7s are a lifetime achievement and a legacy. Also, Richard E. Lord of REL who was one of the pioneers of sub-bass systems that didn't ruin the music but just made it seamlessly able to do so much more.Now with The Rock, I'm adding Max Townsend to the hero list. If you have dealers who carry hero-level components, go hear them.
Wow. Thanks Jeff, Frank and Bdp24 for all the appreciation! It feels great to have a system that hangs together so well. I had an audiophile friend over yesterday and he just sat there, in the sweet spot, eyes closed, shaking his head and smiling. If you want to read how I learned to listen critically, click the last line item on my list. It's a story and related document you'll not see anywhere else.
Jeff, I purchased one of the last pair of CS3.7s the company sold before the new owners discontinued them. These were clearly Jim Thiel's legacy and masterpiece and yes, they are remarkable, especially for the price.
Frank, I remember Eric from HiFi Haven! Ditto on the demise of audio salons. At least we experienced them in their heyday, right?
Bdp24, I salute you back for even knowing about the Rock... It is one wonderful 'table!
