Thiels harsh?

September 24, 2007

To Randall Smith,

I read your report of the Thiel home-theater speaker system and wish to seek some advice and clarification on the Thiel MCS1. I recently added the MCS1 to my theater setup, replacing my NHT M6 center, hoping for a more open and dynamic sound. I found the MCS1 to be lot more open and have better mids; however, I also noticed that the MCS1 has a very disturbing tweeter which many times sounds harsh or hard on movie soundtracks. In comparison to other center speakers I've owned previously, like the NHT, the tweeters, though more recessed, didn’t have that kind of harshness. I did some research and found a reviewer who shared my same discovery. Aside from this, the MCS1 is fine, but it is this tweeter character that makes me unable to be absorbed in the movie, as I am constantly disturbed by this edginess. During your review did you notice this as well? Can you offer some advice? My equipment list:

Krell HTS 7.1 processor
Simaudio Moon Aurora amp
Marantz DV-9600 DVD player
PS Audio Power Plant
MIT balanced interconnects
Siltech Golden Ridge digital cable

Michael

Never during my review of the Thiel system did I find the MCS1’s tweeter to be harsh. A lot of times a speaker that has a flat frequency response on-axis can seem harsh. Toeing the speakers in or out can sometimes remedy that perceived harshness. Another area you may want to investigate is your room acoustics. Maybe there is a wall reflection in your room that is adding to this problem? Can you make a small change in your system that may partner better with the MCS1? Does your processor have THX processing? By selecting this feature, your processor will filter out extreme frequencies that may be causing your problem.

These are only suggestions from someone who hasn’t had the opportunity to listen to your system. Over time, you may adjust your perception of the MCS1 and appreciate its revealing nature. Because of this revealing quality, Thiel speakers expose movie soundtracks for what they are -- good or bad. It is possible the NHT speaker you recently replaced was not in the same league as the MCS1 and now you are hearing everything that you have been missing. If nothing I have suggested works, maybe you can take the speaker over to a friend’s house and see how it sounds there. If you cannot remedy this issue, perhaps the Thiel speaker is damaged or maybe Thiel sound isn’t for you. One thing is certain in my experience: You have a great center-channel speaker….Randall Smith

Review of new Signatures?

September 21, 2007

To Doug Schneider,

I noticed that you own Paradigm Signature S2 speakers. These aren’t the new versions. Any plan to review the new ones as part of a home theater? I’m a Studio owner.

Robert Connelly

As a matter of fact, I just got off the phone with Paradigm the other day. I’m scheduled to receive Paradigm’s new Signature S1, which has the company's new Beryllium tweeter. Originally, I was going to review them only as a stereo pair, but Paradigm is supplying a full Signature v.2 home-theater setup that these speakers will be a part of..Doug Schneider

“…great website”

September 17, 2007

Editor,

I wanted to compliment you on your great website. The “Collector’s Corner” feature is so interesting for film buffs, and your equipment reviews are complete and thoughtful, unlike those of some other websites I visit. I would like to see some more articles explaining speaker setup and the more technical sides of home theater, however. Overall, though, you guys do a really good job, and I wanted to express my support for your work. Thanks again.

Tom Patterson

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