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THIEL Audio MCS1, SCS3 and SS2 Loudspeaker System Review

by Ken Stein last modified August 30, 2004 20:00

Summary

  • Product Name: THIEL Audio MCS1, SCS3 and SS2 Loudspeaker System
  • Manufacturer: Thiel Audio
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarhalf-star
  • Value Rating: StarStarStarhalf-star
  • Review Date: August 30, 2004
  • MSRP: $14,300
Specifications




MCS1

SCS3

SS2 Subwoofer

Bandwidth (-3dB)

47 Hz-23 kHz

46 Hz-22 kHz

12 Hz - 300 Hz

Amplitude response

50 Hz-20 kHz ±2 dB

48 Hz-20 kHz ±2 dB

10 - 800 Hz ±3 dB

Phase response

minimum ±10°

minimum ±10°

N/A

Sensitivity (dB)

90 @ 2.8 V-1m

87 dB @ 2.8 V-1m

1 volt for 120 dB @ 1m

Impedance (ohms)

4 (3 ohms minimum)

4 (3 ohms minimum)

N/A

Power

-250

30-200 watts

1000 Wrms

Weight (lbs.)

61

30

108

Price USD

$2200 each

$1400 each

$4900


Pros

  • Superb cabinet design
  • Large selection of finishes and grill fabrics
  • Grills can be left on for critical listening
  • Overall Pleasing Sound

Cons

  • Stands are not adjustable
  • Limited low frequency response of main speakers
  • Require higher than average current for optimum performance

Introduction

For many years I have revered the THIEL speaker cabinet designs and construction. Being a DIY speaker builder, I recognize their efforts on time alignment and minimization of diffraction which tends to be less common among the vast array of traditional speaker designs.
  1. MCS1, SCS3 and SS2 Company Background
  2. MCS1, SCS3 and SS2 Speaker Design
  3. MCS1, SCS3 and SS2 Design and Setup
  4. MCS1, SCS3 and SS2 Measurements and Analysis
  5. Q&A with Jim Thiel on Internal Wiring of Speakers
  6. MCS1, SCS3 and SS2 Listening Tests and Conclusion