A Review of the THIEL CS3.7 Loudspeaker A bold new design from America's premier high-end speaker company

Steve Kindig — May 03, 2007

Article contents
Page 1.   Introduction and first impressions
Page 2.   Inside look and technical details
Page 3.   Listening session results, summary
Page 4.   Associated equipment and selected listenin

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More listening impressions

"There were numerous moments that blew me away, but the most striking moment came during Charles Mingus' song "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting" off the Blues and Roots disc. It was so real — with my eyes closed all of a sudden it sounded like the saxophone was right there in the room with us. That piece is packed with movement and sounds of all kinds, and the THIELs revealed ridiculously subtle details, every nuance of every attack and decay — all the stuff that makes for a sublime listening experience." — Mike

On the Liz Carroll/John Doyle cut, I was especially struck by the moments where the guitar and fiddle halt briefly before continuing with renewed vigor. The THIELs, driven by the powerful PS Audio amp, nailed that effect by stopping and starting on a dime. In concert, that tactic heightens the emotional impact, but listening at home, it rarely packs the same punch. Last night was different — I felt the same jolt of intensity that I felt during a live session by the same musicians. — Julie

There were a couple of points where I was really impressed. The Buena Vista Social Club track ("Chan Chan") sounded really warm and detailed — I definitely heard things I'd never heard before, especially during the instrumental part towards then end. I could pick out little riffs from individual instruments I hadn't noticed before. Hot Chip's "The Warning" sounded so spot on — the rhythm was tight and precise, and the highs were absolutely crystal clear. — Amanda

Associated equipment

PS Audio PCA-2 stereo preamp
PS Audio GCA-500 stereo power amp
Denon DVD-3910 DVD player (SACD playback and CD transport)
Electronic Visionary Systems Millennium 2 DAC
Scott Nixon TubeDac (borrowed)
Music Hall MMF-7 turntable
Monolithic Audio phono preamp
PS Audio speaker cables; PS Audio and Ven Haus Audio interconnects and power cables
Panamax 5500 line conditioner