Power Requirements, Grille, Service | Thiel Audio Products CS.5

POWER REQUIREMENTS

It is important to have enough power to play at the level you desire without distortion. If high sound levels are desired, the CS.5s are designed to be used with amplifiers rated up to 150 watts per channel. If you play the speakers more loudly than the volume the amplifier can cleanly produce, the amplifier will produce overload (clipping) distortion. The sound will become compressed, strained, and in extreme cases, obviously distorted. This distortion is actually non-musical additional energy that can damage speakers in extreme cases.

Keep in mind that sound quality is usually much more important than sound quantity. There can be large differences in the sonic performance of two amplifiers of equal power, and this is more important than large differences in power. Most everyone will be happier with a 50 watt amplifier of high sonic quality than with a 100 watt amplifier of mediocre sonic quality. For this reason, we feel there is no substitute for listening to make your amplifier decision.

The question “how much power do I need?” does not have the simple answer most people expect because it is not determined only by the loudspeaker’s efficiency, but also by the volume desired and the size of the room. If all three factors are average, about 50 watts per channel is required. Each factor can raise or lower this amount by about three times.

1)Usually, people who “don’t like music loud” can decrease their power to about one-half. Also, people who like music loud should increase their power by 2 times or more. Most people fall within a normal range.

2)A speaker with a low efficiency of 84dB/W-m will require twice the power of an average 87dB/W-m speaker and one with a high rating of 90dB/W-m will require only half the power of an average speaker. Usually, high efficiency can be obtained only by trading off sonic quality—there are very few speakers that provide a very high level of both. The CS.5 is of average efficiency (87dB) and therefore requires a normal amount of power.

3)A small room will need less power for a given loudness level than a large room. A very small room of 1000 cu ft (11' x 11' with an 8' ceiling) will require about half the power of an average size room. A large room of 6000 cu ft (20' x 30' with a 10' ceiling) will require twice the average power. If the listening room is connected to another room by a large open area, the required power will increase, but not by the amount of the combined room volume. If the room has a “dropped” ceiling with light panels, the ceiling will be almost transparent acoustically and the space above the ceiling should be added. If the panels are heavy they will act more like a normal ceiling.

With all this in mind, a person who doesn’t like to play music very loudly and has a small room can get high quality sound with as little as 20 watts whereas a person who sometimes likes to play loudly and has a large room may need 150 watts.

GRILLE

The grille on the CS.5 is designed as an integral part of the system to reduce unwanted diffraction effects. Therefore, it must remain in place for proper operation. If you do need to remove the grille, pull the bottom of the grille frame away from the speaker an inch or so and then pull the top of the grille forward to remove it.

The grilles can be cleaned of dust by using an upholstery attachment of a vacuum cleaner.

CABINET FINISH CARE

THIEL wood cabinets possess a high quality lacquer finish that is both beautiful and durable. However, any wood finish can be damaged by excessive moisture, dryness, or direct sunlight. When cleaning your speakers, avoid using oils, waxes, or polishes that contain silicone, such as Pledge or Johnson’s. We recommend using Endust. Non-wood laminate cabinets may be cleaned with a glass-type cleaner and a soft cloth.

SERVICE

If your system requires service, contact your authorized THIEL dealer. If you need to contact THIEL, service information and technical support is available at (606) 254-9427, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, or via e-mail at service@thielaudio.com.

CS.5 specifications

Thiel Audio Products has long been known for their commitment to exceptional audio fidelity, and the CS.5 is a testament to this legacy. Launched to deliver a premium listening experience, the CS.5 stands out with its meticulously engineered design and sophisticated technologies that cater to audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

One of the hallmark features of the CS.5 is its unique driver configuration. The speaker is equipped with a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter paired with a 7-inch midrange driver, ensuring clear highs and a rich, detailed midrange. This combination allows the CS.5 to reproduce a wide range of frequencies with remarkable accuracy. The speaker is designed to handle the complexities of any musical genre, making it highly versatile.

Incorporating Thiel’s innovative Constant-Q design, the CS.5 ensures a consistently neutral sound profile regardless of listening position. This technology minimizes the phase issues that can often arise in conventional speaker designs, resulting in a more cohesive sound experience. Furthermore, the speaker features a meticulously tuned bass reflex system that enhances low-frequency performance without sacrificing clarity, allowing for deep, authoritative bass that complements the overall sound signature.

Another defining characteristic of the CS.5 is its high-quality cabinet construction. Crafted from dense MDF and finished with premium veneers, the speaker not only looks elegant but is also built to reduce unwanted resonances that could interfere with sound quality. The internal bracing further strengthens the cabinet, ensuring that it can handle high power levels without distortion.

The CS.5 is designed for ease of integration into a variety of audio setups. With its standard 8-ohm impedance and a sensitivity rating that facilitates compatibility with a range of amplifiers, it provides a user-friendly experience. Additionally, the speaker is equipped with high-quality binding posts, allowing for secure connections and the flexibility to utilize bi-wiring setups.

In summary, Thiel Audio Products’ CS.5 represents a perfect blend of advanced technology, meticulous craftsmanship, and audiophile-oriented design. Its exceptional driver configuration, innovative technologies, and high-quality construction make it a standout choice for anyone looking to elevate their audio experience. Whether you are a dedicated audiophile or a casual listener, the CS.5 delivers an immersive soundstage that brings your favorite music to life. With its undeniable performance, the CS.5 solidifies Thiel Audio's reputation for excellence in the world of high-end audio.