Congratulations on your purchase of the THIEL model CS2.4 loudspeaker system. This fine product is the result of a dedicated effort to provide very accurate music reproduction. We have used very

high quality components and taken great care in the CS2.4’s construction. Properly set up and used with good associated equipment, the CS2.4 will provide you with a great deal of musical enjoyment for many years.

Jim Thiel, Product Design/CEO, THIEL Audio

SPEAKER PLACEMENT

The CS2.4s are relatively noncritical to room placement and will provide good results from almost anywhere. However, here are some guidelines to help you achieve the best sound from your speakers. Speaker placement will affect the accuracy of timbre, spatial performance, and bass performance.

Distance from walls: THIEL speakers, and most others, sound best if they are placed well away from all walls. Such placement optimizes imaging and depth, and musical timbres are reproduced with the least coloration because it allows the initial sound coming from the speaker to be distinctly separated in time from the secondary sound of wall reflections. If reflections are heard too quickly after the primary sound, your brain tends to interpret them as part of the initial sound, causing the perceived timbre to be altered and the spatial characteristics to be confused.

If you experiment, you will notice a major improvement in openness when the speakers are even two feet from the rear wall instead of one. Ideally, we like to see the speakers three feet from the rear wall and five feet from the side wall. Also, it is not desirable for large objects to be placed near the speakers since these will also be a source of unwanted early reflections that reduce imaging accuracy.

Spacing: Because of their very wide, even dispersion of energy, THIEL speakers should usually be placed farther apart than most. Optimum imaging is usually achieved when the speakers and the listener form an equilateral triangle, although this will depend on the width of the room—a narrow room will require closer placement. If the speakers are too far apart for a given environment, there will tend to be a “hole” in the middle of the sound stage; if they are too close together, the image will be compressed and will not achieve optimum width.

Aiming: We usually prefer the imaging obtained when the speakers are pointed straight ahead rather than pointing toward the listener. This placement produces the largest, most natural soundstage. However, toeing the speakers in somewhat may produce more specific placements of instruments. Also, if it is not possible to get the speakers far enough away from the side walls, a toed-in position can be helpful to reduce the strength of wall reflections.

Bass: Bass response is also affected by speaker placement. In general, when a speaker is close to a wall the bass response is stronger and placing a speaker in a corner will make it even more so. In order to achieve properly balanced bass, it is necessary for the speaker to be used in the environment for which it was designed. THIEL speakers are designed to provide accurate bass when positioned away from all walls—the same position that provides the best imaging.

Listener position: The CS2.4s provide broad dispersion of energy at all frequencies and therefore provide good results throughout a large listening area. Best imaging is provided for a listener centered in front of the speakers. Optimum phase and time alignment is provided only for a seated listener who is eight or more feet away from the speakers.

All aspects of speaker placement are dependent on the particular room. Since every room is different, no hard rules can be given, and experimentation is necessary to achieve the best results.

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Thiel Audio Products CS2.4 manual Speaker Placement

CS2.4 specifications

Thiel Audio Products has long been synonymous with high-fidelity sound, and the CS2.4 model exemplifies this commitment to audio excellence. Launched as part of their flagship series, the CS2.4 speakers are designed for audiophiles who demand precision, clarity, and a natural listening experience.

One of the standout features of the CS2.4 speakers is their innovative design, which emphasizes both form and function. The speakers utilize a three-way configuration, incorporating a unique 1-inch silk dome tweeter, a 4-inch midrange driver, and dual 8-inch woofers. This configuration ensures a balanced frequency response, allowing listeners to appreciate a wide range of audio, from the delicate highs to rich bass.

The CS2.4 is engineered with proprietary technologies that set it apart in the realm of high-end audio. The drivers are meticulously crafted to minimize distortion and enhance linearity, ensuring that the sound produced is as true to the original recording as possible. Additionally, the speakers incorporate Thiel's phase-coherent design principles. This approach aligns the elements of sound reproduction to create a seamless and immersive listening experience.

Another significant characteristic of the CS2.4 is its robust cabinet construction. Made from dense, resonance-resistant materials, the cabinet minimizes unwanted vibrations that could muddy the audio output. The sleek and elegant design not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also contributes to the overall acoustic performance.

Connectivity options on the CS2.4 are versatile, accommodating a variety of audio sources. With both standard binding posts and bi-wiring capabilities, users can customize their setup to suit their specific needs. The CS2.4 is also compatible with different amplifier types, making it a flexible choice for diverse systems.

In terms of performance, the CS2.4 speakers excel in creating a three-dimensional soundstage. With their exceptional imaging and clarity, they allow listeners to discern subtle nuances in music that are often lost in lesser speakers. This level of detail enhances the overall listening experience, making the CS2.4 ideal for critical listening sessions as well as enjoying casual music playback.

In summary, Thiel Audio Products' CS2.4 speakers represent a perfect marriage of advanced technology and elegant design. With their refined drivers, phase-coherent design, robust cabinet construction, and versatile connectivity, they deliver an unparalleled audio experience that satisfies even the most discerning audiophiles. Whether used in dedicated listening rooms or integrated into home theatres, the CS2.4 continues to uphold Thiel’s legacy of high-quality sound reproduction.