Thiel Audio Products Speaker CS37 User Manual

THIEL  
Model CS3.7  
Coherent  
®
Source  
loudspeaker  
system  
OWNER  
INFORMATION  
®
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DESIGN PHILOSOPHY  
The CS3.7 is a precision  
instrument designed to translate,  
as accurately as possible,  
electronic information into  
musical sound. All our efforts  
have been directed toward  
achieving extremely faithful  
translation of all tonal, spatial  
and dynamic information  
supplied by the amplifier.  
The CS3.7 is not intended to  
mask or mitigate shortcomings  
of the recording or other  
components in the music  
playback system.  
We believe this approach is  
the only way to provide the  
potential of experiencing all the  
subtle aspects that help make  
reproduced music a most  
enjoyable human experience.  
Jim Thiel,  
Founder/Chief Design Engineer,  
THIEL Audio  
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POSITIONING THE SPEAKERS  
Because of their unipolar radiation pattern, the CS3.7s will provide good results when placed in a variety of room  
locations. However, speaker placement will affect the accuracy of timbre, spatial performance, and bass perfor-  
mance. Here are some guidelines to help you achieve the best sound from your speakers. (The pointed metal  
stabilizer pins should not be installed until the final positioning has been determined.)  
All aspects of speaker placement are dependent on the particulars of the room. Since every room is different, no  
hard rules can be given, and experimentation is necessary to achieve the best results.  
Distance from walls  
Direct sound  
Reflected sound  
The CS3.7s, like most speakers, sound best  
Difference in arrival times  
if they are placed well away from all walls.  
Such placement optimizes imaging charac-  
teristics, and musical timbres are repro-  
duced with the least coloration because the  
initial sound coming from the speaker is  
distinctly separated in time from the  
secondary sound of wall reflections. If  
reflections are heard too soon after the  
primary sound, the 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.  
Figure 1. Early reflection problems caused by speakers placed  
too close to side walls  
Figure 1 illustrates the problems caused  
by early side wall reflections. When the  
speaker is placed too close to side walls, the  
Direct sound  
Reflected sound  
difference in arrival times between the  
Difference in arrival times  
primary sound waves and the reflected sound  
waves is too short for the brain to discrimi-  
nate between them.  
Figure 2 illustrates the advantages of  
placing the loudspeakers farther from side  
walls. The arrival times of the primary,  
forward radiating sound waves and the  
secondary, reflected sound waves are well  
separated, providing the proper delay needed  
for faithful tonal and spatial reproduction.  
There will also be a noticeable improve-  
ment in openness when the speakers are even  
Figure 2. Optimum placement for reducing reflection problems  
two feet from the rear wall instead of one. If  
possible, we prefer the speakers three feet or  
more from the rear wall and five feet or more  
from the side walls. Also, it is not desirable for large objects to be placed very near the speakers since these will also  
be a source of unwanted early reflections that reduce imaging accuracy.  
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Spacing  
Because of their very wide, even dispersion of energy, the CS3.7s can usually be placed farther apart than most other  
speakers. Optimum imaging is usually achieved when the speakers are almost as far apart as each speaker is from the  
listener, although this will depend on the width of the room—narrow rooms require more narrow placement. If the  
speakers are too far apart for the room, there will tend to be a “hole” in the middle of the soundstage; if they are too  
close together, the image will be compressed and will not achieve optimum width.  
Aiming  
Depending on the room in which they are used, the CS3.7s can be aimed anywhere between straight ahead and  
angled in so they point directly at the listener. Straight-ahead placement produces the widest, most natural  
soundstage. However, if it is not possible to place the speakers the desired distance from side walls, a toed-in position  
will reduce the strength of side wall reflections and, in these cases, provide a more focused spatial presentation.  
Bass  
In general, when a speaker is close to a wall, the bass response is stronger; placing a speaker in a corner will make it  
even more so. The CS3.7s are designed to provide accurate bass when positioned away from all walls—the same  
position that provides the best imaging.  
Listener position  
The CS3.7s 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 accuracy of  
timbre and depth perspective is provided for a seated listener who is eight or more feet away from the speakers.  
Placement suggestions  
14'  
Some people have restraints on speaker placement because  
of room size, shape, or aesthetic considerations and cannot  
2.5'  
2.5'  
meet one or more of the above placement recommenda-  
tions. They should not be discouraged from investing in  
CS3.7s. It is our opinion that due to their unipolar, point  
source radiation pattern, their very even, wide dispersion,  
and the co-axial mounting of the tweeter and midrange  
drivers, the CS3.7s fare better under difficult circumstances  
than most other high quality speaker systems. To help with  
placement, the following suggestions are given as a starting  
point for a variety of rooms.  
3'  
3'  
8'  
Figure 3 shows an average size room. Generally, it is  
best to start with short wall placement. This arrangement  
provides sufficient space behind the speakers, allows the  
listener to be far enough away from the speakers, and still  
maintains some distance between the listening position and  
the wall behind the listener. Since the speakers may be near  
side walls in order to keep spacing between the speakers  
wide, toeing-in the speakers is suggested.  
8-10' Listening Distance  
Figure 3. Average listening room  
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18'  
Some rooms, especially narrow ones, can  
benefit from placing the speakers along the  
long wall. Although space behind the  
speaker and behind the listener is reduced,  
this positioning increases the space  
1'  
1'  
4'  
10'  
4'  
between the speakers without side wall  
interference, and can improve overall  
performance. Figure 4 shows the same  
average size room as Figure 3, but with  
long wall placement. The speakers should  
be at least a foot from the rear wall, but the  
amount of toe-in can be adjusted, along  
with listener position, as well as the amount  
of spacing between the speakers.  
14'  
8-10 ' Listening Distance  
In a larger room, the optimum posi-  
Figure 4. Average listening room with long wall placement  
tioning suggestions on pages 2 and 3 are  
easier to implement. Figure 5 shows one  
set-up with the speakers five feet from the  
side walls, three feet from the rear wall,  
and the speakers aimed straight ahead. This  
arrangement provides an ample amount of  
space around the speakers to reduce  
18'  
3'  
3'  
5'  
8'  
5'  
unwanted reflections and should give  
excellent spatial performance and a very  
“open” sound. Other placement options in  
this room include: wider spacing between  
the speakers, adding toe-in as the spacing  
increases; increased space between the  
speaker and the back wall to improve  
imaging depth. Various listening position  
distances can also be tried.  
12'  
25'  
8-12' Listening Distance  
As mentioned at the beginning of the  
positioning section, all rooms are different  
and no hard rules can be given. Even rooms  
with similar dimensions can have differ-  
ences in wall, floor and ceiling construction  
that greatly affect the sound. Also, “live”  
rooms with hard surfaces, glass, and little  
damping sound much different from “dead”  
rooms with heavy carpet, drapes and plush  
furniture. In other words—EXPERIMENT.  
Figure 5. Large listening room speaker placement  
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CONNECTING THE SPEAKERS  
The CS3.7’s input terminals are located on the  
lower rear of the speaker cabinet. The CS3.7 uses  
5-way binding posts that accept several types of  
wire connections. Regardless of the type of wire  
termination, make sure that all connections are  
tight. The input terminals are designed to be easily  
tightened by hand or a 12 inch nut driver can be  
used.  
It is essential for proper performance that both  
speakers in a stereo system be wired in the same  
polarity. The speaker’s input terminals are color  
coded to facilitate this. The wire connected to the red  
ringedinputterminalofeachspeakershouldconnect  
Bottom rear cabinet view  
to the respective positive (+) output terminals of the amplifier; the wire connected to the black ringed input terminals  
should be connected to the respective negative (–) output terminals of the amplifier.  
The speakers should be connected to the amplifier with high quality cable to ensure minimal loss of power and proper  
control by the amplifier. If the speakers are being connected to a vacuum tube amplifier with various impedance taps,  
the 4 ohm tap will usually give the best results.  
STABILIZER FEET  
The speakers should be positioned before the stabilizer feet are installed.  
lock nut  
Speakers positioned on a soft or uneven surface are able to rock slightly and will vibrate  
in reaction to forces the speaker generates to move the driver diaphragms. (Every action  
has an equal and opposite reaction.) This motion slightly reduces the music’s clarity.  
To eliminate this effect, the CS3.7s can be used with four stabilizer feet on uneven  
surfaces or on carpeted floors to provide a more solid footing and allow the speaker to  
couple more firmly to the floor. To install the feet:  
• Position the speaker in the desired location.  
• Tilt the speaker forward slightly so that the back of the speaker is a few inches off the  
floor.  
• Screw one foot, with the locking nut threaded all the way onto the foot, into each of the  
two holes at the back corners of the speaker bottom. The pins should be screwed into the  
speaker until there is about 14" of thread remaining visible.  
Stabilizer Foot  
• Let the back of the speaker down and then tilt the speaker backward slightly so that the  
front is a few inches off the floor and install the two front feet.  
• With all four feet installed, the height of each foot should be adjusted so that the speaker stands firmly on the  
floor without wobbling. Then tighten the lock nuts by turning them so they are tight against the cabinet to secure the  
feet to the cabinet  
Please be cautioned that the stabilizer feet can dent hardwood floors and it is possible to mar the floor’s surface if  
the speakers are moved with the feet in place.  
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BREAK-IN  
The CS3.7s, like most speakers, require a period of playing before they perform optimally. The time required depends  
on how loudly the speakers are played; more time is required if played softly, less if played loudly. At least 50 hours at  
moderately loud levels are required before the speaker is performing near optimum. You should notice even more  
improvement after 100 hours of playing.  
ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT  
The CS3.7s are very high quality sound reproducers and will benefit from use with the finest associated equipment.  
Because the CS3.7 is a 4 ohm speaker, an amplifier with high current capability is recommended. It is desirable that the  
amplifier provide twice the power into a 4 ohm load as into an 8 ohm load. Since the CS3.7s are extremely accurate  
transducers, they will reveal distortions generated anywhere in the system. Also, the quality of the interconnect and  
speaker cables will significantly affect the performance of the system.  
POWER REQUIREMENTS  
It is important to have enough power to play at the level you desire without distortion. 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 and since it is concentrated in the high frequency region where the speaker is least able to  
handle it, tweeters can be damaged in extreme cases. If high sound levels are desired, the CS3.7’s are designed to be  
used with amplifiers rated up to 600 watts per channel.  
Keep in mind that sound quality is usually 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 100 watt amplifier of high sonic quality than a 200 watt amplifier of mediocre sonic  
quality. For this reason, we feel there is no substitute for listening in making 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 100 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/2.8 V-1-m will require twice the power of an average 87dB/2.8 V-1-m  
speaker and one with a high rating of 90dB/2.8 V-1-m will require only half the power of an average speaker. The CS3.7  
is of high efficiency (90dB) and therefore can work well with smaller amounts of power from a quality amplifier.  
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 as a more 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 quality sound  
with 50 watts or even less whereas a person who sometimes likes to play loudly and has a large room may need 400  
watts or more.  
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GRILLE  
The CS3.7 grille is attached magnetically to the front of the speaker. The grille is designed to not produce  
diffraction so there is no sonic reason to remove it. If you do need to remove the grille, carefully pull the grille  
frame away from the front of the speaker. When replacing the grille, line up the grille with the baffle’s inlay edges.  
OPTIONAL OUTRIGGER BASE  
The CS3.7s can be used with an optional Outrigger base (shown right). The  
Outriggers attache to the bottom of the speaker cabinet with four mounting  
bolts (provided with the Outrigger) screwed into the four threaded openings  
normally used for the speaker’s stabilizer feet. Complete installation  
instructions are included with the Outriggers.  
CARE  
The 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. We recommend Endust. Dusty grilles can be cleaned by  
using the upholstery attachment of a vacuum cleaner.  
SERVICE  
If your speaker system requires service, contact your authorized THIEL  
dealer. If you need to contact THIEL directly, service information and  
technical support is available at (859) 254-9427, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. -  
5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, or via e-mail at [email protected]. THIEL  
dealer information and a “Frequently Asked Questions” section can be found  
CS3.7 with optional  
Outrigger Base  
7
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CS3.7 SPECIFICATIONS  
Bandwidth (–3dB)  
32 Hz-35 kHz  
33Hz-22 kHz ±2 dB  
Minimum ±10°  
Amplitude Response  
Phase Response  
Sensitivity  
Impedance  
4 ohms (2.8 ohms minimum)  
100-600 watts  
Recommended Power  
Size (w x d x h)  
12.5 x 21x 45 inches  
32 x 53 x 114 cm  
Weight  
91 lbs/ 41.5 kg  
We Want You Listening For A Lifetime  
Used wisely, your new sound equipment will provide a lifetime of enjoyment. Since hearing damage from loud  
noise is often undetectable until it is too late, THIE L and the Electronics Industries Manufacturers Association  
recommend you avoid prolonged exposure to excessive noise. Depending on room size and amplifier power, some  
home audio systems can reach sound pressure levels in excess of 95 decibels with peaks of over a 105 decibels. For  
your protection, the list below identifies sound levels for various noises.  
Decibel  
Level Example  
The Following Noises Can Be Dangerous  
Under Constant Exposure  
30  
40  
Quiet library, soft whispers  
90 Subway, motorcycle, truck traffic, lawn mower  
Living room, refrigerator, bedroom away from  
traffic  
100  
120  
140  
150  
Garbage truck, chain saw, pneumatic drill  
Rock concert in front of speakers, thunderclap  
Gunshot blast, jet plane  
50  
60  
70  
80  
Light traffic, normal conversation, quiet office  
Air conditioner at 20 feet, sewing machine  
Vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, noisy restaurant  
Average city traffic, garbage disposals, alarm  
clock at two feet  
Rocket launching pad  
Information courtesy of the Deafness  
Research Foundation and the EIA.  
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LIMITED WARRANTY  
THIEL warrants every THIEL model CS3.7 system against defects in materials and workmanship to the original  
owner for a period of ten years from the date of purchase. THIEL will, at no charge, replace any defective part and  
make any repairs necessary to ensure its proper performance when the defective unit is returned to us postpaid.  
This warranty does not cover damage due to accident or abuse and is void if the unit has been tampered with.  
This warranty is automatic and no registration is required. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You  
may also have other rights which are particular to your state.  
The following information is for your records.  
Serial Numbers______________________________  
Purchase Date_______________________________  
Purchased From_____________________________  
REGISTER YOUR 10 YEAR WARRANTY ONLINE AT  
9
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THIEL  
1026 Nandino Boulevard, Lexington, Kentucky 40511-1207  
04/07  
4/07  
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