Streaming centric system features Thiel CS 2.4 speakers driven by Coda CSiB Integrated amp.
Principal source component is Hifi Rose RS130 functioning as Roon Endpoint feeding Rockna Wavelight DAC.
The Room:
The system sits in the living room portion of one relatively large open space which also contains both the main entry way to the home as well as the dining room. The combined space is 27 feet wide. The living room portion is 12 feet wide and 15 feet deep. The dining room portion at the other end is approximately 11 feet wide and 10.5 feet deep. In between is the front entry way to the house. The house is a 1950's split level design. Ceiling height starts out at 8 feet behind the speakers and peaks out at 13 feet behind the prime listening position. Opposite the entry way are openings for two sets of stairs, one leading to the bedroom level, and the other leading to the lower level.
Previous iterations of system also available for viewing here on Audiogon.
Hi Stu, I am struggling to DM you, so posting here. I hope it is helpful to others.
Thanks for the helpful comments on the Coda. Were you able to try them out with the Thiel's before you went ahead?
Sonically, what were you looking for that had led you to the Transparent Audio cables? One of my near-term tasks is to explore cables.
BTW, having confirmed the "silky" improvement in sound, I am upgrading the Thiel XO to the 2.4 SE version. I also intend to try the outriggers to see if they help expand the bass.
My living room (also listening room) is similar to yours - similar size, open to hallway and other rooms, a wall of glass, high ceilings, ... did you consider a subwoofer? Have you explored any room treatment?
@sartajalag Thanks for the kind words. Actually had a 3BST (less powerful than your 4B2) together with a BP20 preamp prior to acquiring the Coda. And have no complaints about the Bryston combo as that Bryston kit served me well for 18 years. And the amp was matched up with the less demanding Thiel .05s. But the Coda is in another class .... more powerful, effortless, smooth presentation, huge holographic soundstage and very quiet. Better grip and control resulting in better bass (tighter with more definition). And warmer sonic presentation (probably related to the first 18 watts operating in Class A), which I think really benefits the Thiels. In the Bryston lineup I really needed something more powerful than the 3BST to do justice to the 2.4s in my room. I was able to fit the 3BST underneath the ice chest, but there was no way I was going to pull that off with a 4B3 or some such, so opted to go with an integrated that would fit into the living room space, and the Coda fit the bill. Please feel free to DM me if you have more questions.
Like others, I love the room and the system. Your care in assembling and nurturing the system is very evident.
I too have Thiel CS2.4's running with a Bryston 4B2 amplifier and I noticed you moved from the 4B2 to the Coda amp. Can you talk about this move and the differences you have observed?
Also, my room is quite large like yours and I am trying to coax more bass out of my CS2.4's. What has been your experience with the bass, especially with the amplifier change?
Just curious, in the first pic, your Thiel’s are in front of a wall. In the second pic, they are in front of windows. Do you have two sets of Thiel’s in different rooms?
I did not notice this the first time I saw your post. Just curious.
@linnie01 Thanks! Good to hear from a fellow Thiel devotee.Thiel speakers have been a fixture in this room since 1996. First with the CS .05, and then with the CS 2.4 since 2011. My system is literally built around those speakers.
@sfpeloton Thanks for the kind words. Prior to the RS130 had a Bricasti M5 paired with the Rockna, and it was a good pairing. Had thought about trying to squeeze a DDC into the mix, but then had a chance to bring home the Rose for an in home week long audition, and there was no going back.
Nice system! I bet the RS130-Rockna pairing sounds great. Your room reminds me of my setup. I have a window and couch in the same locations. Maybe not ideal from an acoustics standpoint, but I agree with @toro3 .
Understandably, people are anti-windows when it comes to acoustics. With this said, I feel like windows within a listening space provide wonderful ambiance, a focal point, and a sense of openness in comparison to a room that’s dedicated and enclosed. I’d rather have a balance between listening and living vs dedicated, but I’m sure many would disagree. What I’m trying to say: beautiful listening space and love those windows behind the Thiel Audio speakers.
