High-end speaker manufacturer Thiel is showing off THIELnet, its new IP-based audio distribution system developed in conjunction with Bicom. It's a system indeed, with multiple parts to mix and match: the distribution processor (dB1), speakers (SCS4D) and subwoofer (SSD1) are all IP-addressable, there's an IP adapter (dS1) for bringing third party speakers to the, um party and there's PC-based software (Streamer) to tie into your library. Maximum capacity for the setup is eight zones, each with eight speakers, and synchronization is done between zones to get rid of nasty echo effects. Good stuff, but we think what really sets this approach apart is that Thiel has kept everything digital right up to the speaker cones; each speaker has its own digital crossover and 250-watt amplifier. The outfit expects to be spreading this IP / crossover / amplifier module across its lineup, but it's kicking things off with the SCS4D. Pricing is still unannounced, but expect a high-end style ticket befitting the Thiel sound quality and name.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ipaq3115 @ Jan 2nd 2008 8:07PM
Need a mansion for this...
Kurt MacD @ Jan 2nd 2008 8:19PM
Mansions range up to 50 bedrooms, how many were ya gonna put on your credit card?
Btw,
"Maximum capacity for the setup is eight zones, each with eight speakers, and synchronization is done between zones to get rid of nasty echo effects."
It synchronizes between rooms? That's thrilling to hear for wannabe audiophiles.
Eli @ Jan 2nd 2008 9:17PM
But the true audiophiles will know that for half of the price, you could get the same technology without the speakers, and connect your own, far superior, speakers to these boxes. The result will be a lower price and better audio.
rip @ Jan 2nd 2008 8:26PM
Thiel makes great speakers, and this sounds like an interesting solution. Sadly, this will probably be priced too much for most people. Not to mention sounding far too good for the people that buy stuff like Bose.
Ladderless @ Jan 2nd 2008 9:09PM
I've enjoyed my Thiel 03a speakers ever since I bought them used almost 20 years ago. They spoiled me for most other brands, and the fact that the company bent over backwards to help me solve a crossover problem I had (never charged me, even though I bought them used, and years out of warranty) makes the company top notch.
A classy company that churns out top products that are worth every penny you mighe be able to spend on them! Buy American!
max andrews @ Jan 2nd 2008 9:45PM
But is it wireless? Pretty useless if not...
JT @ Jan 2nd 2008 10:59PM
Doesn't matter if it's wireless, they still need to be powered. So, you would still need a wire running to the speaker for that.
Dawn @ Jan 3rd 2008 12:51PM
Yes, they are wireless!
Colin @ Jan 2nd 2008 9:48PM
"But the true audiophiles will know that for half of the price, you could get the same technology without the speakers, and connect your own, far superior, speakers to these boxes. The result will be a lower price and better audio."
True audiophiles know that Thiel speakers ARE far superior to practically everything. Expensive, but not outrageously so, and they truly are very high-end speakers that are on the cutting edge.
Kasey @ Jan 2nd 2008 9:58PM
Exiting...even if I can't afford them, the technology will eventually trickle down to a level that I can afford...
KC @ Jan 2nd 2008 10:13PM
Cool. I wonder if they do PoE?
miscreant @ Jan 3rd 2008 7:19AM
There's no way PoE could supply enough current to run the amps in these speakers.
KC @ Jan 3rd 2008 2:43PM
True. I didn't consider the 250W amp that these speakers have. I was thinking of PoE for little satellite speakers for surround, ceiling use.
lindaleigh @ Jan 2nd 2008 11:32PM
zomg...i Need these. Really need these...perfect ;>
ethana2 @ Jan 3rd 2008 1:44AM
So they work with PulseAudio? I want to use them with PulseAudio.
That is, they're selling /hardware/, right? If so, they sound capable and nifty.
Steven Kim @ Jan 3rd 2008 11:52AM
Since they worked with BICOM for the IP end of things, I doubt that they'll work out of the box with PulseAudio. But, maybe some developers will work on that project.
pquistgard @ Jan 3rd 2008 11:38AM
What we need is wireless power (ha!), and then wireless speakers with QUALITY power amplifiers built into them (i.e. ones that are as good as audiophile power amplifiers). THEN I would buy it.
I'm guessing it's at least 20 years before this will happen.