C
ongratulations on your purchase of the THIEL model SCS3 loudspeaker system. This fine
product is the result of a dedicated effort to provide very accurate music and video sound
reproduction. We have used very high quality components and taken great care in the SCS3’s
construction. Properly set up and used with good associated equipment, the SCS3 will provide you with
a great deal of musical enjoyment for many years.
SPEAKER PLACEMENT
The SCS3 is specifically designed to give a high level of performance from a variety of room locations and positions. They
can be placed on bookshelves or on stands, and oriented horizontally or vertically while still providing a degree of realism not
usually obtainable under unusual or difficult placement conditions. Because the SCS3 is magnetically shielded, it can be
placed on or near televisions without causing picture distortion.
When using the SCS3 as a center-channel speaker, ideal imaging is achieved when the SCS3 is placed behind an
imaginary line drawn between the two front main speakers or, if your electronics have a time delay for the center channel, set
the delay for 1ms for each foot that the center channel is nearer to the listener than the main 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.
CONNECTING THE SPEAKERS
The SCS3’s input terminals are located on the rear of the speaker. The SCS3 uses a 5-way binding post which accepts several
types of speaker cable termination. Make sure that all connections are tight.
For proper performance, it is essential 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 ringed input terminal of each speaker should
connect 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.
Due to European CE regulations that do not permit banana plug type loudspeaker connections, we ship THIEL speakers
with removable plugs installed in the ends of the binding posts. To remove the plugs, completely remove the two post caps by
turning them counter-clockwise by hand until the caps come off the threaded post. To remove the plug, use your fingernail to
pry along the bottom edge of the plastic insert and lift out. Reinstall the metal cap on the threaded posts making sure to install
the red ringed cap on the post labeled “+” and the black ringed cap to the post labeled “–”.
BREAK-IN
The SCS3’s, like most speakers, require a period of playing before they perform optimally. The time 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.
