THIEL
Ultimate Performance Loudspeakers
SCS4
®
Coherent Source
loudspeaker system
OWNER INFORMATION
BREAK-IN
The SCS4’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.
ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
The SCS4 is a very high quality sound reproducer and will benefit from use with the best associated equipment. Since it
is extremely accurate, it will reveal sources of distortion generated elsewhere in the system. For example, distortion
resulting from poor recordings or inferior electronics will be reproduced accurately. Also, the quality of the interconnect
cables and speaker cables will significantly effect 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 SCS4’s are designed to be
used with amplifiers rated up to 200 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 SCS4
is of average efficiency (88dB) and therefore can achieve average output levels with an average amount of power.
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 the SCS4 with 30 watts or even less whereas a person who sometimes likes to play loudly and has a large room
may need 200 watts or more.
CABINET FINISH CARE
THIEL Loudspeakers wood 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, such as Pledge or Johnson’s. We recommend using Endust.
SERVICE
If your speaker system requires service, contact your authorized THIEL Loudspeakers dealer. If you need to contact THIEL
Loudspeakers 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 Loudspeakers dealer information and a “Frequently
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 Loudspeakers 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
100
120
140
150
Subway, motorcycle, truck traffic, lawn mower
Garbage truck, chain saw, pneumatic drill
Rock concert in front of speakers, thunderclap
Gunshot blast, jet plane
Living room, refrigerator, bedroom away from
traffic
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.
THIEL SCS4 SPECIFICATIONS
Amplitude Response
47 Hz-20 kHz, -3 dB
Minimum ±10°
Phase Response
Sensitivity
88 [email protected] V-1m
Impedance
Recommended Power
Size
4 ohms (3 ohms minimum)
30-200 watts
8.4 " W x 10.8" D x 17.6" L
25 pounds
Weight
THIEL SCS4 CABINET DIMENSIONS
LIMITED WARRANTY
THIEL warrants every THIEL model SCS4 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_____________________________
THIEL
1026 Nandino Boulevard
Lexington, Kentucky 40511-1207
6/07
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