Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I have constantly been upgrading my system over the last 4 years, there was always something missing. After hooking up the MCS1 I now know what it was. My previous center channel was a Jamo Concert Center. The Jamo was a great speaker and worked very well with the Jamo Concert 8 speakers but when I upgraded to Thiel 2.3s there was just not enough presence and soundstaging and I ended up not even using a center for a while. My first impresion of the MCS1 was with the movie Lord of the Rings and even though it was brand new, it's first proformance was a wonderful one. The soundstage from this single speaker was both holographic and comanding at the same time. Crystal clear highs, smooth midrange and amazing high level output make this speaker a must in almost any home theater. I have never been happier but my wallet may need some time to recover. My system consists of Thiel 2.3 speakers, MCS1 center, Lexicon MC1, Bryston 3BST and 6BSST and a Toshiba dvd.

Strengths:
Exelent build quality, wonderful sound, and nice to look at.

Weaknesses:
The only weak thing was me trying to lift it on to a 61' t.v.

Similar Products Used:
Nothing I have used comes close!!!

Summary:
I recently bought the MCS1 to fulfill center channel duties with my CS7.2s, but had also extensively auditioned the MCS1 as a L/R stereo pair prior to getting the CS7.2s.

The MCS1s are excellent for music only and would be a good choice where a compact monitor with high output capability is desired. I auditioned the MCS1 after I had listened to the CS2.3s at home. The MCS1 sounds fuller and punchier then the CS2.3, has the same resolution, but does not soundstage quite as well(MCS1 does not employ a 1st order xover), and the CS2.3's bass goes deeper. The MCS1 is quite efficient. I have obtained very clean and musical output exceeding 98dbs using a Bryston 5B ST (120 wpc) amplifier. They were also capable of sustaining very high output on complex music when I ran them in L/R configuration using my Byston 7B monoblocks (500 w).

As the previous post stated they share many of the same qualities with other Thiel speakers and blend very well with my CS7.2s. Their only real drawback is low bass output below 45hz or so. The bass they do produce is very tight and punchy however.

For center channel use the MCS1 does everything I expected. It's output remains clean and precise to match that of the CS7.2s. Dialogue is never muddled. I have my processor set to crossover at 60hz so that I can take advantage of the MCS1's output in the mid-upper bass range. This has added significant impact and helps blend in the R/L channels more seamlessly.

The MCS1 is pricey at 2200ea, but the build and sound quality is excellent. Stands cost 300ea which I think are necessary for L/R applications. The center channel stand sits quite low, to low for my setup.

If you are looking for a compact high quality music and cinema speaker, especially for larger rooms, the MCS1 should be on your audition list.

Strengths:
Very dynamic, high output, high sensitivity, equal on music and HT, excellent fit and finish

Weaknesses:
High cost for HT only applications, not much bass below 50hz

Summary:
Equally suited for Home Theater or Music, I use mine primarily for HT--left, right & center channel. When I have friends over to watch a DVD they all respond in the same way--it was just like being at the movies! Replacing my Polks with the MCS1's made a huge improvement in my systems overall performance; dynamics, bass, dialogue clarity, etc. I can't put it into words--they just sound richer. As left and right speakers, they are outstanding musical performers. Comparable to my Thiel 7.2's but a little more laid back. Mated to the right amplifier (lots of power) they rock. I highly recommend them for music or movie soundtracks!
My current set-up: M&K THX-350 Sub, Cinepro 425 watt per channel amp(6 channel), Sony 9000ES Surround/Preamp, and Sony 7700 DVD player.

Strengths:
Capable of rocking the house with ear shattering explosions but smoothe and musical when playing CD's & vinyl

Weaknesses:
5 times the cost of my Polks, but probably worth it because of the improvement in sonic quality

Similar Products Used:
Polk RT-55 L&R, CS400 center channel.
Thiel 7.2

Summary:
Most speakers that I have listened to have a weakness,but I find Thiel to be the most even speaker made. I a/b 'd these against the Wilson Cub and I soon know why the salesman called the MCS 1 "the Cub Killer" . It smoked the Cub. Listen at all volume levels and these will play very,very loud and they did not sound congested( the Cub did)at any volume. I have owned the Thiel Cs 7 and the Eggleston Andra and I can honestly say that for the price(while not cheap) they are the best bang for the buck speaker that I have owned!! (The CS 7 was to large for my room)Does require a good sub woofer for the low lows. STRONGLY RECOMMEND!!! 4 stars for value as I think all stereo equipment is way overpriced!

Strengths:
nothing really stands out,everything just sounds right.

Weaknesses:
I like a little more bass, but it is alot smaller than what I am used to.

Similar Products Used:
never had a small speaker, had Eggleston Andra's.