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Legendary Speaker Designer Jim Thiel Passes Away

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  • September 17, 2009

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HomeTheaterReview.com has learned from a trusted AV industry source that legendary loudspeaker designer, Jim Thiel, has died. His cause of death is not known at this time.

Jim Thiel was the designer behind the Thiel brand which today is recognized as one of the top audiophile brands. Jim's business and life partner, Kathy Gornik, built the company together starting in 1976 using Jim's forward-thinking speaker designs paired with some of the best, furniture grade cabinets ever seen in a specialty AV store. THIEL was a leader in "green" audio long before green was such a buzzword. The company used responsible sources for their wood finishes and supported the replanting of trees as far back as the very early 1990s.

Like Dr. Bose, Noel Lee, Sam Runco, Sandy Gross, Gayle Sanders, Mark Levinson, David Wilson, Dan D'agostino and many others in the business today- Jim Thiel was one of the industry's original characters and part of the rich fabric of personalities that made the audiophile and specialty AV business. An all around nice guy, Jim Thiel was always willing to talk speakers, audio or even politics with consumers, press and industry people. Jim Thiel will be deeply missed.

More information to follow.... (updated 1:42 PST)

Keywords

Speaker Designer, Jim Thiel dead, Jim Thiel and Kathy Gornik

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  • Comment on this article

    3
  • By Claude Whiting

I can't believe this! I was just at Thiel Audio for a tour about three weeks ago with my friend Steve Floyd. Great business. great products and great people. I am so sorry to hear this very sad news. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family as well as his family at Thiel Audio. I hope that the company continues in the same vein as Jim intended with more wonderful speakers into the future.

  • By deacongreg

Definitely Jim will be missed throughout the industry. His speakers were always well made, and sounded very good. My condolescenes to his family.

  • By John Lance

My Dad bought Thiel speakers in the mid/late 80's. They are small, beautifully finished, heavy and sound great to this day. I managed to blow a mid/woofer one night while my parents were out for dinner. (Teenager, and too much volume!) I'm sure I had overdriven his NAD amp. The Thiel company and local store replaced it at no cost to Dad. This gesture saved me a lot in extra chores and scarce money.
Now, at 44, I am considering replacing my Definitive Technology speakers with new Thiels !

R.I.P. and God bless you, Jim Thiel

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