Legendary Speaker Designer Jim Thiel Passes Away
- By: Jerry Del Colliano,
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)
Featured Audio-Video News
Are AV Retailers To Blame For Lofty High End AV Prices? -
The audio video has been in a state of flux or some time, splitting sales up between specialty dealers, big box stores, and online sellers. However, the dealers may have had more to do with this than they think.
Latest Industry Trade News
Jaguar XJ Ultimate Unveiled, Features Meridian Audio's Latest Surround Sound System -
Jaguar unveiled the company's new top of the line model with the XJ Ultimate at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show. Amidst all the bells and whistles of the luxury car, is a Meridian Audio Surround Sound System that is claimed to be one of the company's finest.
The 10 Best Sounding Rooms from the New York Audiophile Show 2012 -
Jeremy R. Kipnis visited the 2012 New York Audiophile Show. He went room to room, seeing what the show had to offer. These ten rooms are what he deemed to be the best sounding systems and products presented.
Sony has Biggest Loss in Company History -
Sony has suffered a massive blow in a continuing onslaught of problems for the company. While the news is bad, the company has taken several measures to turn the tide and get the company headed back in the right direction.
Best Buy CEO Steps Down Due to Online Shopping -
Best Buy has been facing struggles against online competition with little success. A change in leadership was deemed necessary and CEO Brian Dunn will accordingly be stepping down.
Samsung Introduces Tube-Based Audio Products -
Samsung has stepped up its game in the audio realm, adding new table top audio systems, home theater systems, and soundbars. Adrienne Maxwell was in attendance at the Samsung event where the new products were announced.
Axpona 2012 Audiophile Show Report -
Ken Taraszka went to the Axpona 2012 show in the first ever coverage of the event for HomeTheaterReview.com. Check out the companies he encountered and what he thought of their offerings.
Western Digital Completes Acquisition of Hitachi Technologies -
Western Digital has long been a market leader in the company's fields, but the newest acquisition to the brand will surely help the company grow into that role even further than it currently is.
Crestron Opens New Customer Experience Center in Southern California -
Crestron has expanded the company's Experience Center locations by bringing one to Southern California and offering southern Californians a chance to immerse themselves in all Crestron has to offer.
Samsung and Sensio Reach Patent Agreement -
Samsung and Sensio have reached an agreement that will allow Samsung to use Sensio's S2D switch technology. The agreement between the company's is good news as it will benefit the consumer.
High Fidelity Meets High Art at AXPONA -
The AXPONA expo returns to Jacksonville, Florida for another year, but this time the show has something unique for attendees: a full on orchestral concert from the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Read on for more details.
Home Theater Review on Facebook
Home Theater Review on Twitter
Comment on this article
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.
Definitely Jim will be missed throughout the industry. His speakers were always well made, and sounded very good. My condolescenes to his family.
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
Post a Comment
You are encouraged to post your comments using Facebook on HomeTheaterReview.com. Simply sign in to your Facebook account below and post away.