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)