Classe' is a great match. Most dealers seem to pair them. The emotional center of the music always seems to come through this combo. I think you should check out the Dreadnaught, and find a dealer with the Classe' and Aerial set up if possible, and choose the one you like best. I don't think you can go wrong either way, so I wouldn't try too many other amps. Good luck. It seems you are on the way to a great system. By the way, when I have heard the Classe' gear it was with Cardas cables. |
Classe with Aerial is a great match. They do need a lot of power though. The setup I heard, at the dealer, when I bought mine was with a CA301 and a VTL preamp. Very nice! |
I have been doing a lot of amp searching and have Aerial 8B speakers. I would look at the new Belles 350A,(two and three channel versions available) I was also looking at the Classe CAM350 and prefer the Belles. Don't get me wrong, Classe is great and you cant go wrong with any of their amps! It's a matter of taste. Both will smoke the ATI which I have owned. EAD is also great with Aerial! Theta is overpriced!!! Bel Canto is a much better more musical amp than Theta. Brown Electronics Amps are the best amps on the plannet by a long shot and cost $4000 for two channels. |
The price I'm able to get the new Theta Dreadnaught populated with 5 200w modules is $3500 delivered. With this in mind, is the Dreadnaught a good match/buy for the Aerials? |
I'm not sure if your thread is requesting information on other amp matches with Aerials, or whether you wanted further information about the ATIs with Aerials. I read one review that was favorable to the combination, but I have not heard ATIs with Aerials. I have heard Aerials with Classe, Levinson, Proceed, Bryston, and Rowland (which I own). Levinson (outside of the Rowland) was my favorite match with 10ts. Great bass control (Lev 336) and good mid-range. I'm sorry, but I've yet to hear the LR5s, but I assume, perhaps incorrectly but just the same, that the timbre/voice of the LR5s is similar to the 10ts. Best of luck. |
Kyee, sorry but I posted at the same time as your last response. My response now is, "Oh, Never mind". |
Kyee, I have a pair of 10t's matched with a Classe 300; it took this much power for the Aerials to come alive. I think Aerials in general need a lot of power. My classe is six years old and I have had no trouble with it. I think Classe is a good company; their products are well built and reliable. |
I can second those who have synergy with Aerials and Classe,
however my 10t's took on a whole new personality after I sweated and saved enough for Levinson 33H's. If the smaller series share traits with the 10t's, then this may work as well. I bought my 33H's used, and I swore I'd never spend that much coin on amps, however nothing I've heard sounds better TO ME, than these amps.
Paul |
I've chosen BAT, which cranks tons of current into my 10Ts. I've always heard about the Aerials needing power, but find that the 200W into 4 ohms from my VK-200 is ample. The BAT never seems to run out of juice, and I can feel that I'm on the edge of ear damage without straining the amp.
Tonally the VK-200 is a beautiful match, DEEEEP bass, and very smooth midrange. Great dimensionality and soundstaging. I'd check out the VK-6200. It's muti-channel capable and BAT is a great company. Victor Khomenko and the gang are really good people. Rest of my system is the VPI Aries/JMW arm, CAL CL-15 CD, BAT VK-30 Pre, Audio Magic Spellcaster IIs. I'm thrilled with the setup. |
The price I'm able to get the new Theta Dreadnaught populated with 5 200w modules is $3500 delivered. With this in mind, is the Dreadnaught a good match/buy for the Aerials? |
Just get the Theata. It's a great amp for the money and will have ample power to drive your speakers. Otherwise get the Llanos and spend more money. That is what I got for my Aerials. |
I also endorse Classe, but be sure to get 300 series or more. Smaller Classe's seem to lack headroom. Another suggestion is Sim, who now make a 5 channel amp based on the classic Celeste. Tons of fast current. I run a Sim 150 into 10t's in a fairly small room, and I can hardly wipe the grin off my face. The Dreadnaught is also a very good choice; I heard it in 2 channel driving Dunlavy IV/A's and then Hales Transendance 5's, both to excellent effect. You're all over it; with these options, you practically can't mess this one up. Good luck |
