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Class D amp driving Thiel

I was honing in on a 2 channel system and had seriously narrowed down the contenders until last Saturday. After not being impressed with a pair of B&W CM7's I was encouraged to listen to a set of Thiel 1.6.

It was amazing. Driven by a Bryston amplifier they had detail and precision with beautiful tonality. Yes, they did lack bass under 50 hz. But completely different and world's better than the Thiel's I owned and powered with tubes years ago. So now I have to rethink things. I have only a small shelf for the SB3 and amplifier and can't fit (or afford) anything above 30 lbs or 5 inches tall.

Maybe a second hand Krell 400xi would work but Krell's rap is that they can be bright and fatiguing. And I can't do anything bigger or costlier. While the Naim forum has good reports of Thiel's being driven by even a Nait 5i I am a little cautious based on my previous experience. As I learned the hard way you have to muscle up on Thiel's or they sound bright and nasty.

So, the thought of a class D amp came to mind. Small, light, and powerful. Though I haven't even heard one before (hard to find them in Chicago, believe it or not) my interest is piqued. But would it be up to driving the load I am contemplating without getting bright or harsh? Any thoughts but more importantly experiences are appreciated.
wdrazek
ruhl
8 posts
 
My 1.6s sound great driven by a Classe CAP-151 integrated which is 150 wpc. You want a high current amp and something that leans toward the "warm end" to compliment the detail in your Thiels. The real solution for the bottom end, however, was to add a Rel Britannia 3 sub, which made them glorious: full bass and much improved percussion and soundstage. Choice of CDP will also bring out the best in these speakers. I went with a Cary 308T with Mullard tubes, which has taken the last bit of harshness out of the chain. Best of luck,

JR
koiman
51 posts
 
I third the Channel Island D-200's I am running them with a pair of Salk Veracity HT3's. Can't comment on the Vandy 3
wdrazek OP
100 posts
 
Thanks very much for all of the replies. It looks like the Bel Canto and Rowland are tested and confirmed matches and that CIA is well regarded although nobody responding has direct experience with them and Thiel's. Nobody that's heard class D and Thiel has given a bad report on the combo.

Given that I want to minimize boxes and not drop over $2k or so on the amp/pre the next step is exploring the Bel Canto and PS Audio integrateds. Too bad Rowland and CIA doesn't make any integrated class D amps.
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drubin
3,275 posts
 
But Nuforce does. You might give it a try.
getheleadout
144 posts
 
Wdrazek,

Just my opinion, but the whole idea of an amp sounding good with this or that speaker is one of many audiophile misconceptions.

A great amp is a great amp, period.

And great sounding speakers are great sounding speakers, period.

It is far wiser to get the best amp you can, regardless of the speakers you're using.

That said, you do want to make sure that whatever amp you choose, has enough power to drive your particular speakers.
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