2. amps-preamps
  3. 152291-20132

Integrated amp for Thiel 3.7's

I am sort off picking up where Thieliste, Jafant and others left off in the discussion thread about what electronics to use drive the Thiels.  I was, and I suppose still am looking for a preamp to drive my pass labs 60.5 mono's, but in reading some of the posts I have also started considering simplifying my system and just going for a high end integrated.  Part of the reason I am thinking about going in this new direction is that we may be moving- and this might be the right time to scale down.

I am not sure yet, but I have started thinking about it. 
For preamplifiers I keep on toying with the idea of a PS audio BHK, Pass labs xp12, Simaudio 740p, or an Aesthetix Calypso Eclipse.  One of these would replace my Prima Luna Dialogue Premium- as I have mentioned before I think I can probably get better detail, definition, and depth a preamp with a higher quality volume control (vs the Prima Luna blue velvet).

But maybe a high end integrated might actually do the trick as well- I cannot afford one of the new Uber integrateds but maybe some high quality used ones might work.  I am budgeting under usd10k.  By selling my other equipment I should be able to get to my budget with a relatively small additional investment (usd1-3k ?).

So I have been looking at Luxman 509x, Nelson Pass Int 250, Vitus RI-100 or RI-101....Diablo 300 would be out of my reach even used but maybe the 120, and maybe an ASR (the exclusive 2 would be so many boxes that it would defeat the whole purpose of consolidating the system- so maybe the 1?).  On these last 2 I really have no idea about how much one gives up going with the lower models.

Ultimately my hope is that the list above will still get me further than where I am with my current set up.

Anyway, would be very interested in your thoughts as I look at this new angle for my system.
pgastone
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
pgastone OP


Don’t listen to those just saying get this or that, because "it’s stable into 2ohms".

There's more to it, there no use just saying an amp that stable at 2ohms will do, as a old 80’s NAD3020 Integrated is stable at 2ohms, and it’s got no chance of driving the Thiel 3.7’s.

Yes you need an amp that comfortable at 2ohms, but also one that can deliver big current right down to 2ohms and not sag.

And the way to tell is, one that can keep close to doubling it’s wattage from 8ohm to 4ohm then 4ohm to 2ohm. then you’ll have the ideal amp to get the best from these types of speakers.

Cheers George
pgastone OP
79 posts
 
yes absolutely- I always check if power doubles, or is close, every time the impedance doubles.  Although the specs often do go that far- and my general assumption, which I always try to duoble check if the measurements are available.   I also always check the specs of the power supply transformer.

@ hasmarto.  I had missed the this new Audio Analogue.  This is definitely worth looking into.  I used to live in Italy and I am familiar with the company so I'll do some research on this one.  Thanks for that!!

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
I always check if power doubles, or is close, every time the impedance doubles.
"correction wattage close to doubles if impedance halves"
Yes and if they don’t mention it in the specs, usually it can’t do it.
Cheers George
pgastone OP
79 posts
 
yes sorry-  you know....senility!!
thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 
Hi @georgehifi : I have barely seen any amps mention the power rating at 2 Ohms. Even when they specified it as doubled when going from 8 Ohms to 4 Ohms. They typically say something like “... stable at 2 Ohms”. Any examples you can share for those Integrated that have specs sheets with ratings at 2 Ohms? Thanks 
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