Preamp with Aleph 5 and Thiels


I have an Pass Aleph 5 amp and Thiel CS1.6 speakers and using an Aduio Research SP9 mk I but with upgraded caps and diodes. This preamp sounded fine in an older system but I was told the impdeence of the Aleph isn't a great match for the SP9 and I find that I would like more warmth, more "tube magic". I know the Thiels don't match well with bright electronics so... do I go for an ALeph P preamp? I am very intrigued by an ARC LS 5 or LS 22. I don't need phono. Any help on what preamp might work in this system?
jonfw
I don't know about the Aleph/Thiels match, but I had the Aleph P with the Aleph 5 and it was a great combination. I would also consider a used Pass X-1 which is quieter, more neutral and more transparent than the Aleph P, though I never had the X-1 and Aleph 5 together in the same set up.
Thanks for the help. I already assumed that an ALeph P would match with the Aleph 5 but the question now is would the Thiels and the all Pass electronics be a good match anyway. The other question is would an LS-5 or LS-22 (or Aleph P) give me the warmth and dimensional quality I don't feel I am getting from my SP-9.
Aleph 5 has a neutral, detailed sound. Lacking body.
Thiel is also neutral, detailed sound. Would make use of tube or beefy amp to give it a fuller sound.
Personally, I'm not very comfortable with the two combo.
But ymmv.
I sold THIEL's for many years, Threshold Amps then, which were Nelson's first company, I believe.
I really liked using a tube preamp with solid state amps--to give a rounder sound, smoother upper midrange to the solid state of the Threshold.
The Pass is much more refined than the Threshold--but still, IMHO can benefit from a really good tube preamp--depending on one's taste, certainly.
Without checking for a mismatch of impedences, you may consider a cj pre, or a VAC pre with this combination.
Good luck and good listening.
Larry
I agree with Unsounds point, it seems you need another amp to drive the Thiels to their best - it is a great amp, but it really is not great at delivering current, a bit like a tube amp, and the Thiels need current and more watts to sound their best, changing preamps is not going to change that.