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Recommendation for higher power tube amp

AudiogoNers - I am interested in trying more tube power with my Thiel CS2.3s, which are hard to drive (~3 ohm load over 100Hz), budget is ~$3000-3500, used is fine as long as reliability is not a big risk, what would you recommend?

Currently running a BAT VK-55 and love the sound of tubes with these speakers, first thought was to get a second VK-55 and run them in mono, but realizing there are several other potential contenders in this price range, including Sonic Frontiers Power 2, Music Reference RM-200, a few VTL models, Antique Sound Labs Hurricane, Jolida Fusion, Manley Snappers, and more ARCs then you can shake a stick at, I thought I'd post the question.

128x128thosb
shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,481 posts
 
I had been happy with Rogue Cronus Magum II for 6 years.

But I doubt it will have enough power to drive your Thiel speaker.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9ibea-rogue-audio-apollo-solid-state

I recommend you to stretch your budget to get Apollo with 250W.

Or you can try out Crown XLS 2502 (725W for 4ohm) at 650$ from Amazon.

I got one to drive Raal Sr1a headphone which is also demanding.

It has a lot of headroom without hard edge.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/best-headphone-under-10k

Thomas
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,897 posts
 
Well not sure I would judge one variable of the legendary Jim Thiel work as criminal....
I would be sure before switching away from one of the better time and phase correct speakers, that you like trading that away for louder...

what I find much more interesting is the source of louder,

full disclosure I own a pair of 2.3, Quads, several pair of Vandersteen and some horns also :-)....
thosb's avatar
thosb OP
204 posts
 
OP check in - gave up (or put on hold) this idea for developing the system, instead worked on the room and some other tweaking.  But 2020 might be the year I look for the next speaker, based on listening I am considering Quads and based on reading Devore as potentially good choices.  But I also might mod the crossover on the 2.3s first.   
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,897 posts
 
OP good call :-) I suggest a copy of Jim Smiths excellent book - get better sound - full of free tips
shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,481 posts
 
http://www.stereomojo.com/Onix%20XCD-50%20and%20XIA160%20review/XCD-50ReferenceCDPlayerReview.htm

Vaughn Cabernet speaker worked well with Rogue Cronus Magnum II.

It will also work well with your BAT VK-55 due to its high efficiency.

I had kept it as back up speaker to Lansche 4.1.

But if you like it, I can sell it to you at reasonable price.

Thomas

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