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Thiel 7.2 - Classe, Krell or Bryston?

I have had the 7.2's for 18 years with Classe CAM 350 amps. My pre right now is a Classe SSP-800 as it is a home theater / music system . My phono stage is a Manley Steelhead. Nordost cables.

I have always felt the Classe's were a bit anemic and have been looking for one last lifetime AMP upgrade.

I have been looking at used Krell FPB 600's and the Bryston 28b SST2. My budget is 8k or under. 

As I will not have the opportunity to audition and would hate to spend the money and not have a big improvement on the Classe's I would appreciate any opinions
kevinaudio
erik_squires
16,061 posts
 
If you must stick with linear amps, what about Parasound? Less stark than Krell, perfectly neutral and plenty of guts, less expensive.

NAD and ATI are selling Class D amps based on Hypex you should also consider.

Best,

E
yyzsantabarbara
4,823 posts
 
I heard these amps on sale here at A'Gon at the dealer (Bryston reps were demoing). They were driving Magico speakers costing over $150K. They sounded great then and will sound great with your Thiels. Now is a great time to buy a 28B-SST2).

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-bryston-28bsst-2-pair-ref-1-000-watt-mono-s-2017-08-13...

Buying Bryston used is a no brainer for me. I am debating whether to get a 4B-SST3 for my office.

pops
2,274 posts
 
Mcintosh 601’s - the 501’s make my CS6 sing.  I used Classe for years and while they are powerful and a good match - they sound ever so slightly lean in the midrange compared to the Mac’s.

jafant's avatar
jafant
19,666 posts
 
kevinaudio-
another +vote for Bryston. Please join us Thiel speakers fans over on the Thiel Owners thread. I would like to read more about your system(s), listening thoughts/impressions and fave music genres.
We all have an Audio journey to tell.
Happy Listening!
linnlingo
173 posts
 
Bryston Amps were the late Jim Thiel's favorite amps. According to my dealer who knew Mr. Thiel for over 25 years he was not fond of McIntosh amps, Thiel and Bryston had a close relationship. No coincidence that Gary Dayton moved to Bryston after the Thiel sale.
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