Thiel and tubes

Zaikesman, if I didn't hear it myself, I would have read a post about this combination with a jaundiced eye.

After what I have heard over the past few years using Rogues, including some past NYC HE Shows (using Audio Physic, Meadowlark, and Vandersteen speakers), and my local dealer who carries Rogue, I have not been happy with their sound. I myself have had a Rogue 88 amp in my system, and the results were not good. They also seem to sound quite nice with Osborn speakers, but most people have never come across them.

Regarding Thiel, about a year and a half ago, I heard the 1.6 driven by a Plinius, and the combination worked nicely, as long as the volumes didn't go too high. After that, the sound became compressed and distorted. The lack of port noise slop from Thiel's slot shaped port impressed me a great deal. Obviously, it isn't the kind of speaker that can go very low, but within the speed limits, it was a more than satisfying sound.

Well, the Zeus, which I understand is Rogue's aussalt on the possible within limits, does seem to be cut from a somewhat different cloth design-wise than their longer-running products, but I've got no Rogue listening experience myself. My problem with the Zeus concept is that I take exception to 200lb. stereo amps, generally thinking that they should really have been made as monoblocks instead; though there probably is some cost savings in the single-chassis design, to my mind that isn't the priority with such a piece. The massive configuration alone rules out any prospective interest for me in what otherwise might be a very worthy amp.

I'm guessing Trelja heard the Rogue and Thiel combination at my house. And a very special thanks for those comments.

The Zeus is driving a pair of Thiel 2.3s, not the much more demanding 3.6 speakers. Still the 2.3 does dip below 4 ohm and nears 2 ohm.

I've used Bryston and Plinius before the Zeus, and each amp was a step down in power rating. But, the bass sounded better -- more air, definition and palpability.

However, we have moved to a new home recently and with it a new listening room. Bass is markedly different because the room is nearly a third larger and has two large openings.

As for tubes and Thiels, it all comes down to system synergy. I've taken great pains to tweak my set up -- power lines, tube dampers and Sistrum racks.

But 10w clearly would not be enough.

Yes, the Rogues with the Thiels were at John McAlpin's home. Most excellent sound, John! I am always more impressed at people who achieve such sound via system synergy and spending time and effort as opposed to those who simply throw tens of thousands (or more) of dollars at the whole thing.

Have been looking forward to hearing your system in the new home whenever you get settled in. That presumes you'll have us over again (BIG if there).

Apologies for not remembering which Thiels you owned...

I had excellent results driving CS2s with a Primier 11A (70w/ch). I had poor results with the same spakers and an MV50 (45w/ch).