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Thiel CS 3.6 amplifier selection Monarchy SM 70?

Hello, I have seen a number of threads here dealing with the Thiel CS 3.6 speakers and how they require specific, high powered solid state amplification to sound decent. I know this and am now shopping for a single power amp or set of two mono SS power amps in the 1000-2000$ price level.

Currently I am intrigued with the idea of getting a "Made in USA" amp from a reputable company. I am about to call Odyssey about their Stratos stereo amp with the upgrades. I like that it has a 20 year warranty and that the company is located in Indianapolis - close enough to my Dayton Ohio home that I could drive over there if I needed to.

But then I started looking at the Monarchy SM 70 Pro (new edition) on the Monarchy Audio website. I like the look
masi61
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Masi61, I don't think the Monarchy SM70 is up to properly driving the 3.6's.
pops
2,274 posts
 
I agree with Unsound, I have driven 3.6 with classe 200 and Mcintosh 501's and the extra power really made them sing.
ckoffend
684 posts
 
Unsound, thanks for that follow up. I was not aware that Jim is "no longer with us". I can't believe Shari has been gone a few years (I mean I believe you, but it doesn't seem like it was that long ago that I actually talked to her on the phone - once). Maybe in my age my memory is failing me already, but I'll still vote for Reagan for a second term ;)
jeffreybehr's avatar
jeffreybehr
805 posts
 
Masi61, you might consider the Monarchy SE100s or SE160s; a pair of either will stretch your budget but not much. I have no personal experience with Monarchy products, but I've just ordered a pair of SM70Ps.
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The SE100 is hybrid, with a 6DJ8 in the frontend and class-A-biased MOSFET outputs.
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kennythekey
593 posts
 
Masi61 - I don't mean to misdirect you, but the tube amp I'm using was custom built for the Thiels. The original version had a 4 ohm tap and could not do an adequate job with the Thiels. Once, this was changed to 3 ohms the difference was monumental.

For years, I powered the Thiels with a CJ Premier 11a and they sounded very good. Today, my custom amp from Sam's Audio Labs rivals the somewhat colored CJ in resolution, bass, extended treble, and power. See this old and short article from Soundstage.

http://www.soundstage.com/rise01_4.htm

What's most important is that you audition different amps with the Thiels because it's only your ears that matter.
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