Ketchup,
I have a 18x30 ft pool room to fill. I had a $2k budget for a 2 channel system. I spent $1,500 on a pair of Thiel 3.5s, a Panamax 5300, a NAD 542, and AudioQuest cables. I have used a ASL1003dt ($400 used) with 30 watts and I am currently using a Cayin TA30 ($600 used) with 30 watts to drive my 3.5s. I do not require earth shaking volume in my room but I can still fill the room nicely. I am extremely happy with the quality of sound. My Thiels are not bright and they sound natural and image beautifully. I had big reservations about trying this combo but it has really paid off for me. The ASL seems to handle the Thiels with a little more ease than the Cayin but I would recommend both. I have blown away my audiogeek friends who have spent $10K + to get a fraction better sound. This combo may not work for some people but I came in under budget and have a beautifull sounding system.
I have a 18x30 ft pool room to fill. I had a $2k budget for a 2 channel system. I spent $1,500 on a pair of Thiel 3.5s, a Panamax 5300, a NAD 542, and AudioQuest cables. I have used a ASL1003dt ($400 used) with 30 watts and I am currently using a Cayin TA30 ($600 used) with 30 watts to drive my 3.5s. I do not require earth shaking volume in my room but I can still fill the room nicely. I am extremely happy with the quality of sound. My Thiels are not bright and they sound natural and image beautifully. I had big reservations about trying this combo but it has really paid off for me. The ASL seems to handle the Thiels with a little more ease than the Cayin but I would recommend both. I have blown away my audiogeek friends who have spent $10K + to get a fraction better sound. This combo may not work for some people but I came in under budget and have a beautifull sounding system.