2. amps-preamps
  3. 1110728597

Thiel and tubes

I currently have an audio research d-60 amplifier powering a pair of thiel 1.6. I was looking to replace the audio research amplifier just with something different to change things up. I was offered an interesting trade for it. 2 Dared VP-10 mono blocks. I have often wanted to play with tubes but had a fear that the power thirsty thiels would not like tubes. Other components in my system are a classe 20 preamp, a sony dvp-s7700 cd, and an older technics TT. I just bought the thiels this year and I am kind of scared that with tubes I will be taking a step backwards. Would maybe having a tube source and pre with a ss power amp be a better idea.

So I guess my question is, "is a 10 watt tube amp recommended with thiels".
tiggerpooh
trelja
3,223 posts
 
One of the most involving systems I heard in the past year was a pair of Thiel 3.6 (I think) driven by a Rogue Zeus power amp/Rogue Magnum 99 preamp. Front end was an Electrocompaniet CD player.

Over the past few years, I have kind of walked away from both brands, but the synergy was most surprisingly spectacular. I didn't think it could work either...
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Trelja

The Zeuss I believe is 200wpc at that power rating tubes work great with Thiels. Very involving with lots of detail and a deep wide soundstage. It is not that Thiels do not work well with tubes; they do. Thiels just need large amounts of quality power from either tubes or solid state to perform their best. Tigerpooh was asking about 10wpc and my thoughts are that simply is not enough tube or solid state for Thiels.

Chuck
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Trelja: That impresses me, because I know you're a hawk about loose or one-note reflex bass, and the 3.6 *is* kind of difficult in the bass, and not known as much for successful pairings with tubes. Equal credit must go to the Rogue I'm sure...
theprieb
2 posts
 
I use a Manley Stingray (50 watts) with my Thiel 1.6's. Plenty of power for me.
Craig
trelja
3,223 posts
 
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.
More to discover