Theta Dreadnaught as a two channel amp

The Theta Dreadnought 1 or 2 is excellent. The only amp in the $4k and under price range that can smoke it is the BEL Mk IV or Mk V amp. (Then again, the BEL smokes most things...) For the money you can't lose. However, if you can find a BEL used (Mk IV or Mk V only) then jump on it.
Good luck!

Mikej,

Why used? Even new the BELs' are in the same price range as the Dreads'. Unless of course BEL is no longer and going used is the only option. Is this the case?

Hi,

BEL is still in business. The new models are still $3,895. I was thinking that a used Dreadnought I would be significantly less than that. A new Mk V is simply the best I've ever heard so I'd certainly recommend it.

Cheers,
Michael

Michael,

What other amps have you tried? And, are your speakers hard to drive?

My speakers [Legacy Focus 20/20] are very efficient, but demand a lot of current. Nominal rating is 4 ohms, but they dip below 2 ohms.

The Dreadnaught I is incredible sounding. The piano in Ray Brown's Soular Energy is simply natural. However, Ray plays bass, and that is where the Dread I gives up a bit. It seems to not be able to deliver this same "realness" in the deep bottom end. I suspect it is because my speaker's impedance drops in the bass region so the amp struggles with current there.

Other than that, the naturalness and space of this amp make it a joy to kick back with.

I think if you had speakers that have a stable impedance characteristic; the Dread would make a great two channel amp.

Nevertheless, I really like this amp…I wish to find an affordable [i.e., not $10K+] high current two-channel mate for it.

I don't think the Dreadnaught is about to run out of current with its 2.2 kva transformer in 2 channel mode(or any other mode.) The bass issue is due to the amp having no global negative feedback. This gives a fantastic midrange purity but makes the amp a touch lighter through the lower registers than amps with feedback. So, you have a trade off, better midrange purity or better bass.
Try a Belles 150a Reference or the 350a. They deliver similiar sonic purity with a kick butt bottom end. Read the Sounstage reviews at www.soundstage.com by Doug Blackburn. They are right on the money IMO. These are a couple of really overlooked amps because most don't know about them.