Thiels or Von Schweikerts

Larry, your room is exactly the size of mine, but my erstwhile small tube amp used a pair of EL34's per channel (in ultralinear, for a rated 45wpc) and my speakers are 2.2's. I agree the sound can be very nice, but in my experience some detail did go wanting, and the bass could have been better controlled. The acid test for me was that I could no longer play back solo acoustic piano at a lifelike volume without incurring midrange breakup, although programs with less-concentrated frequency response and more compressed dynamics, such as most pop group recordings, could actually go somewhat louder before apparent strain set in. I suspect that in a situation like ours the Cary could probably be expected to work better than the Manley based on their power ratings, though I hasten to add that I haven't heard either amp myself. Another possibility -- which I have heard, paired with 1.6's in a large showroom, with quite impressive results -- is the VTL IT-85.

Final solution: I bought Soliloquys!! And am completely thrilled.

rr

Glad you're thrilled with your new purchase Rustler, what speakers were you able to audition the Soliloquy against, and what do you like about these better?

I've been lurking out here reading these posts and as a thiel guy since '82, observe the following: I had 03a's for years, then bought 2.2's, had them 8-9 years, & went to 2.3's recently. The biggest and greatest change for the best was when I added an AES signature DJH tube preamp.(Cary) It warmed up my Rotel 1095 and expanded the soundstage to the point that I don't even care where the "sweet spot" is..I have the gain at 9:00 0'clock and can rattle the walls if I want to...my room is the size of Larry510's, and I do not want any more power. Can't wait to find a Cary tube CD player!