KEF LS50 vs Dynaudio Contour 1.3 MkII vs Thiel 1.6

A quick follow up on my rambling last night. The speakers were Penaudio Sara Signatures, a "2.5 way" from Finnland. At 86 dBw/m, they were being driven by pretty light weight tubes (30w?). I'm confused that they could perform with such poise while my Thiel 1.6 (90dB/W/m) apparently need significantly more power to shine. I don't doubt that it's true but is that due to the speaker's specific black magic or tubes versus solid state?

Also, if anyone can suggest other speakers that have similar sonic signatures to the Penaudios, let me know...I am, as you can see, lusting for that sound.

My next step, after two cups of morning joe is to look for more power to explore the Thiels full potential and then, if they don't make the cut, look for a change there.  Onward and upward.

Dan, you are in Boston?  If so, take the 2 hour drive to Berlin, CT and come listen to my system.  Would love to speak audio.  We have some great stores near here also.  It's always fun putting together systems for folks in all price ranges.  

If you are going the Bryston + KEF LS50 route you do not need the 4B-SST2. That is more power than you will ever need with those speakers. I actually had the KEF with some 7B-SST’s for about a week before I sold the 7B’s (I had no other amp to use). It was overkill. I think a Bryston amp with about 100-150W would suffice for the KEF’s. The 3B-SST2 or 3 would fit the bill.

I myself am going to get the Benchmark AHG2 amp for my KEF LS50 controlled by the Benchmark DAC2 HGC. Check out the reviews on the Benchmark amp if you like the Bryston amps.

Is haven't heard the Thiel or any Thiel for that matter although I would like to. Between the KEF and the Dynaudio I feel the Dyn is much better balanced and definitely more full range. As said above you will need an amp with some balls to get the best out of the Dyns. 

ctsooner - heck, I was about 20 minutes away from Berlin last weekend...:8(  Not in Boston, north near Portsmouth, NH...last stop going north on NH's vast 12 mile coast line.  I go to NYC to see kids from time to time...may check in with you then.

yyzsantabarbara - I would love to keep my B60 but it seems that to give my current Thiels a fair test and be ready for anything I end up doing later (multiple comments like mofojo's & sofix suggest that), it's reasonable upgrade. I'll check out the Benchmark but Bryston has been such a pleasure to work with...once a lightening strike wounded my B60, they repaired as a warranty fix saying the "we don't usually do this"...gee, a real lesson in how to make loyal customers.