Thiel 7.2 - Classe, Krell or Bryston?


I have had the 7.2's for 18 years with Classe CAM 350 amps. My pre right now is a Classe SSP-800 as it is a home theater / music system . My phono stage is a Manley Steelhead. Nordost cables.

I have always felt the Classe's were a bit anemic and have been looking for one last lifetime AMP upgrade.

I have been looking at used Krell FPB 600's and the Bryston 28b SST2. My budget is 8k or under. 

As I will not have the opportunity to audition and would hate to spend the money and not have a big improvement on the Classe's I would appreciate any opinions
kevinaudio
Bryston Amps were the late Jim Thiel's favorite amps. According to my dealer who knew Mr. Thiel for over 25 years he was not fond of McIntosh amps, Thiel and Bryston had a close relationship. No coincidence that Gary Dayton moved to Bryston after the Thiel sale.
I own the Krell FPB-600c and the Classe’ DR-9(s). Cannot speak to Bryston. The Krell drives my Thiels cleanly to mortifying volume levels and grabs the woofers sternly by the balls. The (old) Classe’ is more natural and involving, lacking in nothing to my ears with the Thiels. The DR-9 is my amp of choice between the two.

Dave
McCormack DNA500 might also be worth a look.  There's also a pair of Clayton M100 monoblocs for sale here now that I bet would sound sweet with the 7.2s.  Just a couple other options.  Best of luck.