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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
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
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
soix
9,796 posts
 
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. 

shredder's avatar
shredder
113 posts
 
I owned the CAM-350s. A bit anemic, yes. I replaced them with the Modwright KWA-150SE (albeit not to power Thiel's). Huge step up.  Natural and musical like the Classe, but quieter and far punchier. In your price range more or less.
pops
2,275 posts
 
Dave, I always wanted to hear a DR-9.  I have owned my CA200 for I believe 20 years or so.   I was a Classe guy because I couldn’t afford Krell at the time.  It still delivers - I may put it back in the system today for old times sake.  

dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
Hi pops,

I bought my DR-25 new but had coveted the older DR-9 for years afterward with all of the positive press re: it being the sweet spot among all A/B amps of the time.

About 18 months ago, I saw three for sale @ $1000 each and scooped them all up. Haven’t seen another for sale since. The positive press of the day was true and a reminder that power specs don't rule in audio.

I could be accused of living in the past, but I don’t see anything significantly "new under the sun" re: SS A/B amplifier technology since.

Dave
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