Thiel Owners

I'm wondering if there are cases where what sounds like an amp problem is actually a preamp problem or impedence mismatch problem.  I'm using Bryston preamps in both of my systems.  In both cases I've run the systems with only a volume controlled DAC and with the DAC feeding a Bryston pre.  In both cases adding the preamp made more of a difference in definition than I thought it should.  This is especially true if running the amps from one set of outputs and a sub from another.  I've done this twice with different amps and speakers and both times I found the bass to lack definition from just the dac.  The problem cleared right up when I added a preamp.  It had sounded pretty much the same as an underpowered amp but that wasn't the problem.  I'm guessing the preamps are providing significantly more current and that can make a big difference in some situations. 

Anyone have any ideas on where I can get a set of outriggers for my Thiel 2.4s?  Or other suggestions for decoupling the speakers from carpet?  Presently using the little brass buttons with the short spikes which came with the speakers.  Ideas?

Pretty sure you can get outriggers from Coherent Source Service. At the least, they are part of the kit to upgrade 2.4 to 2.4SE (which also includes the Clarity SA caps for the coax feed).

CoherentSource Service will probably also have carpet spikes, pointed and long enough to penetrate carpet. 

jon - indeed a digital device and/or passive preamp is often not robust enough to drive the particular cables and/or input section of the chosen power amp. Active preamps are designed for that chore to ascertain that the signal voltage swings will indeed arrive at the power amp's inputs. Some cables are harder to drive than others and long runs especially can deplete signal vigor.