2. amps-preamps
  3. 152480-110869

Help me select an integrated amp for Thiel CS3.6 speakers

Room is 25 x 25 and fully carpeted. The speakers are in the corners -  this cannot be changed.

Looking for suggestions for an integrated amp that will work well with this speaker. Looking to spend around $2500 but will go to $4000 if it makes sense to do so. This obviously removes the higher end Pass, Luxman, Levinson etc from the discussion.

Two on my radar are:
1) Rotel RA-1592
2) Parasound Hint 6.

They both have plenty of watts and bluetooth for apple/tidal/ connectivity. My source will be streaming or buying a streamer at some point.

I am planning on buying without being able to audition unfortunately.

Any help would be appreciated. 

Thanks.


epz
imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,180 posts
 
A new Bluesound Node 2i streamer/dac $500, a used Coda CSiB v3 integrated can be found below $3,000.
I use this combo with thiel cs2.4
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/closest-to-pass-labs-int-250-or-x250-8



jafant's avatar
jafant
19,602 posts
 
epz

Given the (2) considerations- audition the Parasound Hint 6. 
Parasound and Thiel have a sonic relationship, especially, separates.
Once you have your system configured, join us over on the Thiel Owners thread(under Speakers). There you will find fellow CS 3.6 fans and supporters. Enjoy the Audio journey.

Happy Listening!
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Given the (2) considerations- audition the Parasound Hint 6.
👍 yes forgot about John Curl’s Halo amps, not quite as good, but cheaper than the Gryphon Diablo 120 or the bigger 300, but will also do the job nicely, as they are BJT output stage as well, which means good current delivery into difficult loads.

Cheers George
golfnutz
231 posts
 
I have my doubts about the Hint 6 being able to drive the CS3.6 speakers properly in a 25' x 25' room. It's only rated at 160 and 270 watts into 8 and 4 ohms. The Hint is basically the same as the Halo Integrated.

From Sterophile's Halo review:  "Fig.19 also shows that the amplifier offers low levels of distortion into the two higher impedances, but begins to stress out into 2 ohms."

Read more at https://www.stereophile.com/content/parasound-halo-integrated-integrated-amplifier-measurements#POek...

It won't be long before the OP is looking to upgrade....

Also, the Hint has been priced as low as $1600 on the used market already. This is entry level stuff, the CS3.6's deserve better than that.

Something like Parasounds JC1's would be more appropriate in a room that size ($4k used).
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
From Sterophile’s Halo review: "Fig.19 also shows that the amplifier offers low levels of distortion into the two higher impedances, but begins to stress out into 2 ohms."
Yeah, as I said ok, but not as good as the Gryphon’s


Something like Parasounds JC1’s would be more appropriate
Agree with you there, but they don’t exist anymore new, have to go used.
Just hope the Class-D jokers aren't going to start recommending them.

Cheers George
More to discover