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Recommendation for higher power tube amp

AudiogoNers - I am interested in trying more tube power with my Thiel CS2.3s, which are hard to drive (~3 ohm load over 100Hz), budget is ~$3000-3500, used is fine as long as reliability is not a big risk, what would you recommend?

Currently running a BAT VK-55 and love the sound of tubes with these speakers, first thought was to get a second VK-55 and run them in mono, but realizing there are several other potential contenders in this price range, including Sonic Frontiers Power 2, Music Reference RM-200, a few VTL models, Antique Sound Labs Hurricane, Jolida Fusion, Manley Snappers, and more ARCs then you can shake a stick at, I thought I'd post the question.

128x128thosb
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,772 posts
 
If the amp that drives the Theil no longer has to make power for the bass, there will be more power for everything else.
IME this is a really tricky way to go since active electronic crossover (which is what you need to see to it that your amp for the Theils does not have to deal with bass) are another block in the signal chain and so some immediacy is lost.
ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
Update on VTA M-125s

As built by VTA, the M-125's were very noisy, but can be quietened quite a bit. In my case, almost 40db.

Complete instructions:
http://ielogical.com/Audio/VTA_M-125.php
shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,481 posts
 
I had been happy with Rogue Cronus Magum II for 6 years.

But I doubt it will have enough power to drive your Thiel speaker.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9ibea-rogue-audio-apollo-solid-state

I recommend you to stretch your budget to get Apollo with 250W.

Or you can try out Crown XLS 2502 (725W for 4ohm) at 650$ from Amazon.

I got one to drive Raal Sr1a headphone which is also demanding.

It has a lot of headroom without hard edge.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/best-headphone-under-10k

Thomas
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,897 posts
 
Well not sure I would judge one variable of the legendary Jim Thiel work as criminal....
I would be sure before switching away from one of the better time and phase correct speakers, that you like trading that away for louder...

what I find much more interesting is the source of louder,

full disclosure I own a pair of 2.3, Quads, several pair of Vandersteen and some horns also :-)....
thosb's avatar
thosb OP
204 posts
 
OP check in - gave up (or put on hold) this idea for developing the system, instead worked on the room and some other tweaking.  But 2020 might be the year I look for the next speaker, based on listening I am considering Quads and based on reading Devore as potentially good choices.  But I also might mod the crossover on the 2.3s first.   
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