Yeah, I remember that even in my city Thiels used to be paired with Classe amps.
I always liked the Thiel sound but found it just a touch dry and a bit hard.And people always said "Thiels are tough to drive, you need tons of current!"
It was when I heard Thiel CS6 speakers powered by VAC tube amps at an audio show that the veil was lifted from my eyes :-). It was an amazing combination of the Thiel virtues, with an organic liquidity.
I ended up with those Thiels being driven by the CJ Premier 12s and the combo was heaven, combining the type of attributes I heard in the VAC/Thiel combo.
The CJs have gone on to power every speaker, large or small, less or more efficient, in my room with seemingly no problems. Tube magic, but with punch, grip and control. That's why I can't see getting rid of them any time soon.