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Bryston, McIntosh, Krell or Mark Levinson

Greetings Audiogoners, 
I know that these speakers have been discussed ad nauseam here.  But I'm overwhelmed with information.  I'm searching for a used amp for my Thiel CS2.3.  The following are my top choices:  Bryston 7B SST, Mark Levinson No. 331, and McIntosh MC352.  Which one would you recommend?  Is the Bryston too powerful for my speakers?  Secondly, I'm considering a Bryston 4B for my Thiel SCS 3 center channel speaker.  Is the 4B too powerful for it? Finally, I found some Sonics brand amps, which are said to be Brystons in disguise.  Do you advise purchasing them?  

I don't like to listen at loud volume, but I do sometimes.  For the most part, I like good, clean, detailed music.  Please advise on the above, and I welcome any suggestions.   

Thanks. 
w-j
erik_squires
16,396 posts
 
I don't know any of those amps really, but for your speakers I'd go with Parasond in a heartbeat.

The point I think you should listen for is the high frequencies.  Too much detail will make the speakers tire your ears out quickly. 

Parasound is a more neutral and laid back presentation which won't add any more in that range. On the other hand, if you need more etching, McIntosh.

Best,

Erik
68pete
1,005 posts
 
If the Mark Levinson 331, has been serviced (good caps) up to date it will be  great amp. Great detail at low volume. Good midrange and highs the bass will not be as good as some others, but it will not be bad. Very smooth sounding. 
yyzsantabarbara
4,951 posts
 
Check out the new LSA Voyager 350 GAN amp for $3K. I am breaking it in with the Thiel CS3.7 and it sounds excellent. It is definitely nicer than my old Bryston 7B-SST. I had that on a Thiel SCS4 at one time years ago.

I had the Parasound A23 (not their best) with the Thiel SCS4 and it was nothing great. Too much warmth.

I have a KRELL K-300i and it is excellent with the Thiel CS3.7.

I liked the ML 585 integrated but never heard it with Thiel. Heard it with Magico A3.

Not a fan of MAC.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
I would go for the current model Krell amps.  They are extremely smooth, but they are not high frequency monsters.  The pairing with the Thiel (which can be harsh in the highs) is likely going to work very good.

The McIntosh may be another good choice as it is excellent, but mild and laid back in the mids and highs. 
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,935 posts
 
w-j

Feel free to join Us over on the Thiel Owners thread. We have a few fans and owners of the CS 2.3 on the Panel. You could not go wrong with any of the choices as above. It is a matter of Aural taste.

Happy Listening!
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