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New amp? Thiel...

Bought a pair of Thiel CS2.4's about 6 months ago and they are just as amazing as the reviews say. I'm driving them with a Krell KAV-250a, which has plenty of power but somehow I'm wondering if there's not a better amp for the Thiels...

The rest of the system includes a Krell HTS7.1 (need to maintain the HT/2-ch in one room, so not much of an option there... besides the analog pre of the HTS7.1 is pretty darn good), a Clearaudio Champion with Benz Silver MC, Graham Slee phono stage, Oppo BDP-95 (xlr analog) and all Cardas cables. The room is pretty much a concrete bunker... basement with carpeted concrete floor, concrete walls with drapes on the walls (basically thickish cotton/synthetic blackout curtains), so it's a pretty bright room. I know I need to add some acoustic panels to it, that's on the list.

I've heard the Thiel CS2.4's with a very large (and out of my price range) McIntosh (MC1.2k) and that's an amazing combination.

I would sell my Krell (seems to go for $1100-1600 depending on condition lately) and I would add another $500-1000 to that...

Any recommendations where to start looking?
128x128audiojan
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
I have used Bel Canto REF1000Ms partnered with an Audio Research Reference 5 (then 5SE) and an Ayon CD5S (CDP/DAC/tube pre) with my Thiel CS3.7s.

Now using Electrocompaniet AW600 aka Nemos

I had used the REF1000Ms with my 2.4SEs before this
unsound
7,334 posts
 
IMHO, the Krell KAV's aren't really true Krells. They're geared for inexpensive home theatre as opposed to the other Krell power amplifiers that are geared for serious audio systems. If you like what the Krell KAV is doing, I think you'll find the better Krell power amplifiers a pleasant upgrade. They work well with Thiels.
cmalak
681 posts
 
I drive my 2.4s with ARC's Ref 110 power amp but in your price range I would stay with high quality SS from Krell/Simaudio/Pass Labs. Here are some options from the Agon listings that I think will be very good with your 2.4s in your price range of $1,500-$2,500:

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/simaudio-moon-w-5-black
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/monarchy-audio-se250-hybrid-power-amplifier (These are interesting with 250wpc into 8ohms and 500wpc into 4ohms w/ first 50wpc biased in Class A)
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/mcintosh-mc7270-power-amp (Not familiar with this McIntosh amp but looks like it might be a good deal)
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/krell-ksa-150-class-a-amplifier (150wpc of Class A Krell power. Given age of this amp, I would check the caps on it)

Hope this gives you some ideas to research.
audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
432 posts
 
Thanks for all the recommendations. The Krell KAV does have more power than I truly need (yes, nice to have headroom, but still...) and it is extremely neutral, maybe too much so with the Thiel's.

I'd love to mate them with a big McIntosh, but that's not going to happen... (too much $).

I've also looked at Mark Levinson's... I've heard the 2.4's with a 336 a few years back and that was breathtaking. A 334 should fall within my budget.
unsound
7,334 posts
 
The Krell KAV's have plenty of power above 4 Ohms, below not so much. Those Thiels of yours go below 4 Ohms quite a bit.
Be sure to read the current thread on Levinson before purchasing one. If you like Macs and Levinsons you might want to consider Ayre, Classe, Electrocompaniet, and Clayton. FWIW, my tastes run more to Krell and Pass with Thiels.
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