Tube Amp recommendation for Thiel CS1.6 under $2k

Noticed a lot of tube amps have low wattage ratings and my Thiels say 50-300W.

Have a 24’ x 18’ and looking for a recommendations or thoughts on best integrated or power amp (ideally vintage) to drive them nicely.

uthlidian05-28-2024 4:04pm

niodari Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 300 posts 06-03-2024 at 04:28am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I don't have CS 1.6s, but I have been using Manley Stingray push pull amplifier for over 20 years with 4 different pairs of Thiel speakers including CS 1.9 and CS 3.6 (which I guess are the closest to CS 2.6 with very nice results. In fact I tried other more powerful solid state amplifiers for either of these speakers and result was worse. In general, Thiel speakers sound nicely with tube amplifiers, with an open and real soundstage, quite clean.
imhififan Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,189 posts 06-03-2024 at 06:09am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The CS1.6 is not difficult to drive. However, its small woofer cannot be reproduce low bass. Twenty years ago I had been using an Audio Research SP-6C preamp with a D90 amp to drive the CS1.6 and a 15" subwoofer to enhance the low frequency response in a 15’x22’ room with very satisfying results.
jafant Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 19,684 posts 06-03-2024 at 09:00am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete niodari Yes! Manley Stingray is a sonic match for Thiel speakers (CS 1.6, 1.7 and 2.4) Happy Listening!