Thiel Owners

Hi,

I used to have a pretty great analog system driving a pair of 3.6s. I was powering them with 300 watts SS. I had to get rid of that system, except the speakers of course. In the meantime I was listening to a pair of 1.6 driven by a Conrad Johnson Classic 60se, a tube amp. It was a glorious match. I know the philosophy was tube preamp and SS amp, but I now believe it is the amp, the last thing in the chain, that "voices" the speaker. l have read that tube watts are entirely different than SS watts, but I thought I'd ask the gurus to weigh in.

How many tube watts do I need to drive 3.6, and later 6s, to very loud levels. Garage is 20 x 20 ft with 8-foot ceilings.

bill10907

Good to see you here again. I concur, the CJ Classic 60se is a very fine Amp to drive Thiel CS 1.6 or CS 1.7 loudspeakers.  What gear and cabling is in your system currently?  Nice space 20x20x8.

Happy Listening!

solobone22

Nice reply from prof on your CS 2.7 v. CS 3.7 query. I will second, the CS 3.7 with more Bass output. Reason being the CS 3.7 commands a larger room, the owner can employ a larger Power Amp, achieving greater low end energy.

Happy Listening!

Jafant,

Nothing! Just my pair of 3.6. I want to get an integrated tube amp, Cardas Clear or Cardas Clear Beyond for cables, and something to stream with. Budget is 10-12 grand CAN. I don't buy new. Future will be CS6s, but not now. 

Used to have clear beyond cables, Classe 400 watts, ARC PH8 phono, ARC REF 3 pre, Clearaudio Performance SE table, and a Stradivari cartridge. Looking to build a new system anchored with tube amp.

After using the CJ 60se in my 1.6 house system, I think the Classe "voiced" the speakers, not the tubes feeding the amp feeding the 3.6.

Love CJ, but will 45 tube watts be enough? How about 75? Will I need 200 tube watts?

That is my first question: wattage?

bill10907

Nice "old" system.  The good news is that Thiel speakers does respond well to Tubed gear (CJ, P.S. Audio, VAC and VTL) just to name a few.  I am a big fan of the CJ CAV 45 control amp. I would like to see the S3 version with more current and power output.  Great opportunity there. Let's see how CJ approaches the next version.  Classe' is certainly a sonic match.

Now, to address your Wattage query.  Anywhere from 50 to 300 watts will be sufficient. Much will depend on your room and volume preference.  Keep me posted as you demo the Amps.

Happy Listening!