Thiel Owners

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!

@prof @jafant thank you for providing your perspective and experience with the 2.7/3.7!

bill10907

You might check out my setup in my primary “Virtual System”. After having high powered Krell, Bryston, McIntosh etc with my 3.6s, I’ve been very happy with Audio Research tubes on amp and preamp.

I started with VSi60 integrated amp with KT 120s, then Ref 110, Ref 75, Ref 150 and now Ref 250 mono amps. Each amp had classic ARC sound with huge soundstage (tall, wide and deep), separation with precise imaging and I think you’d be surprised at how well the VSi60 Watt integrated amp drives the big Thiels in spite of most recommending high powered solid state amps. 

@jonandfamily have you tried the 3.6 replacement tweeter?  If you did do you have the measurements with the OEM tweeter vs the replacement soft-dome?