Thiel Owners

I have been considering buying a class-D amp for use with my Thiel CS3.6 and CS2 2. I have focused on the NAD M23 and Bel Canto REF501S amps. Does anybody have experience with these or other class D amps?

I am picking on these models because they advertise minimum impedances of 2 ohms.

Thanks

agdrago

A capable amp's power specs should read something like:

- 100W @ 8 ohms, 0.1% distortion or less 20Hz - 20kHz, both channels driven

- 200W @ 4 ohms, 0.1% distortion or less 20Hz - 20kHz, both channels driven

- 400W @ 2 ohms, 0.1% distortion or less 20Hz - 20kHz, both channels driven

- Stable at 1 ohm

Amps whose specs diverge much from the above template may sound just fine, or even fantastic, paired with high-efficiency speakers.

But amps that will convincingly, authoritatively drive large, low-efficiency floorstanders with unforgiving impedance curves ought to be able to deliver 150A current peaks, not 15A.

@devinplombier

Peak current measurements should be in the range of 150 amps not 18 to 30?

Am I correct in assuming this spec alone conclusively makes class-D amps inappropriate for use with the speakers in question? I am somewhat shocked at the response I had from manufacturers when presented with this very question.

I was asking the question looking for a response as to how well received/pleasing is the result of the pairing...sounds like no one does it because it is a bad match.

Is there a list of amps people feel meet electrical and real world listening criteria - favorite pairings?

agdrago

Bel Canto is a sonic match. Not sure about NAD amp(s)? Anthem is another Class-D consideration. Keep me posted as you audition these brands.

Happy Listening!

agdrago

Specs are a quick way to whittle down dozens of possibilities, but they're just one factor in a complex equation. Nothing replaces an in-home audition, with your components, in your listening room.

Happy listening!