2. amps-preamps
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Amp for Aerial speakers?

My current speakers are NHT SuperTwo's for the front and rear surrounds, with an NHT VT1C center, and Velodyne HGS-18 sub. I will be receiving an Aerial CC5 center channel speaker next week, and will then later (end of year) upgrade the front surrounds to Aerial LR5's, and the rears to Aerial SR3's. My preamp is a Lexicon MC-1, and my amps are two ATI 1506's that I'm running in bridged mode. I have the opportunity to purchase a new Theta Dreadnaught at a great price, and was wondering which amp would be a better match for the Aerials? I did hear the Aerials with the Dreadnaught at the dealer's showroom, and the combination sounded great, so much so that I went ahead and ordered the CC5. I haven't had the chance yet to hear it with the ATI amps though. Thanks for any input.
kyee
beemer
444 posts
 
I can second those who have synergy with Aerials and Classe,
however my 10t's took on a whole new personality after I sweated and saved enough for Levinson 33H's. If the smaller series share traits with the 10t's, then this may work as well. I bought my 33H's used, and I swore I'd never spend that much coin on amps, however nothing I've heard sounds better TO ME, than these amps.

Paul
michaelm704
41 posts
 
I've chosen BAT, which cranks tons of current into my 10Ts. I've always heard about the Aerials needing power, but find that the 200W into 4 ohms from my VK-200 is ample. The BAT never seems to run out of juice, and I can feel that I'm on the edge of ear damage without straining the amp.

Tonally the VK-200 is a beautiful match, DEEEEP bass, and very smooth midrange. Great dimensionality and soundstaging. I'd check out the VK-6200. It's muti-channel capable and BAT is a great company. Victor Khomenko and the gang are really good people. Rest of my system is the VPI Aries/JMW arm, CAL CL-15 CD, BAT VK-30 Pre, Audio Magic Spellcaster IIs. I'm thrilled with the setup.
kyee OP
10 posts
 
The price I'm able to get the new Theta Dreadnaught populated with 5 200w modules is $3500 delivered. With this in mind, is the Dreadnaught a good match/buy for the Aerials?
siow_a
1 posts
 
Just get the Theata. It's a great amp for the money and will have ample power to drive your speakers. Otherwise get the Llanos and spend more money. That is what I got for my Aerials.
whknopp0713
179 posts
 
I also endorse Classe, but be sure to get 300 series or more. Smaller Classe's seem to lack headroom. Another suggestion is Sim, who now make a 5 channel amp based on the classic Celeste. Tons of fast current. I run a Sim 150 into 10t's in a fairly small room, and I can hardly wipe the grin off my face. The Dreadnaught is also a very good choice; I heard it in 2 channel driving Dunlavy IV/A's and then Hales Transendance 5's, both to excellent effect. You're all over it; with these options, you practically can't mess this one up. Good luck
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