Rascal52240, a Watt is a Watt is a Watt. It is a measurement. An inch on a ruler is the same as an inch on a tape measure. That said, Watts needs to be considered as part of an equation. Your Thiel's 22's have a nominal impedance of 4 Ohms and a minimum impedance of 3 Ohms. Better ss amps may double their power into that load. In your case as a matter of measurement ss Watts may be 2X more powerfull than tube amps with the same standard 8 Ohm rating. Thiel designs their cross-overs in such a manner so as to provide a steady impedance for the amp, which helps maintain steady amplitude. Some argue that, these steps drain the ultimate apparent power from the system. The point of all this is; Thiel's respond best to lots of quality power. Of course, your room and ultimate sound levels will determine just how much power you need. For many years I used the same ss c-j amp you are currently using on earlier Thiel's CS 2's. Those 2's had an easier 6 Ohm nominal, 5 Ohm minimum load. A move to a much better 250 watt amp demonstrated qualities I never new my CS 2's were capable of. Jim Thiel told me himslelf that his power recommendations were based on the standard 8 Ohm rating of quality ss amps that were capable of doubling down, and if one were to choose tube amps, one should double those power recommendations. Comparable tube power usually costs more than the same ss power. Doubling that tube power can get a bit expensive. With a budget of $1K, I'd suggest you use ss watts. Furthermore, very few integrateds have the guts to really make Thiels sing, it usually takes a dedicated power amp to get the most from Thiel's, especially when you get away from the smaller 2 ways. An old audiophile cliche' that some how seems to work more often than it should, suggests that one should double the manufactures' minimum recommendation. For your Thiel 22's that would mean 200 watts into 4 Ohms. A quality 200 watt per channel tube amp might be hard to find for under $1K. To drive your Thiels, that money may be better spent on better ss watts.
How do tube Watts compare to SS Watts?
I have Theil 2.2 speakers, which have a low sensitivity (86dB), but I would like to get an intergrated tube amp. Or even all tube. But I don't know how many tube Watts I'll need to drive the Theils. My guesstimate is @ 50wpc for intergrated tube amps, but that could be wildly off. Are their mathematical conversion formulas? Second, if there is a rough range, might you be kind enough to suggest a few worthy candidates that, wheather new or pre-listened, are under $1,000 USD (e.g., Cayin model xxx). Thank you most kindly.
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- 31 posts total
- 31 posts total