New amp

Thanks everyone! Interested in hearing more about the MB-450 monoblocks if anyone's owned them such as are they high maintenance? Would my spks cause them to strain? One thing that I've noticed is that they arent too expensive compared to the signature series. Only reason I ask is that I'm not the type to always be swapping gear and am ultimately seeking the most realistic sound possible from all types of music.

I've listened to VTL tube amps (ST-150) with the smaller 1.6 thiel and it sounded just ok. But then again that speaker doesnt really produce enough sound for me in general. I've been told that the VAC 70/70 is a good match for the CS2.4 but dont see them for sell often.

I just bought a pair of MB-450 monoblocks, but I haven't listened to them all that much yet because I'm waiting for my speakers to be delivered. There's a signature version of the 450 as well which has the signature output transformer (and newer version have an upgraded input stage and MIT capacitors I think). You might be thinking of the signature II which has the auto-bias and fault sensing. I don't think they're high maintenance, but I'm not sure what you may think is high maintenance. There's 8 tubes in each monoblock that need to be changed every 3 years or so probably, and you'll need to check the bias every 6 months or so. It's really easy to do as long as you have a multimeter... just pop the cover and the bias probes are right there.

Well finally bit the bullet and sprung for a BAT VK600 amp. I think that with the extra juice I'll be able to enjoy listening and may even be able to hear a more pleasant sound.

Anything with Ayre on it should be on your short list.

I did listen to the bigger ayre with totem winds and it was very nice. Great system stringreen!