2. amps-preamps
  3. 1320605738

Amp for Thiel 2.2?

I know variations of this question has been discussed several times, but many of the questions and responses have been from many years ago. So here I am again. I just bought my Thiels 2.2 on Craig's List KC for $650. I have been listening to them powered with a Music Hall A-25.2 and playing my music with a PC laptop and a HRT Streamer II+. My thought was to use the Music Hall as a preamp for a while until I make that investment. I would like to find something $400-$1200, but I would spend more if it would make a difference. One other thing is, there is no place near to audition any HIFI near me in KC, so I really need to rely on your comments to guide me. Thanks
Jerry
jerrycentral
cmalak
681 posts
 
Jerry...I have not so don't know much about the HCA-2. Good luck hunting and let us know what you end up with and how it works out. All the best.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Though the 2.2's drop below 4 Ohms for a small portion of their load, the phase angle is pretty benign. There are host of good amp choices available from (in my personal preferred order) Krell, Pass, Threshold, ss conrad-johnson and Classe'. My suggestion would be one of the above with at least 200 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms.
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
Theil and Bryston regularly pair up at hifi shows. Haven't heard the combo personally, but if they think enough of each other to consistantly team up together, the combo is definitely worth considering IMO.

Be prepared to upgrade the source and pream in the future!
analogheaven
24 posts
 
I agree with Dc2daylight that Thiels n Classe make a good pair. I had a pair of Thiels 2 2s, with Classe DR-6 preamp n DR-9 power amp for 13 years, before the upgrade bug hit me.

Classe tonality was warmer in their earlier days, but then the CAM 350 monos make sense, as the 2 2s definitely deserves more than an integrated. Best to combine a tube preamp together with the CAM 350s - you will not go wrong
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Thiel has used many different amps over the years to demo their speakers at shows, and sometimes for different reasons.
More to discover