I used the Thiel 3.5 with TAD-1000 monoblocks(EL-34 tubes used)/Sonic Frontiers Line 1 with great success in 13x20 room on the short axis, so I could get a little over 10 feet from the speakers. They are 3 feet from the side walls and 3 feet from the back.
I listened to classical, classic rock, alternate rock, with Rega Apollo, then a Cambridge Audio 740C to a 840C doing source duty. Each upgrade in source allowed the Thiels to reveal a little more. At the end I used a Rega DAC and Anedio DAC1, with the 840c as a transport.
I also used a VTL ST85 as a power amp with very good success.
The ONLY reason the 3.5's are sitting on the sideline is I got a set of 3.6's
I now use a PS Audio Perfect Wave trans and DAC into the SF Line 1 bi-amping the 3.6's with the TAD-1000(6550 tubes used) for the HF and Mids, with a Krell KAV2250 handling the bass. Very happy with my set up right now, no real desire to change.
I listened to classical, classic rock, alternate rock, with Rega Apollo, then a Cambridge Audio 740C to a 840C doing source duty. Each upgrade in source allowed the Thiels to reveal a little more. At the end I used a Rega DAC and Anedio DAC1, with the 840c as a transport.
I also used a VTL ST85 as a power amp with very good success.
The ONLY reason the 3.5's are sitting on the sideline is I got a set of 3.6's
I now use a PS Audio Perfect Wave trans and DAC into the SF Line 1 bi-amping the 3.6's with the TAD-1000(6550 tubes used) for the HF and Mids, with a Krell KAV2250 handling the bass. Very happy with my set up right now, no real desire to change.