2. amps-preamps
  3. 1352437950

I've been gifted a pair of Thiel CS2s

So, I'm starting with the speakers first. :D

They'll more than likely be sitting in an 10' x 8' x 9' (height) room, which hopefully is big enough for them.

Since, as I understand Thiels crave a lot of power,
I'm looking at amps that will double down to 4ohms.

My budget is probably about $1000 for both the amp (or integrated amp and a pre-amp.

I'm currently looking at Aragon 4004.
I'm wondering if this will be "too much" power,
as I live in a condo and it seems a number of sellers are selling the high power amps because they are downsizing.

Anyhow, what would be a good matching pre-amp for the Aragon 4004, in the $500 range?

I've also considered:
< $500 amps: Acurus, Anthem MCA2.

$500-$750:
Rotel RB-1080, PS Audio HCA2, McCormack DNA 0.5, Anthem MCA2 (here as well)

$750-$1000:
Bryston 4B (but it sounds like the ST or SST would be better, but more costly), Conrad Johnson MF-2200, McCormack DNA-125.

I've been reading a lot and learning some.

All opinions welcome.

Thanks,
Mike
mrfarnham
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
I've had good results with tube preamps and SS amps (need the grunt to drive Thiels).

Have fun with the CS2s first.

If it really can't sing in the room, then try the other options: flog them off on Audiogon and get something else.

I dunno about sentiments here but if a relative or friend had gifted me the speakers, it would seem rude to sell it off to get something else.
newbee
4,767 posts
 
Mrfarnham, a few questions:

1) What do you need in a pre-amp. Just a line stage? Remote? etc
2) What are your sources? How many do you have?
3) Sonically speaking do you have any expectations? Warm - neutral - cool?
4) Will you house all your stuff in the same location?
5) How much of your budget will be left after the amp purchase?
6) Have you ever heard your Thiels? Some folks find them a bit on the cool/analytical side of neutral.

That info should help folks make some meaningful recommendations.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Well, that changes things quite a bit, still a tight fit, not quite ideal, but it can work.
IME, the McCormack amps though very fine amps in their own right, and excellent with other speakers, are a bit too forward and shouty with the Thiel CS 2's.
With your budget, I'd consider a Forte' or conrad-johnson solid state amp. Either manufacturer's pres in either ss or tube would work nicely too.
My experience with an Electrocompaniet integrated was pleasurable, though ultimately just a bit dark on top for my tastes.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Doggiehowser, My money is with my direct experience of over a decade with the the CS 2's without concentric drivers, rather than with your recollection of your friends CS 2.4's with concentric drivers, in an undersized space.
Would you not exchange an over-sized gifted sweater for an appropriately sized one?
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
I expect that if the speakers had been given rather than sold, it might have been because there was a sentimental value. A generic brand new sweater wouldn't have that same attachment.
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