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Tube Amplifier for Thiel

I recently pick up a pair of Thiel CS3.6. As like many reviews online said, they are awesome speakers. I am using Musical Fidelity A5 int amp (200wpc @4 Ohms, 400wpc @8 Ohms) to drive them. I can't say the A5 is not good, but I kind of feel it not quite musical, crispy, fast... These seem to be the strengths I found in most tube amplifiers I have auditioned before. I am thinking of replacing the A5 with a tube int amp; however, I worry that normal tube int amps are not "powerful" enough to drive the big Thiel (I am a bass lover).

I currently have Prima Luna Dialogue 2, Cayin A-100T/A-70T (and probably VTL IT-85) on my list. I would appreciate if some one could comment on these choices. I also welcome any other tube/SS int amp suggestions (even tube pre/SS power amp) in that price range.

Thank you!
unjc
unsound
7,329 posts
 
I agree with Czbbcl.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,172 posts
 
Biggest, beefiest Audio Research amp you can afford. Rogue would be an alternative and might come in for less.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
They do benefit from an amp that can swing the current down toward the 2 Ohm load range without a hiccup. My choice for CS6's, which are similar in load characterstics to the 3.6s, is to go with a stout FPB series Krell amp. Manley Neo 500s would also work if tubes are what you insist on for these.
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jameswei
883 posts
 
To my recollection, the solid state amps that have a reputation for sounding like tubes have been made by Pass and Carver. I'm sure there must be others too.

The Pass Aleph series was distinguished in this regard, although the most powerful one was the Aleph 1.2, which was rated at 200 watts, perhaps not enough for you. You might try out a used one, and it would be approximately the same vintage as the Thiel 3.6.

Carver made higher power solid state amps (like the M1.5t, M500t, etc), many of them deliberately designed to sound like specific tube amps of the time. These used amps are getting long in the tooth, although there are refurbishment/upgrade shops to keep them good. I am currently getting pretty good sound out of a Carver M500t driving Thiel 3.6s.
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