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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
jameswei
883 posts
 
Ahhh. Played my 3.6s at volume today.

Clean, loud, lithe, liquid, beautiful music. (Like a beautiful gymnast.) And lush, too.

Gobs of power from my Carver. Made me feel refreshed from listening, but also just knowing that there's acres of headroom was boffo all by itself.

No strain whatsoever.

The M500t is rated at 370w/ch and 470w/ch dynamic for 8 ohms and 4 ohms respectively. (If you choose to have Rich Pecoro do his Mark 2 upgrade, these numbers become 520 and 920, with 1214 at 2 ohms, where the 3.6s live. --Not affil., just sayin'.)

The M500t was voiced to sound tube-like and has been described as the most musical of Carver's M amps and one of Bob's favorites.
unjc OP
6 posts
 
Tube pre-amp + SS amp is the combo I decide to go after. For power amp, I hope to find a Krell or Bryston monos or CJ within my budget.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Unjc

Good Decision IMO as those speakers love power and can sound very good when feed properly. Good Luck and keep us informed with what you end up with ..

Chuck
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,456 posts
 
SS amp is best way for Thiel I believe. Tube pre-amp should have good musical synergy. Lots of good choices there. ARC is one of the safest and best for a newbie. That's the way I went a few years back and have not regretted. Just be aware that tubes require periodic maintenance, though for a tube pre-amp, nothing more than periodic tube replacement when a tube goes or becomes too noisy should be needed. That has been my experience with ARC sp-16 now for the last 3-4 years.
rosami
66 posts
 
I've owned various Thiel speakers for over 20 years. Currently I'm driving my 3.6s with a Naim 300 amp and this, along with a Naim preamp, really drives these speakers properly, with loads of control, dynamics and proper timing. But no -- they're not tubes -- and upper-level Naim gear is expensive.

Previously I drove the 3.6s with Bryston 7B STs; the Bryston amps drove the Thiels well, but the Naim really brought a new level of timing, detail and control. However, Naim electronics don't have the depth of some other stuff, so if you value depth over timing and pace, then Naim may not be the way to go for you.

Good luck.
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