You did not mention the cables that you are using. Thiels are a very revealing speaker. Don't forget to budget cables into the equation. I've used MIT's and currently am using Straightwire.
You should be able to find one of the older bigger Parasounds for under $500. At least with the older Thiels, you really can never give them too much power. My speakers are rated at maximum 250 wpc and I'm running 385 wpc into them and they handle the power ease. If you are patient, you should be able to find a nice preamp to match and fall within your budget.
I have a set of Thiel 22's, Parasound 2200 ($400 used) and Jeff Rowland Coherence One ($1000 used). The Parasound is not going to be the last amp I own, but for the money, it is one heck of a value in my opinion.
You should be able to find one of the older bigger Parasounds for under $500. At least with the older Thiels, you really can never give them too much power. My speakers are rated at maximum 250 wpc and I'm running 385 wpc into them and they handle the power ease. If you are patient, you should be able to find a nice preamp to match and fall within your budget.
I have a set of Thiel 22's, Parasound 2200 ($400 used) and Jeff Rowland Coherence One ($1000 used). The Parasound is not going to be the last amp I own, but for the money, it is one heck of a value in my opinion.