Your Thiels are not known for smoothness IMO. I have heard and had them in my home so they like polite electronics unless you like lots of detail? I think your choice of BAT is a good one. I have a VK5i and VK200 and like both alot. Also had a ARC LS7 on borrow awhile back and didn't care for it. It had good qualities but sounded to me like there was a blanket over the speakers.
