Try a PS Audio HCA-2. There is a Positive Feedback.com article on this same speaker/amp match. |
Actually, no. I had not considered Spectral, and I had forgotten that Progressive carried them. Which model Thiels do you have? The word that I am receiving is that the CS3.6's are some of the hardest Thiels to drive, and that in fact, they rank up there with some of the hardest speakers to drive. They spend a lot of time down in the 2 Ohm range, and being very flat across such a wide frequency spectrum, they can place a lot of demands upon an amp. Progressive's #1 recommendation for the CS3.6 so far has been Krell. Theta is close, they say, but for slightly more money, a Krell would work better. They do believe that McCormack would be a very large step in the right direction, though, and would bridge the gap cost-wise between Adcom and Krell.
Do you recall the price range of the Spectral gear? I know very little about them. Interestingly, the last time I was down there, I heard Thiel speakers as part of three separate systems. Two of them used Krell gear, and one used Rotel gear. I ended up buying a Rotel RSP-1066 because of how close it came to matching the Krell Showcase. Amp-wise, though, I'd put Rotel fairly close to the same league as Adcom, and since I am looking for an upgrade, here, I hadn't really thought about Rotel. Still, they may be worth listening to again.
Thanks for the feedback. I have been shopping at Progressive since my college days back in the late '80's, and I have come to really trust and rely upon them.
Later, Tom. |
I think you mentioned being a Progressive Audio customer in one of your posts. I know they have their Thiels primarily powered by Spectral gear in their showrooms. I ended up purchasing a Spectral/Thiel system. I have very little experience, so I'm wondering if you (or any one else) have heard this combo and what you think of the compatability. Have you considered Spectral? |
Tom,
to answer your question, I have a feeling it is more of a "McCormack vs. Classe" thing, vs. the benefit of a monoblock. I can't remember if the McCormacks of that era were able to double down, and they were at a lower price point than the Classe. On the monoblock topic, I have heard of others having good luck with Thiels and their Classe 300 or 400 series stereo amps. I suspect it is a matter of good compatability between brands.
I have made several other big upgrades to the system (the Thiels have been the only constant over 10 years) and I have always been amazed at how the 3.6's reward you when a higher quality piece of gear is inserted upstream. The Thiels are probably still not my weakest link in the system.
Bill |
I use to drive my Thiels with a Bryston 4B-ST but the Bryston's aren't that good at low impedence loads. I now use the Sim Audio Moon W-5 which has an output of over 700 watts into a 2 ohm load. Lotts of authority in the bass. You should be able to get a used one for $2500 or less. |
The only disadvantage to Theta, is that from what I recall, their price point is fairly close to Krell, so I'd probably be tempted to go Krell. Still, they definitely seem worth checking out. |
Tom, I wonder how the Theta Dreadnaught would do. It's not too pricey if I remember. |
My local dealer, whom I enjoy working with, sells (among other things) Krell, Theta, and McCormack. I would love to have a Krell FPB300cx, but it looks like I am on more of a McCormack budget, especially if I buy new. Any thoughts on a DNA-225 for the CS3.6's, and a DNA-HT3 for the center and surrounds?
Tom. |
Gnobber:
Good point about doubling down. I know those Thiels present a demanding load, and I want to make sure the amp is up to the challenge. Do you think the benefits from the McCormack to Classe had more to do with increased headroom and the monoblock design, or was it more of a "McCormack versus Classe" kind of thing? I had been considering McCormack as a contender.
A_Hayan:
I was waiting for someone to suggest Aragorn. It seems to be a logical match. The Bryston and CJ recommendations are also along the lines of what I had expected.
You people have me doing some research! Thanks, Tom. |
GamuT 200W stereo is considered a good match. I listened to that combo driven by a Rowland pre and the result was very musical and nicely detailed. Big room (~35x20). |
I upgraded from a McCormack DNA1 (175 watts) to a pair of Classe CAM200 monoblocks (200 watts). The difference was huge- better bass, better resolution of details in the high end, sweeter. It seems like the ability to 'double down' (400 watts into 4 ohms, etc.) might be the thing to look for- not all amps can do this, and the 3.6's go to 2 ohms at certain frequencies. |
How about some Monarchy SE-160s hybrid monoblocks. I've seen these as low as $1800.00 a pair. May add some sweetness to the Thiels.
Good Luck! |
Tom,
I'm driving my CS3.6's with an Aragon 8008BB. I've been very happy with it. You can get one used for around $1200 or so.
Good luck! |
Good info, so far. Keep 'em coming!
Thanks, Tom.
P.S.
If someone has an amp that fits the bill that they are trying to sell, feel free to drop me a line. |
I am driving my 3.6's with a Conrad Johnson MF2500A and am very happy with the results. You can buy one used here on this site or on E-bay for around $1750-$2250.
Thanks, Chuck |
Bryston 4B--used, of course. That'll do it... |
If you can find a good Threshold Class A amp, such as the SA 1 (monos), SA 2 or SA 3 (only 50 watts, which were enuf for me when I had my Thiels) you'll be pleased. They work exceptionally well with this speaker. |
