2. amps-preamps
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Best Integrated Amp for Thiel CS 2.4 Speakers

I bought a pair of speakers 15 years ago and the Accurus DIA 100 amp I had started popping (and wasn't that great anyway).  I put the whole thing in storage. Now I want to buy a new (or demo) integrated amp.  I am not opposed to pre-amp but that makes it that much more challenging.  I am willing to spend about $4K plus cables.  I listen to the usual - 70's rock, lots of instrumental, trip hop.  I do need solid low  bass.  I barely used the speakers, I don't want to sell them.  Any suggestions?  Thanks.
gcarlton

Showing 1 response by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
5,037 posts
 
My 2021 KRELL K-300i  sounded great on my Thiel CS3.7. Smooth as butter with great bass. I am getting it back from KRELL next Wednesday after a front faceplate replacement. Send me a DM if interested in the unit. I may sell it because it is now a headphone amp for me (which is crazy). The first 90 watts on the KRELL are Class A.

The CODA CSiB was also great on the Thiel CS3.7 and is a bit cheaper used than the KRELL K-300i (with internal DAC). Is not as smooth nor the bass as strong but both of those maybe preferred. I had Version 1 with the first 18 watts in Class A.

I also tried a D-Sonic M3a 800s stereo amp on the Thiel CS3.7. It was not as preferred as the KRELL or CODA but it was pretty good and cost $1500 (I could have lived with it). You can get a preamp to hook up to that amp. I tried the Benchmark HPA4 (or LA4 at $2500) to compliment that amp and it was a match. I now use the Topping pre90 ($599) with another amp and it is a great preamp if you do not want the preamp to add anything. I tested the Topping pre90 with the D-Sonic amp but only with headphones, not the Thiel CS3.7.

I was also considering the NCore Class D amps with mega power for the Thiel but never got to it.  I have now settled on the CODA #8 amp with a CODA 07x preamp for the Thiel CS3.7.
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