Does a Class D amp match well with Thiel Speakers?

Class D is the first place I would look to power Thiels well.

I use an ARC tube pre-amp with my Class D amp and power and current hungry OHM speakers and find that to be a very effective combo.

Not all Class Ds are equally tube preamp friendly. Ones with higher input impedance (60Kohm or higher)are the safest bets.

I think everyone agree they need power and current.

That means either Krell like big heavy and inefficient monster amp or smaller, more manageable and energy efficient Class D.

"The 'only' issue is THIEL's propensity toward an analytical sound...usually ameliorated with tubes in the preamp stage...just sayin'."

I prefer speakers capable of "analytical sound". Its usually not too hard to tame them as needed or if desired.

Remember, its not generally hard to take something (like detail) away if it is there, but it is impossible to add it accurately if not.

An analogy is HD TV. The more resolution and detail out of the can, the better. Detail can easily be filtered if needed or desired later from there with a few simple adjustments on a good set.

I suspect there are few video buffs that would not want as much resolution and detail as possible, yet this abounds with audio buffs. Go figure!

Can anything we listen to really be any worse than watching Snookie in hd?

I think I understand.

I think we share similar goals but perhaps may take different approaches in achieving it.

"I want to be "grabbed" by music, to be fully emotionally involved and deeper this (emotional) involment .... That's all."

I suspect most music lovers want that but the factors which determine whether it is accomplished or not on a case by case basis will vary.

That's what makes the world go round

Audiophiles are unique only in that "sound quality", whatever that means to each, matters.

For many reasons, detail may not matter much to some to achieve their goals and may for others.

If it does, Thiels are a good choice I think and Class D a reasonable choice to go with them.

Bad sound quality bothers me, whether live or with audio gear, it doesn't matter. I only think about detail if I know something pleasant is there but I do not hear it, otherwise it is not an issue.

If you never listen to music that is detailed or ignore the details when they exist, you might never know what you are missing. Then again, you may not even care, which is fine!

Ignorance (not knowing or being aware of something) can be bliss, for sure!

I don't think using live music as an example is any kind of valid argument against detail or any other aspect of good sound in home audio.

Yes, live performances are the benchmark that many of us strive to achieve at home.

Detail and all the rest DONE WELL helps achieve that. It's not done in opposition to that goal.

And if someone decides to do what they do for other reasons, more power to them. As long as they enjoy the results.

I'll agree that toss everything in the pot and it either works or doesn't work in the end.

Detail, imaging, dynamics, etc. are all just means to an end.