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Help choosing an amp for Thiel 2.7s

I just upgraded from Thiel 2.2s to Thiel 2.7s and my source is both vinyl (VPI Scout) and digital (PeachTree Idac) through a Classe Model 6 Preamp and B&K EX 442 AMP – both recently recapped. I am looking to replace either the amp or both amp and pre-amp. My first trial was with a pair of Bel Canto REF500M. In many ways they sound amazing – tighter bass, more extended highs, much blacker background. My only hang-up is that they seem to lack some of the body (midrange presence) of the B&K. As an example when playing Stevie Ray Vaughn my daughter asked why the guitar had moved so far to the background. Is there any way to have my cake and eat it too – or are these necessary trade-offs at my budget -- $5000 for the amp?

Any advice would be very appreciated
kadlec
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
I had 2.4s and compared the McIntosh MC402, Pass X250.5, and XA-30.5. The 30.5 was the best option, natural tone, great textures, and beautiful soundstaging/imaging. The 250.5 had a bit of midrange harshness that didn't sound right. I was warned of that by Kent at Pass Labs (he suggested the 350.5) and tried it anyway, ended up selling the X250.5 and keeping the XA30.5.

I heard that VAC used to be voiced with Thiels. If I was going the tube route, I'd try either VAC or AR. If I was going SS, I'd stick with Pass.
michaeljbrown
146 posts
 
I went through a few amps with my 2.4's until I added a Krell FPB 300. Wonderful match with the Thiels. Totally controls the speaker, doubles down to 600 watts and then again to 1200 watts. I use Sanders interconnects and speaker cables, with a Krell Evolution 222 preamp. I was a happy camper at last. Until I twisted off and got a pair of CS 5's, which are a really tough load. I have concluded that I need to go up to an FPB 600, which by the way was what was used on the CS5i's at the Lexington plant of the original (not the new thiel) Thiels. I also learned the hard way that there are no shortcuts with these great speakers; stick with the big boys: Krell, Classe, Pass, Bryston, Ayre: any amp that doubles down should be considered.
gainesville12
3 posts
 
Looking for Thiel 2.7's. Have a question about your suggestion on bipolar. Like Threshold T-50/T100?

Still enjoying your Thiels?

Regards,

Jim

jafant's avatar
jafant
19,602 posts
 
Hello Jim,

the Threshold should be a fine match. Seek out a T-200 or T-400 for good measure. You may want to have it serviced and replace critical capacitors throughout. Same thing for an older Krell power amp.

There is a wealth of info over on my thread- Thiel Owners.
Keep me posted and Happy Listening!

JA FANT
solobone22
88 posts
 
A little late to this thread.

I picked up a pair of the Bryston 7BST amps and am running them in parallel mode to drive a pair of 2.7's with excellent results.  Previously I was using a Bryston 3B NRB and the difference between that and the 7B monoblocks is striking.
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