Integrated Amp for Thiel 2.3 s ?


I'm currently using the Krell KAV 300i and the sound can be bright or harsh at times. Someone said to get a tube pre-amp but because of space would prefer another warmer sounding integrated.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
yashu

Showing 2 responses by gjrad

The MITs will definitely soften the high end and I believe its worth a try before changing the amp. My son is using an Aragon 8008st and AR LS3 preamp with Thiel 2.2s also went to the MIT MH 750s with good results (took that bright edge right off), although the 2.2 are not nearly as bright as the 2.3s and IMHO a better sounding speaker. A tube preamp will make the most difference, the MITs just completes the package. I have not changed CD players, currently using a Micromega stage 2 and 6 but of the ones I tried none made much of a difference to control the brightness. Your other option is to sell the Thiels and replace them with speakera that are warmer. I listen mostly to Jazz, Accoustic, and some Rock, the Thiels if not matched right will not even come close to what certain instruments should sound like. Example listen to Ken Navarro, with the Thiels you would run from the room in pain. Get it right and he is there with you. Hope this helps.
I have had the same problem with my Thiel 2.3s and yes a tube preamp does go a long way to control the bright top end of the Thiels. I am currently using a Krell KST 100, VTL 2.5 Preamp with MIT MH750 cables with excellent results. So before you replace your Amp try using MIT MH 750 speaker cables. Will the cable change be enough? Maybe, but give it a try. You can get them at Audio Advisor at 50% off and it they don't work return them within 30 days for a refund, no questions asked. Just be sure to break in the cables before making a final judgement. One final thought. If you do replace the Amp be careful what you use and try if possible to audition it in your system. Thiel 2.3 are a real pain to match correctly. I tried using a BAT VK 200 and BAT 3i and thought this combo was the ticket, the sound was way to bright. A terrible match. Also tried the Aragon 8008st, much better but my current combo seems to work best. The Thiels do sound very good when matched correctly, its just very hard and at times fustrating to get it right.