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Reciever Questions. Thiels.

I have a set of Thiel 3.5 speakers. They are currently hooked up to an old onkyo stereo reciever. They sound alright (but I'm sure not up to their potential). I am looking to use them as the fronts in a surround system, but I'm not sure what reciever to buy. I really can't afford much now, and I was wondering if a used NAD surroud reciever would be able to power them... and the surrounds for the time being. I would like to add a seperate amp to the fronts later. Or should I just buy a cheaper reciever like a HK, and a cheap amp first? Any opinions? I also have a set of Thiel 1.2s... would it even make sense to use them as rear speakers in ss setup? I might just use them in a different room. Any ideas on what to do? My budget is VERY limited... but I don't mind waiting to look for a good deal used equipment. Thanks.
pafro99

Showing 1 response by celtic66

celtic66
1,746 posts
 
First reviewer is correct in power demands of the Thiels. IF you must stay with a receiver the Luxman 1120A ($350 used) will drive these well. Rated at 120wpc and loads of amperage it will bench at about 160wpc and sounds marvelous. I've heard mine drive Martin Logan CLS electrostatics decently. And you can do some simple and cheap upgrades.

If you don't need a tuner then a decent integrated such as the English made Onix, Exposure or Sugden will drive them. The larger powered Luxmans such as the 491 or L 105 will also do well. Used ranges from $200 to $500 for these.
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