Although (to play devil's advocate)...I believe neither the sealed-box 3.5's, especially if used without the bass EQ but with a self-powered sub, nor the smaller 1.2's, would be the current hogs some Thiels can be, nor as transparently revealing as newer Thiels. Sure they'd sound better with better amplification, and have somewhat lowish sensitivity, but I think the question remains open, provided your room is medium-sized, whether different but still inexpensive speakers would sound better overall with a decent receiver than the Thiels you already own. For a good-sounding affordable HT receiver I'd also look at Marantz.
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.