Theta Dreadnaught as a two channel amp

I stepped back from an Ayre V5xe for technical match problems with my Aesthetix Calypso-hum! I picked up a Theta Dreadnaught I 2-ch and couldn't be happier with it. It's a little more solid sounding than the Ayre but not quite as holographic through the mids but with a better bottom and more open and extended highs. It is certainly one of the better sounding amps out there.
If you can pick up a copy of Richard Hardesty's "Audio Perfectionist Journal," he compares the Dread to the Dread II and also the Ayre. He thought the Dread I better for music and the Dread II better for HT. He sold his Levinson 33H's for a 4-ch Dreadnaught I to biamp with. He has since switched to the Citadels.

I don't think the Dreadnaught is about to run out of current with its 2.2 kva transformer in 2 channel mode(or any other mode.) The bass issue is due to the amp having no global negative feedback. This gives a fantastic midrange purity but makes the amp a touch lighter through the lower registers than amps with feedback. So, you have a trade off, better midrange purity or better bass.
Try a Belles 150a Reference or the 350a. They deliver similiar sonic purity with a kick butt bottom end. Read the Sounstage reviews at www.soundstage.com by Doug Blackburn. They are right on the money IMO. These are a couple of really overlooked amps because most don't know about them.

The Dread II sounds more powerful overall-no doubt about that. Sounds more than 25/ch more. The bass is definitely stronger overall. It is a little more dynamic. I think it is aimed more at home theater and its requirements. I must say that the better bottom end, power and dynamics of the Dread II is offset by not being quite as musical overall. I think the Dread I has a little better midrange which fits into the realm of my priorities better overall. The Dread II is certainly a good amp and if I didn't have the I, I'd buy the II. It certainly would serve my purpose about as well. I use Vandersteen's and the bottom is taken care of by sub drivers. So, it's not an issue with me as it would be with some. Hope this helps and if you decide to sell your Dread I, let me know.