Thiel Owners

New to the thread so hopefully I’m not interrupting the flow, but recently acquired a pair of pristine 1.6’s and I am interested in any recommendations around amplification. Currently I am using a NAD C375BEE which seems to do quite well with them. Thanks everyone and must say this incredibly long thread is a great read!  John

John,

Welcome. 

Though I will not offer a specific amp amp, as I have not done the amp/1.6 evaluation in my test. I will say what is consistent across the producr line is big power and Class A, if it permits. 

I have a preference for the various models I have and they are all different for each model. 

Tom told me this about Jim. He stated the amp to drive his speakers would cost more than his speakers. 

Not knowing your room size will limit suggestions you may receive. 

John - Jim worked hard in the CS1.6 to bring the sensitivity up. His spec was 90dB@2.83V. Stereophile’s review measured 94dB. So, amps far less powerful than for normal Thiels will work on the 1.6. The impedance runs just under 4 ohms across the board; that’s not as punishing as some other Thiels like the 3.6. Note howwever that the reflex slot is far more reactive than any other Thiel. Consult Stereophile’s review for details and considerations.

The binding posts with their big brass knobs are sonically destructive. Upgrade your sonic experience by backing the knobs all the way off and putting some locking bananas on your cables. When the time comes, there will be crossover upgrades for substantial improvement at reasonable cost. The 1.6 drivers and enclosure are better than its crossover component quality.

johnnotkathi

Welcome! Good to see you here today. NAD built a few sleeper products over the years. The C375BEE could very well be on of those products. As Tom pointed out, the CS 1.6 is not a difficult load to push. What other gear is in your System?

Happy Listening!

@duramax747 Thanks for the info!  Room size is about 20x14 with the system going somewhat centered on the long wall, speakers likely about 8’ apart. (still putting everything together). 
 

@tomthiel Thanks for the info and insights!  I will do more research and take it from there. Also, I know where to get the locking bananas and will absolutely take your advice on that. 😎

@jafant right now I have several systems through the house, but the one I am building around the Thiels has the NAD integrated amp so far, the speakers and a newly acquired/used Benchmark DAC2. If I decide to include a turntable right now, my best option is a Concept 2QD. Still looking for a streamer…

thanks for the warm welcome!