Tube Amp recommendation for Thiel CS1.6 under $2k

For low impedance loudspeakers there is only one tube power amp I would suggest: the Music Reference RM-200 Mk.2. The amp was designed specifically for low impedance loads, a job at which it excels. Do a Google search and read all about it. Reviewed by Michael Fremer in Stereophile (in both original and Mk.2 iterations), residing in the mag’s Recommended Components list Class A Tube Amp category for many years.

I don’t know what you mean by "vintage", but the RM-200 was introduced in 1998, the Mk.2 version a little over a decade later. It typically sells used (of course) for around $3000, a real bargain. I’ve owned ARC, Atma-Sphere, and Music Reference tube power amps, and have settled on MR for my remaining years. They’re all great, but for low impedance loads the RM-200 is the one to go with. IMO, of course.

Power output is 100 watts, and from just a single pair of KT88 or 6550 tubes per channel! The Atma-Sphere M-60, in contrast, uses 8 output tubes (16 for a stereo pair) to produce only 60 watts, and is not well suited to low impedance loads.

$3000 is 50% more than your $2000 budget, but $2000 is unfortunately just not doable. Save up, or sell something else!

@5751 

Congrats! I'm pretty sure that 6 repeats is a new record.

I drive my Thiel 1.5s with a Musical Fidelity M6si in a similar size room.  Not tube, but plenty of power. But it goes about 3K.   Never tried the M5si which is about 2K but less power.  Works for me.  YMMV.

I have owned 03A's and CS3.5's.  I once had a lengthy phone conversation with Jim Thiel on what were appropriate amps for his speakers.  He specifically recommended Threshold class A amps.  He stated tube amps were not accurate. Thiel's are hard to drive because of the low impedance.

Jim Thiel was very smart and a true gentleman.

It is nice to be famous for something even it is a silly redundant mistake..

Other than that I enjoy the forum and have learned a lot.