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Tube Amplifier for Thiel

I recently pick up a pair of Thiel CS3.6. As like many reviews online said, they are awesome speakers. I am using Musical Fidelity A5 int amp (200wpc @4 Ohms, 400wpc @8 Ohms) to drive them. I can't say the A5 is not good, but I kind of feel it not quite musical, crispy, fast... These seem to be the strengths I found in most tube amplifiers I have auditioned before. I am thinking of replacing the A5 with a tube int amp; however, I worry that normal tube int amps are not "powerful" enough to drive the big Thiel (I am a bass lover).

I currently have Prima Luna Dialogue 2, Cayin A-100T/A-70T (and probably VTL IT-85) on my list. I would appreciate if some one could comment on these choices. I also welcome any other tube/SS int amp suggestions (even tube pre/SS power amp) in that price range.

Thank you!
unjc
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,203 posts
 
SS amp is best way for Thiel I believe. Tube pre-amp should have good musical synergy. Lots of good choices there. ARC is one of the safest and best for a newbie. That's the way I went a few years back and have not regretted. Just be aware that tubes require periodic maintenance, though for a tube pre-amp, nothing more than periodic tube replacement when a tube goes or becomes too noisy should be needed. That has been my experience with ARC sp-16 now for the last 3-4 years.
rosami
66 posts
 
I've owned various Thiel speakers for over 20 years. Currently I'm driving my 3.6s with a Naim 300 amp and this, along with a Naim preamp, really drives these speakers properly, with loads of control, dynamics and proper timing. But no -- they're not tubes -- and upper-level Naim gear is expensive.

Previously I drove the 3.6s with Bryston 7B STs; the Bryston amps drove the Thiels well, but the Naim really brought a new level of timing, detail and control. However, Naim electronics don't have the depth of some other stuff, so if you value depth over timing and pace, then Naim may not be the way to go for you.

Good luck.
unjc OP
6 posts
 
Last night, I come across this article written by Marc Mickelson from SoundStage. http://www.soundstage.com/rise01_4.htm

"I've used my Thiels with a variety of tube amps, including a conrad-johnson Premier 11A (70 watts, ultra fidele), a pair of Lumley monoblocks (ssssmoooth) and a Mesa Baron..."

I just wonder if anyone have tried any of the tube amps Marc mentioned. It seems that tube amps with >70W output could possibly drive CS3.6 pretty well.

I also read some forums saying that class A amp with large damping factor would probably do the work too. Could someone please explain the theory behind this? Greatly appreciate it.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
You'll get sounds out of them, but not the full potential. Spend your money wisely, and get the appropriate amplification for the speakers.
luna
235 posts
 
I had those speakers too and loved them. Audio Research Classic 120 was good, Vt100iii no good! Vt200+ may be good! Under power tube amps will made poor bass. CJ Premier 350 very good and musical for SS.
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