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Amp recommendation to drive Thiel 3.6 speakers

Hello everyone,
My first post here. I''l get right to the point.
I am looking for recommendations for suitable power amp monoblocks to drive a pair of Thiel 3.6 that I have had for 20 years, and which I intend to keep. Let me describe my current system.
Speakers: Thiel; 3.6
Power amps: Manley 250 classic monoblocks (tube)
Pre-amp: Audio Research Reference (tube)
Phono-pre: Audio Research Reference 2 SE (tube)
Turntable: VPI/SME, and Linn LP12
Digital: Audio Research CD3

I am looking for recommendations to replace the Manleys. From what I know, the Thiels are a difficult load.
Thanks in advance
pyma6
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
big hegel or van alstine or odyssey for value but performance with zero apologies

no affiliation
77jovian
386 posts
 
I had 3.6’s (also from Soundings in Denver, coincidentally) paired with a Krell KSA 200 rated at 200/400/800 watts at 8/4/2 ohms.  The Thiels sounded awesome with that pairing.  They sounded good with a KSA 100, but great with the 200.
jameswei
883 posts
 
I am happy driving my 3.6's with a pair of Pass X600s.  Gutsy enough and finesse too.  Used will be within your $10k budget.
silvanik's avatar
silvanik
74 posts
 
As happy owner of a pair of Thiel 3.6, and two beefy amps, McCormack DNA2 and Threshold S500II, I would say that both represent a very good match with this hard to drive loudspeakers, with a slight preference to DNA2 when I go for low volume level listening in night time, impressive dynamics and details retrieval. Anyway both very recommended, even for their reliability that matters a lot due to the age these amps can be found on second hand market, never a problem or sound quality worsening.
thieliste's avatar
thieliste
816 posts
 
@pyma6 the look of the Antileon is another story, it is problably not very WAF friendly but in terms of sound it is phenomenal paired with big hungry Thiel speakers.It might also be difficult to find one used as most Gryphon owners keep their amps for ages.If i didn't sell my CS 3.7s i would have bought an Antileon Evo for sure.Good luck in your search.
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