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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
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
7,315 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.
rleff
1,065 posts
 
I think audiovalve challanger 180 monoblocks would do a fine job with the thiel's;180 watts class A using KT-88's.
I run these on my soundlab m2's and they perform as well as my roland model 6 monoblocks.German made very high quality,great looks and perform extremely well;if you can find a pair they are worth considering.
unjc OP
6 posts
 
What do you think of BAT VK-500? It sounds like a power horse with lots of power. What do you think a good matching tube pre-amp for it? The problem is that my CDP doesn't have balanced output; so I need to find a pre-amp, best under $1500, that has both XLR and RCA. Any recommendation? Thanks!!
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