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Class D amp driving Thiel

I was honing in on a 2 channel system and had seriously narrowed down the contenders until last Saturday. After not being impressed with a pair of B&W CM7's I was encouraged to listen to a set of Thiel 1.6.

It was amazing. Driven by a Bryston amplifier they had detail and precision with beautiful tonality. Yes, they did lack bass under 50 hz. But completely different and world's better than the Thiel's I owned and powered with tubes years ago. So now I have to rethink things. I have only a small shelf for the SB3 and amplifier and can't fit (or afford) anything above 30 lbs or 5 inches tall.

Maybe a second hand Krell 400xi would work but Krell's rap is that they can be bright and fatiguing. And I can't do anything bigger or costlier. While the Naim forum has good reports of Thiel's being driven by even a Nait 5i I am a little cautious based on my previous experience. As I learned the hard way you have to muscle up on Thiel's or they sound bright and nasty.

So, the thought of a class D amp came to mind. Small, light, and powerful. Though I haven't even heard one before (hard to find them in Chicago, believe it or not) my interest is piqued. But would it be up to driving the load I am contemplating without getting bright or harsh? Any thoughts but more importantly experiences are appreciated.
wdrazek

Showing 2 responses by getheleadout

getheleadout
144 posts
 
Wdrazek,

Just my opinion, but the whole idea of an amp sounding good with this or that speaker is one of many audiophile misconceptions.

A great amp is a great amp, period.

And great sounding speakers are great sounding speakers, period.

It is far wiser to get the best amp you can, regardless of the speakers you're using.

That said, you do want to make sure that whatever amp you choose, has enough power to drive your particular speakers.
getheleadout
144 posts
 
Get a set of Channel Islands D200s.

Buy them from Musicdirect and you'll get a 30 money back gaurantee.

That's how I bought mine. Needless to say, once I heard them they weren't getting them back.

I've had them for about two years now, and find I have never even considered attempting to find something better.

For me that's saying alot...
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