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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 1 response by ruhl

ruhl
8 posts
 
My 1.6s sound great driven by a Classe CAP-151 integrated which is 150 wpc. You want a high current amp and something that leans toward the "warm end" to compliment the detail in your Thiels. The real solution for the bottom end, however, was to add a Rel Britannia 3 sub, which made them glorious: full bass and much improved percussion and soundstage. Choice of CDP will also bring out the best in these speakers. I went with a Cary 308T with Mullard tubes, which has taken the last bit of harshness out of the chain. Best of luck,

JR
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