Help choosing an amp for Thiel 2.7s


I just upgraded from Thiel 2.2s to Thiel 2.7s and my source is both vinyl (VPI Scout) and digital (PeachTree Idac) through a Classe Model 6 Preamp and B&K EX 442 AMP – both recently recapped. I am looking to replace either the amp or both amp and pre-amp. My first trial was with a pair of Bel Canto REF500M. In many ways they sound amazing – tighter bass, more extended highs, much blacker background. My only hang-up is that they seem to lack some of the body (midrange presence) of the B&K. As an example when playing Stevie Ray Vaughn my daughter asked why the guitar had moved so far to the background. Is there any way to have my cake and eat it too – or are these necessary trade-offs at my budget -- $5000 for the amp?

Any advice would be very appreciated
kadlec

Showing 1 response by mrderrick

For many years, Audio Research tube pre, Classe amplification and MIT cabling is what was highly recommended with Thiels. I used a Ref 1, CA400, MIT Ref350 interconnects and 850ref speaker cables with Thiels CS5i's.