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

Showing 2 responses by jameswei

To my recollection, the solid state amps that have a reputation for sounding like tubes have been made by Pass and Carver. I'm sure there must be others too.

The Pass Aleph series was distinguished in this regard, although the most powerful one was the Aleph 1.2, which was rated at 200 watts, perhaps not enough for you. You might try out a used one, and it would be approximately the same vintage as the Thiel 3.6.

Carver made higher power solid state amps (like the M1.5t, M500t, etc), many of them deliberately designed to sound like specific tube amps of the time. These used amps are getting long in the tooth, although there are refurbishment/upgrade shops to keep them good. I am currently getting pretty good sound out of a Carver M500t driving Thiel 3.6s.
Ahhh. Played my 3.6s at volume today.

Clean, loud, lithe, liquid, beautiful music. (Like a beautiful gymnast.) And lush, too.

Gobs of power from my Carver. Made me feel refreshed from listening, but also just knowing that there's acres of headroom was boffo all by itself.

No strain whatsoever.

The M500t is rated at 370w/ch and 470w/ch dynamic for 8 ohms and 4 ohms respectively. (If you choose to have Rich Pecoro do his Mark 2 upgrade, these numbers become 520 and 920, with 1214 at 2 ohms, where the 3.6s live. --Not affil., just sayin'.)

The M500t was voiced to sound tube-like and has been described as the most musical of Carver's M amps and one of Bob's favorites.