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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

Showing 2 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,835 posts
 
Biggest, beefiest Audio Research amp you can afford. Rogue would be an alternative and might come in for less.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,835 posts
 
SS amp is best way for Thiel I believe. Tube pre-amp should have good musical synergy. Lots of good choices there. ARC is one of the safest and best for a newbie. That's the way I went a few years back and have not regretted. Just be aware that tubes require periodic maintenance, though for a tube pre-amp, nothing more than periodic tube replacement when a tube goes or becomes too noisy should be needed. That has been my experience with ARC sp-16 now for the last 3-4 years.
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