Theta Dreadnaught as a two channel amp

Yes, the Dreadnaught 1 and IIs are both outstanding for 2 channel listening and will be competetive, if not better, than most high-end 2 channel amps. You can get a 5 channel version and mute the center and surround channels so the mains get a little more juice for 2 channel listening. I've compared the Dread II vs. Ayre amps directly, and Linn amps on the same system but not at the same time. In most cases, especially on power hungry speakers, I preferred the Dreads.

They make a wonderful combination with Maggies, bringing out their bass, while really enhancing the width and especially the depth of the soundstage. The Dread I was actually the 1st time I heard instruments separated so clearly that the drummer did sound behind the guitars.

The Ayre V-5X, especially if you can get the e version, is also an exceptional amp. If you can afford it, the V-1X at around $9K is about as good as it gets for me. The Dread II has a bit more air about it than the I, with the treble being the biggest difference to me. Clearer and a little purer sounding. Good luck.

I stepped back from an Ayre V5xe for technical match problems with my Aesthetix Calypso-hum! I picked up a Theta Dreadnaught I 2-ch and couldn't be happier with it. It's a little more solid sounding than the Ayre but not quite as holographic through the mids but with a better bottom and more open and extended highs. It is certainly one of the better sounding amps out there.
If you can pick up a copy of Richard Hardesty's "Audio Perfectionist Journal," he compares the Dread to the Dread II and also the Ayre. He thought the Dread I better for music and the Dread II better for HT. He sold his Levinson 33H's for a 4-ch Dreadnaught I to biamp with. He has since switched to the Citadels.

I recently bought a Dreadnaught I three channel here on AgoN. Although I originally wanted it for all my surrounds and center, I am going to try to demo some nice big high-end two channel amps to compare. Build quality seems top notch, and it would be really nice to have the same amp drive everything, even if it means two of the same amps.

For now, I am waiting on spade ends for my speaker wires [currently all bananas]...I am going nuts [or is it bananas]!

The Theta Dreadnought 1 or 2 is excellent. The only amp in the $4k and under price range that can smoke it is the BEL Mk IV or Mk V amp. (Then again, the BEL smokes most things...) For the money you can't lose. However, if you can find a BEL used (Mk IV or Mk V only) then jump on it.
Good luck!

Mikej,

Why used? Even new the BELs' are in the same price range as the Dreads'. Unless of course BEL is no longer and going used is the only option. Is this the case?