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Best affordable amp for Thiel CS3.6

I have a pair of CS3.6's, which I am currently driving with a pair of Adcom GFA-555II's in bridged mono mode. While I am fairly happy with this setup, I realize that the Adcoms may not be in the same league as the Thiels. Any suggestions as to what amps mate well with the CS3.6's? Ideally, I'd love to find an amp (or two, if mono) for under $2,000, but if it's worthwhile, I may go higher. Obviously, if there is a great option out there for less money, I'd be even more interested. Used gear is fine with me, if it is quality gear. I am also considering modding my Adcoms to smooth out the mids/highs and add a little support in the low end.

Another consideration is that I am currently using an Adcom GFA-2535 for my center channel (Thiel SCS3) and surrounds (AR TSW-110), and since it is nice to have matching amps for HT, I'd probably have to add an additional amp or two (eventually).

My sources are currently a Denon DCM-460 and a JVC SA-600, but these are likely to be upgraded in the relatively near future. Both are sending digital outs to my Rotel RSP-1066, which handles the processing.

Thanks for any input/advice.

Tom.
tombowlus
tombowlus OP
416 posts
 
Thank you for the detailed response, Ed! I do appreciate your feedback. The HCA-3500 does appear to offer a lot for the money. Now, I just need to find one to audition. I have read elsewhere that the JC 1's are based to a certain extent on the HCA-3500 design, but with noticeable improvements. But reviews of the JC 1 are all over the map. Some claim it is the holy grail, and others call it woefully overrated. Again, without auditioning, I will never know for myself. I may have to keep my eyes out for an ML-3, too, from what you say.

I am hoping to audition a couple of amps on Thursday, including Theta Enterpises and McCormack DNA-225. Sure, that's a big price discrepency, but I am hoping to get a feel for the Theta sound and the McCormack sound. I may be able to hear a Classe CA-301, too.

Tom.
tombowlus OP
416 posts
 
I may be getting out of my "affordable" category, but it looks like I may get a chance to audition some amps from Sim Audio (but not the W-5, it looks like) and perhaps an EDGE NL-10, too. I've heard nothing but good things about EDGE, so I will be looking forward to hearing the NL-10 with my Thiels.

Tom.
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drubin
3,265 posts
 
If you decide you can afford the NL-10 (used), then you should try to hear the Rowland 201's with your Thiels. Really.
tombowlus OP
416 posts
 
Unfortunately, the closest Rowland amps that I can find are in Cincinnati. About 3.5-4 hours one way. Still, it might be in the cards. Certainly, I have heard good things about them. The dealer that has the NL-10, though, dropped Rowland in favor of EDGE.

Tom.
unsound
7,311 posts
 
I'll pipe in with some more arrogant, biased opinions. The Rowlands are similar to the Levinson gear. They both have a some what soft laid back presentation. A little too laid back for me with the Thiels. The Thiels while adequate are not the most dynamic speakers, (this may seem contradictory) yet with the wrong gear they can be a bit up front. Where I think the Rowlands surpass the Levinson stuff is in the rich, lush soundstage and harmonics that belies it's solid state technology. Not my personal first choice, but, I can ceratinly imagine it being someone elses. I might pick the Rowlands as my third choice. If you can find one at the right price it could be a worthwhile consideration. I don't think the intergrateds can handle the load, it might be safer to stick with the seperates. BTW, Rowland has great web site, with details about past products readibly avavilable.
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