Thiel Owners
John, Welcome. Though I will not offer a specific amp amp, as I have not done the amp/1.6 evaluation in my test. I will say what is consistent across the producr line is big power and Class A, if it permits. I have a preference for the various models I have and they are all different for each model. Tom told me this about Jim. He stated the amp to drive his speakers would cost more than his speakers. Not knowing your room size will limit suggestions you may receive. |
John - Jim worked hard in the CS1.6 to bring the sensitivity up. His spec was [email protected]. Stereophile’s review measured 94dB. So, amps far less powerful than for normal Thiels will work on the 1.6. The impedance runs just under 4 ohms across the board; that’s not as punishing as some other Thiels like the 3.6. Note howwever that the reflex slot is far more reactive than any other Thiel. Consult Stereophile’s review for details and considerations. The binding posts with their big brass knobs are sonically destructive. Upgrade your sonic experience by backing the knobs all the way off and putting some locking bananas on your cables. When the time comes, there will be crossover upgrades for substantial improvement at reasonable cost. The 1.6 drivers and enclosure are better than its crossover component quality. |
@duramax747 Thanks for the info! Room size is about 20x14 with the system going somewhat centered on the long wall, speakers likely about 8’ apart. (still putting everything together). @tomthiel Thanks for the info and insights! I will do more research and take it from there. Also, I know where to get the locking bananas and will absolutely take your advice on that. 😎
@jafant right now I have several systems through the house, but the one I am building around the Thiels has the NAD integrated amp so far, the speakers and a newly acquired/used Benchmark DAC2. If I decide to include a turntable right now, my best option is a Concept 2QD. Still looking for a streamer…
thanks for the warm welcome! |
As Tom said; ..."Consult Stereophile's review for details and considerations."... Thiel CS1.6 loudspeaker Measurements | Stereophile.com The high sensitivity might be misleading considering the below 4 Ohm impedance, and the somewhat recactive load. The NAD C375 BEEis is spec'd as >150 Watts 8 and 4 Ohms. As is is not spec'd to increase steady power with impedance drop suggests current limiting. It does suggest good dynamic power down to 2 Ohms, But as seen in the link above the CS 1.6's are below 4 Ohms a good deal of the time. I think the steady state power output into impedance is more relevant. User manual NAD C 375BEE (English - 18 pages) As 3 Ohm ratings are not typical (only the stereo version of the Benchmark jumps to mind), I think it prudent to consider the more typical 2 Ohm ratings when they can be found. A minimum of 200 Watts into 2 Ohms should be considered, and personally would use at least twice that. As @duramax747 wisely suggests YMMV.
|
