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Ayre MXRs/Thiel 3.7s

Hi everyone

My system is MacBook Pro/Lampizator Tubed Pre and DSD DAC/Ayre MXRs/Thiel 3.7s

Whilst I believe this to be a very good system, I just have a feeling that more tubes would make it sound better.

My Thiels are hard to drive and probably wouldn't match a valve power amp too well. So if I keep my Thiels, a hybrid power amp is probably the best path. Any ideas?

If I change my Thiels for a more valve friendly amp, I would need to find a speaker that my wife would give her blessing to. Something floor-standing, not too big and traditional with a nice mahogany finish. But if they were more efficient, it would give me more possibilities for lower power valve amps.

The underlying fact, of course, is that that the MXR/3.7 combo I already have is pretty bloody good!

Any ideas??

Philip
philipac
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Tubes will work with the 3.7s just fine. Why so much distress about this?
unsound
7,304 posts
 
http://www.stereophile.com/content/thiel-cs37-loudspeaker-measurements
lenny_zwik
259 posts
 
Same question as Stevecham. Why? MX-Rs are outstanding amps, capable of driving anything. I and others I know have them drving Wilsons, Rockports, etc. very revealing speakers and in some cases (Wilson) difficult loads with great effect. When auditioning components, I chose the MX-Rs paired with a Nagra PL-L over an all CJ system so I doubt you'll realize an improvement.
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
You already have a tremendously good system, stop stressing over gear. I bet you have not done proper room treatments, and THAT is where you will find the best sound quality...

-RW-
lenny_zwik
259 posts
 
Couldn't agree more with Rlwainwright. For a minimal investment you'll realize sonic gains beyond your expectations.
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