Which amp to match Thiel 3.5 - Ayre, Bryston, CJ?

Sancho22, nice speakers! I had a pair soon after their release. Small budget then. I first had a Haffler 200, just OK. Later upgraded to a CJ MF200 in the late 80s and it was much better. I would think any CJ (non-tube) would be great. The 3.5s are not an extreemly hard load so higher end tubes with power for the bass boost will work great, but that may not be practical.

A friend has an Ayre v3 with Thiel 3.6s which sounds great and you may know the 3.6s are a much harder load. I owned those as well.

Right now I have another pair of 3.5s, pick up used for a second system, that runs off an old Adcom 545 which is just enough for medium volume but the sound is very nice. A CJ or Ayre would be better...for a lot more money.

Bottom line, you may need some power depending on room size but there are many options for the 3.5s.
Terry

Thanks a bunch. I figured Ayre would be a really good match. Looks like I can get a CJ preamp and amp for the price of Ayre though. Both CJs local and very close to me. The choice is between two great sets potentially. The real question at the end will be which one sounds better - especially to my ears.

I heard the V3 on a pair of 3.6's and did not like it at all. The V5 is a different story. The V3 sounded dull and lifeless and I also played it in my system. Just didn't like it and neither did my friend. He sold it quickly. The V5 is a much better amp. Of the other amps you mention I would choose the CJ. Not sure of your budget but Krell and Levinson match Thiels nicely.