2. amps-preamps
  3. 1248395166

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

I am looking for insights for you guys for my next potential project.

I am considering a CJ 2200, or a bryston 4B-ST, Bedini 250/250 or a comparable Ayre such as the V3.

The reason for my latest craze is that i might acquire a set of Thiel CS 3.5 speakers and the above amps (all around 200 W in 8 ohms and high current) would be a good match for the speakers.
Any and every opinion is more than welcome, but please keep them directed on the compariosn between the amps or your personal experience with any of the above.
I will not be offended if someone suggest Adcom or other brands, but it would be more valuable for me if I could get insights regarding my original question.
Thanks in advance for the help.
sancho22
Ag insider logo xs@2x
samzx12
1,216 posts
 
Hevec1 has a good point. My buddy did have a Moon Celeste (not sure which one)and it was a great amp for the money. I was shocked at how good it sounded especially at that price point.
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
I heard the V3 with Theils at a show; sound finesse, although it tended to run out of horsepower with only 100w/ch. So that might depend upon room size & your listening preferences. If it were me I'd maybe go for the V5 or other larger amp with Theils which apparently like some power. But that's me; I like mega headroom. Perspective: I drive my horns with a 200w/ch Accuphase! In fact you might want the P450 on your list it's a great one. I also have a V3 and I'm keeping it around, it's very good too.
sancho22 OP
106 posts
 
Well the speakers are here, juts picked them up as my B-day present :-).

I have the Bedini 801 amp and BAT VK3i pre on loan. Will try with these as well as with my 700M Kenny.

I am picking up the CJ 2200 tomorrow and hopefully a CJ preamp as well. The CJ combo would run as much as only one of the other mentioned components...
unsound
7,311 posts
 
Happy Birthday! I'm a fellow 3.5 owner that just celebrated a birthday too. The CJ's should work nicely. Best of luck.
sancho22 OP
106 posts
 
Well first of all thanks and Happy B-day to you too.

I just picked up the two CJ componenets and listening to Diana Krall. I can swear that she is in my LR, with the band. My jaw is dropping. I can see why Thiel suggest CJ componenents. I am 95% sure the CJ amp is the way to go. I will let the "little" Bedini 801 aly one more round, but can hardly belive it will get to this level. The combo sounds fantastic. I have a BAT VK-3i tube pre to test as well. It might edge out the PF-2 but it should be MUCH better to convince me to pay so much more.
OK off I go for some more listening.
More to discover