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Help choosing an amp for Thiel 2.7s

I just upgraded from Thiel 2.2s to Thiel 2.7s and my source is both vinyl (VPI Scout) and digital (PeachTree Idac) through a Classe Model 6 Preamp and B&K EX 442 AMP – both recently recapped. I am looking to replace either the amp or both amp and pre-amp. My first trial was with a pair of Bel Canto REF500M. In many ways they sound amazing – tighter bass, more extended highs, much blacker background. My only hang-up is that they seem to lack some of the body (midrange presence) of the B&K. As an example when playing Stevie Ray Vaughn my daughter asked why the guitar had moved so far to the background. Is there any way to have my cake and eat it too – or are these necessary trade-offs at my budget -- $5000 for the amp?

Any advice would be very appreciated
kadlec
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 

06-19-15: Bdp24
I just checked my Music Reference RM-200 amp, and it has 8ohm, 4ohm, 2ohm, and 1ohm taps! It's a very stable circuit, and a good sounding amp. And the only tube amp I can think of that would work with the load of the Thiels. Give Roger a call and see what he thinks. He's an expert with difficult speakers, having designed the electronics for the Beveridge Electrostatics, and having a current direct-drive ESL/tube amp product.

These would be nice as a tube alternative but you would have to use the 2ohm if not the 1ohm tap. But you'll only get around 20watts per channel off these taps, then only problem is at 87db the Thiel's won't go too loud before the RM200 clips. Ok if you don't listen too loud.

Cheers George
jafant
10,525 posts
 
Kadlec-

you have some excellent options;
Conrad Johnson
Audio Research
Aesthetix
Pass Labs

all of these will really make those 2.7 speakers sing!
Get out there and audition this gear, so you may make an informed decision, and buy used/demo.

Most importantly, which brand(s) of cabling do you plan to use? Keep me posted & Happy Listening!
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 
Maybe one of the Anti-Cable impedance transformers to get the Thiels impedance high enough?
kadlec OP
17 posts
 
My guess is that the impedance dip is in fact the culprit and must be addressed in spades. I appreciate all of your input – several good suggestions to pursue.
mrderrick
291 posts
 
For many years, Audio Research tube pre, Classe amplification and MIT cabling is what was highly recommended with Thiels. I used a Ref 1, CA400, MIT Ref350 interconnects and 850ref speaker cables with Thiels CS5i's.
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