Upgrade Thiel CS3.6 or McIntosh AMP

What are you not happy with? I think you could use a larger amp, but only if you are not happy with the dynamics - Tough to beat the 3.6 with 3-4K, they are such a great value. If you are looking for a better sound, try some room treatments. Much cheaper, and very rewarding!

I agree on NOT getting rid of the thiels!  So, a different amp it is.  Never had a tube amp so that might be kind of fun

Yes, but it would need to be a powerful one for the 3.6.

I have never owned the 3.6 but looking at there specs. Your going to need some serious tube pwr at least 100 watts to make them come alive.If I was using solid state I would want at least 200 to 250 watts and I'm not a headbanger by any means.
Offcourse that's just my opinion and your room size and preferences would dictate what you would prefer.

I had a set of the Janzen Valentina's for a short time that are only 87db efficient and they definitely needed some pwr to Sound their best,but in the end they didn't work out in my room and I sold them.

Kenny.

Hi dnanstad,

I have had Thiels (CS5i and 2 2) for 25 years and suggest a high-current SS amp of 100W or more that doubles down all the way to 2 ohms for your 3.6s (think old Classe DR-9, Fifteen, or Twenty Five or Krell FPB-300/600). Put the tubes in the preamp or CDP and don’t forget the importance of great cables.

Best,
Dave