Thiel CS1.5 and properly sized Aragon amp

Unsound, my recollection is that Aragon amps were called the "poor man's Krell" at the time, as I believe Dan D'Agostino had a hand in designing them. I agree that they're excellent amplifiers, overbuilt and great values for the money. Leo, if you can find a KSA 50 Mk II, I'd go with that over the 100 unless you absolutely need the extra power, it was a nicer sounding amp in my view, its sweetness in the highs (which the 100 lacked, comparatively) would work well with the Thiels, and it might fit in your budget. Be a little careful with old Krells, though, as the one thing that went on them before the KSA 80 series were the cooling fans, that's one reason Krell switched to heat sinks on later models. The Aragons don't have that problem, as they use a passive heat sink arrangement.

Unsound, I'm sure I could do better but I can't spend every penny that comes in. This season's plan is to improve everything a little at a time. Must... not... spend... :-(

Rcprince, my limited space might actually mean replacing fans is better than heat sinks. I'm already in a pickle trying to figure out how I'm going to get enough air to a heat sink amp. I'm thinking I need the power of the bigger amp but I'm gonna keep the sweetness in mind as that is my main musical choice (female vocal sweetness).

So far we've got one vote for 2004, one vote for 4004, and three excellent posts. :-)

Leo, if you have limited space the Aragons might be a better choice, as the early Krells are pure Class A designs (Aragons were Class A/B) and run MUCH hotter than the Aragons; fans notwithstanding, they could overheat. You could look for some fans to mount behind your units/rack--I know Audio Research makes them, and there are others available I'm sure for less from electronics supply houses. You might want to call Krell about this if you're serious about getting an older Krell, as at least in the past they were always helpful on questions about their older units. Good luck, and remember, must...not...spend!

Leo, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that you needed to spend more money, but, that there might be nicer options at the same price point. I also think that the sound you've described from the Adcom (it mirrors my own experince with Adcom on Thiels) is more due to the sonic signature of Adcom amps and not due to a lack of muscle. I've heard 80 Watt amps with less current sound better than 200 watt Adcom with better specs. Mind you I agree Thiels like power and current.

Bigger is not always better as you've heard. I would go with quality juice for those Thiels. I used to own them, and they do, indeed, love some serious quality wattage. Always quality over quantity. That's an audiophoolish no brainer. peace, warren