2. amps-preamps
  3. 1434677522

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
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 
If you aren't dead set against tubes, a tube power amp can mate well with Thiels. Midrange presence with a slightly forward sound is fairly common in tube amps. The trick will be finding one that doesn't mind the load impedance of the Thiels---tubes prefer higher impedances.
aisip
83 posts
 
If you get the chance, audition any amp from Symphonic-Line. Combines the best attributes of tubes and SS. The finesse and liquidity of tubes plus the slam and power of SS. I once had a RG1 MK2 paired with Thiel l1.5s. Never heard the Thiels sounded better. Good luck on your search.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 
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.
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's avatar
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!
More to discover