Amp for Thiels

[EdR]

<font color='#000000'>I am trying to set up the best possible (within reason) two channel system to play CDs. &nbsp;I have a Rotel RCD 1072 as the player, and lucked into a used set of Thiel CS2.2 speakers, which I demoed for several hours and then bought.

I now need electronics to drive them. &nbsp;Of brands that are available locally, the two choices that seem to stand out, at least as far as integrated amps go, are the Krell KAV 400xi, and the Arcam FMJ A32. &nbsp;Both cost about $2,500, and that's about the maximum I'd care to pay for amp/preamp at this point. &nbsp;The dealer that sold me my Yamaha RX-V2400 is also trying to talk me into a Rotel separate stack- the RC 1070/RB 1080 for a grand less than the integrateds would cost.

I'd be interested in any and all opinions and suggestions.

In particular, I've heard that the Krell is much happier with balanced inputs. &nbsp;I'm not sure what that is, but the Rotel CD only has standard RCA's outputs, so I assume that I don't have that option. &nbsp;Is this a big or a little deal?

I'm considering springing for Better Cables Blue Truth as interconnects. &nbsp;As I have plenty of SoundKing 12 ga speaker wire, I thought to start with that and experiment.</font>

 

[ED27]

<font color='#000000'>I've always been a fan of Rotel.  They have always offered great performing products at reasonable prices.  Their customer service and technical support departments are very good as well.

The general subjective opinion on Rotel is that their amps roll-off the high end so it would be a good match for a bright speaker.  Thiels have been known to provide an extremely detailed sound that can be unforgiving to flaws in your system.  So from a subjective standpoint, I think the Rotel/Thiel combination is a good one.

A lot of shops will allow you &quot;test drive&quot; equipment before making a decision.  I would ask to setup a demo with all 3 setups and see which one you like the best.

As far as cables go.....I think Bettercables is way overpriced for what they offer.  They're just as bad as all the big name companies (Monster, Audioquest, Straightwire, etc) in inflating prices.  You can make a majority of what Bettercables has to offer from Belden and Canare stock at a fraction of the cost.  Also, after seeing one of their solder jobs - I won't go near their stuff with a ten foot pole.  If you're not the DIY type, look at bluejeanscable.com.  This company is upfront with you from the beginning.  They tell you exactly what Canare or Belden cable you are getting and charge a reasonable price.</font>

 

[EdR]

<font color='#000000'>Thanks for the tip on BLueJeans cable. &nbsp;I hadn't heard of them, but I like their website, and as you say, their prices are reasonable.

OK.. one vote for Rotel. &nbsp;There is a line of thinking that I've run across that high quality integrated might be superior to lower end separates in that as you avoid the interconnects and possible noise pickup issues, the engineers can design a very tight interface between the preamp and amp. &nbsp;Any comments out there?</font>

 

[A. Vivaldi]

<font color='#000000'>Balanced inputs/outputs I've been told, are only necessary for really long cables runs, but if you don't mind spending the extra money on cables you might as well use them.</font>