XPA3 or DR3 for Center & Sorrounds.

[ekohn]

I have a Thiel 4-Ohm SCS3 Center Channel and a Pair of Thiel 2.3 4-Ohm Surrounds.
I also have a Marantz AV-8805 pre.

I am considering both of these units.  Quality of sound, especially for the center, is important.

I reading description on the XPA3, I was concerned about it driving 3 4-ohm speakers..

Anyone have some thoughts/recommendations.

thanks.

[creimes]

boomzilla may be able to help you with this one.

[boomzilla]

From those who have tried (I haven't), I understand that the XPA-3 (generation 2) is excellent for driving the Thiels (of all varieties).

Thiel speakers are more difficult to drive than usual for MOST amplifiers. For the very best performance with Thiel speakers, I'd recommend the following traits:

Conventional power supply with LOTS of capacitance and lots of watts OR (plan B here...)
A transformer-coupled amplifier of tube or solid state (McIntosh) pedigree.

The BEST I've heard Thiels sound is my friend Russell's CS-5i speakers driven by Quicksilver tube mono-block amps. Remember now that my advice is worth every penny you're paying for it! Happy shopping!