Power Amp for Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v2


I've got a pair of Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v2's that I like in my 2 channel music-only application, but would like to try and get more detail, soundstage (3d), separation, and bass accuracy. In my research on web fora and review sites, many owners of my speakers report improvements in the aspects I'm looking for with the addition of a power amp that features higher wattage and higher current.

My question for the sages here is whether adding a power amp seems like an effective way to go, and if so, is it generally better to use a couple of monoblocks or would an single stereo power amp be just as good? I realize it probably varies by the individual product, but figured it couldn't hurt to ask whether *in principle* monoblocks or a single stereo are better for achieving the improvements I seek. Is there any alternative advice beyond amps?

My system consists of entry-level components from around the turn of the millennium (with links to specs)

* High end Sony CD player (long model # I can never remember)
* Arcam A75 integrated amplifier (50 wpc continuous, includes preamp out)
* Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v2

Some owners of my speakers report great improvement with the Rotel 1090, which seems to be designed as two monoblocks in a single chassis. I see one on eBay for $250, which is good for my budget, but not sure if it would play well with the Arcam.

Thanks for any insight you might provide, especially from anyone with experience of my speakers/components.

Jeff
jdrouin

Showing 1 response by rlwainwright

I had a pair of their bigger brothers, the Studio 80 V2. And it is true, they definitely like to see a high current amp. I ran mine in a multichannel system with an HK pwoer amp that had enormous current. This combo sounded very good indeed for the money spent.

You might want to keep an eye out for an HK 990 integrated amp. They get great reviews and really deliver the current. Pretty nice looking, too. I've seen them used for right around $1k.

http://www.harmankardon.com/estore/hk/us/products/HK-990/HK%20990_HK_US

If that is too rich for your wallet, a pair of Emotiva XPA-100s would be a pretty solid choice. These are straight up amps, not intergated. They come with a 30 day in-home trial and a 5 year warranty. Very sweet for the money, $399 ea.

https://emotiva.com/products/amplifiers/xpa-100

If that is still over-budget, look at the Emotiva XPA-200. It's a pretty nice stereo amp - big power supply, good heatsinks, 150 watts/ch., tidy design and build, and is priced at only $499. Same 30 day trial and 5 year warranty...

https://emotiva.com/products/amplifiers/xpa-200

-RW-