I found a used Rogue Cronus Magnum II within your budget and couldn’t be more pleased.
Recommendation for integrated amplifier for Paradigm Studio 20s v.5
Hi All,
My last kid moved out so I'm an empty nester with an extra 10'x16' room that is becoming my office/recording studio. I would also like to set up a nice music listening area. I like 70s progressive rock, 60s jazz, and classical.
I have a pair of Paradigm Studio 20s (version 5), but nothing else. I heard them thought a Rotel 1520 many years ago and liked the sound. I recently went to a local audio dealer and tried a Marantz Model 30 and a Moon. I preferred the detail of the Moon. However, both were above my budget, which would be $1,000-$2,000 max. I think I need to go used, but would like some recommendations. Thanks!!
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Paradigm owns Martin Logan, you can get a Unison amp on sale marked down from $599 to $249 and it includes ARC room correction. I have the amp connected to my Paradigm 20 speakers and they match perfectly. Just make sure it has all the inputs you need and a bonus is this amp has built in wireless streaming via DTS Play-Fi :
https://www.martinlogan.com/en/product/forte Review:
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This Hegel H120 would be a great choice and also includes a very good DAC in case you want to start streaming. It’s listed at $2250 but that seems a little high and I’d think you could get it for $2000, but even if not it might be worth a stretch. Last, and if you might be interested in a little tube magic this Unison Unico Primo has a tube input stage and solid state output, and at $1950 it’s right at the top of your price range but doesn’t include a DAC. Hope this helps, and best of luck. |
Consider the Vincent SV-500 integrated. You can swap out the preamp tubes as you like although the stock tubes are very good. Well within budget, very high value, well built, looks good to boot. But more importantly it sounds good. I love high value gear like this. Very smooth and dimensional, more organic (non-sterile) than other gear in this price range. |
Kota: I almost ordered the ML amp you noted to try room correction, but per the on-sight info I do not own any of the devices required to utilize the "ARC" feature. I assume that most here do, but all I have is a 4-5 year old iMac and an approx. 9 month old Apple laptop (cost more than the iMac) that has never been used. No Windows, Smart Phone, iPad et cetera. Maybe I will purchase one anyway - for future use.
DeKay
DeKay |
@dekay , can you borrow a laptop to set it up? If not I would still recommend, it has a lot of other features. |
I can offer 2 suggestions that fit into your budget. I once owned a pair of the Studio 20s Version 4. Drove then with a 100 wpc Vincent Audio SV226 hybrid integrated in a 12 x 15' room. This pairing was wonderful. The tube linestage provided a smooth texture or bloom while the 100wpc SS amp maintained the dynamics these speakers provide. I believe the latest version is called SV-228. Not sure. I would look up Audio advisor which have sold Vincent products for years. The Vincent SV-500 at 50wpc likely won't provide the same drive as the SV226 did. Much depends on how loud you listen. Your small room size would help. Anothe possibility is the Rouge Audio Sphinx V3 which is also a hybrid using a tube linestage coupled witha class D 100wpc SS amplifier. I currently have this amp in a second system. Rogue Audio is also sold by Audio Advisor. Th4 Rouge Sphinx has a phonostage, the Vincent a built in DAC. I am not affiliated with AA, just a satisfied customer. |