I drive them with the McCormack DNA225 power amplifier, great results. I like also classical music and Opera (more than 1200 cds of classical music and Opera !) and I like vocals with that combination. I have had also the curiosity of listening to my Paradigms with tube amplifier, I love the sound of tubes. Now: since the Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v.2 are bi-wirables, I am considering also a hybrid solution, I have heard praisings about it: drive the woofers with a ss amp (just like my McCormack DNA225) and drive the middle and tweeters with a tube amp just like the Hurricanes, they say that way you get the best of both worlds. I think for that is necessary an external crossover, which are availables "tube" also. Looking forward your comments, best regards, Antonio Machado.
Tube or solid state for Paradigm Studio 100 V2s
Ok I need some advice. I have the Paradigms coming shortly. The first thing that I am going to upgrade is the preamp/amp. I have been leaning towards a hybrid solution such as the Bryston 4B-ST and a tube preamp such a Rogue or Blue Circle. My room size is not super large (15x20 or so) and my music taste is varied. I love classical, opera and even some new age and pop. If I had to weigh having better mids and give up on the tighter bass of solid state amps I would pick the mids. I don't mind the bass being a little fatter or less defined. Can people please comment on using tube amps with these Paradigms. They are relatively efficient so it might be ok with 60-80 watts of tube. I am also curious about the VTL IT 85 as an integrated solution. Maybe I could add a second amp later for biamping these monstors. Thanks to all.....great forum.