I got the v.1 100s and have used them with a Carver amp, Marantz Mono Blocks, a few different recievers, and have settled down with the Anthem Amp 2 which is a hybrid amp (tube input stage). Of all the amps used, the Anthem is my favorite, followed closely with the Marantz Ma500s (bi-amped). It took a little getting used to going from ss to tube, but I am hooked on this Anthem Amp (SE model has been sold here for roughly $1K...a great deal IMO). In all my experience with the 100s, they DO need some juice to get them moving, no matter what the effeciency reads.
I think you'd love the tube sound with these speakers as tubes are best for mid/highs as is the 100s (especially the v.2). If you do indeed do tubes, trust me and get as much power as you can afford, or go with a hybrid solution which will give the best of both worlds (at least the Anthem gives the best of both IMO). The Paradigms sound like ass when not sufficiently powered.
Good luck with it.
m-
I think you'd love the tube sound with these speakers as tubes are best for mid/highs as is the 100s (especially the v.2). If you do indeed do tubes, trust me and get as much power as you can afford, or go with a hybrid solution which will give the best of both worlds (at least the Anthem gives the best of both IMO). The Paradigms sound like ass when not sufficiently powered.
Good luck with it.
m-