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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.
brucelk
tentrek
17 posts
 
To answer your question, Brucelk, I have the Moon Titan and the Bryston SP-1. I used to have the Moon W-3 which is a fine amp but the Titan has just what the doctor ordered for the Paradigms.
brucelk OP
5 posts
 
Thanks to all for the response and equipment suggestions. I will try listening to both the Bryston and a tube amp with the Paradigms to see what works best. Any comments on the Music Referance RM-9? It is a more powerfull EL34 equipped amp (80-100 watts)and I can probably get one used fairly easily. I know Roger Modjeski and trust his designs for reliability but his amps may be a little analytical sounding. The room is a little bright already and the last thing I want is a really hot/sizzling high end. The room sounds a little small I know but at times I like things fairly loud and the room is open at both ends to the rest of the house so I think the Paradigms will be fine. I'll keep the forum posted on my adventures.
rjhalla
47 posts
 
With the Paradigm 100's v2 it would be a very safe bet to consider a Classe amplifier. The place I would start is the used market, I've run these fine speakers with both a DR-15 and a Model Ten. The results are amazing, remember please that Classe gear is extremely high current with the ability to drive any low impedance lodspeaker made (just ask any Apogee owner what's best for panels). If you have the reserves, the ideal of the new line of Classe gear would be the 201 @ 200 watts per channel. I have tried a Bryston 4b, as well as a number of other high quality amplifiers and nothing else has driven the 100's to such a high degree of perfection.
antoniomachado
15 posts
 
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.
aball
2,016 posts
 
I only really liked SS with my 100.2s but the Cary SLI80 did sound mighty fine. If you do go with tubes, I would try to get at least 60W or so from my experience. BTW, if you like the tube sound, I wouldn't give the Bryston top priority. Good luck! Arthur
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