PARADIGM REFERENCE SPEAKERS

Oh yeah, amplification too! Mostly, I've heard them driven by Rotel equipment. Now I don't know enough about all the dynamics involved in amplifiers. I know you put this plug here and that wire there and what MY ears like. That being said, I liked them best when heard with Rotel amps.

I run my Paradigm Studio Reference 100 v.2's with an Arcam 10 Integrated (100 w/channel) and an Arcam 8SE CD front. I am very pleased, although I would note that the Arcam products, while super fast, clean and accurate, are a bit laid back in the high end. The positive qualities of the Arcam products (soundstage, imaging, bass reproduction and just plain musicality) match well with the Paradigms and far outweigh any hesitancy in the high end.

The Paradigm 100 v.2's are extremely neutral speakers with an outstanding accuracy in the mids and low end. I would recommend a mid fi solid state integrated amp or equivalent separates. Rotel, Arcam, Bryston or Adcom products will work well. Were I to buy new separates for my Paradigms I would match an Adcom GFP-750 Preamp to a Bryston 4B-ST. This would be bliss for my budget.

If you are going into the stratosphere with amps, then you will want to buy something other than Paradigm speakers.

I've owned a pair of Studio 60's for over a year now. They have been driven by a Denon receiver, a NAD 2400 power amp, and B&K AV6000 multi-channel power amp. With the separates I used both a Rotel and a B&K A/V preamp. I wanted something that was involving and enjoyable to listen to on a variety of material (from classical and jazz to rock). Ultimately, I found the B&K pre- and power amps to be the best match for the Sudio 60's. Although I haven't auditioned them, I would suggest that you listen to the Odyssey Audio Stratos power amp. And, as I always do, I encourage you to audition several pre- and power amps before making a decision.

Thank you all for your replys on your PARADIGM REFERENCE SPEAKER experience.
johnny7

In regards to jeades comments, let it be known if he's only heard the 100s with the componets he mentioned...he ain't heard nothing. I managed a store that was a Paradigm dealer and we would always hook them up to our best gear. These speakers sound as good as anything under 5K, but you'll only know that when you hook them up to top quality gear. Without breaking the bank a McCORMACK DNA 125 and the Audible Iluusions mod3a made owners of systems costing double weep.