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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
tube_boob's avatar
tube_boob
3 posts
 
I'm have the Studio 80s (I tried the 100s and prefer the 80s) & a Servo 15 sub and I'm using a Rogue Audio 99 Magnum Preamp with 2 Odyssey Audio Stratos amps in a bi-amp configuration. I am very happy with the sound. I was using a single Odyssey Audio Stratos but got a deal on the second one I could not pass up. I think you'd be very please with the Rogue/Odyssey combo. You could even go with the Rogue 66 Magnum with good results if the 99 Magnum isn't in your budget. I auditioned a 66 Magnum and was pleased with the performance but wanted both a phono stage and a remote controlled volume and the 66 cannot support both....it's one or the other. Good luck and good listening.
s7horton
1,065 posts
 
I've never had the 100's, but have had a host of others in the paradigm line. I had an anthem pre amp biamping with parasounds amps. It sounded good, but not as good as the anthem integrated I tried. My guess is you would be very happy with a combo such as the anthem pre 2L biamped with MCA2's. Your room seems a little on the small size for such a large speaker, so I'm guessing you'll want really loud sound, otherwise you would have chosen the 60's? I'm sure the 100's will do just fine with 60-80 watts, but don't be afraid to give them 200 wpc or even more.
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.
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