What power is required to drive Paradigm 100's

Replying to questions with more questions...

How loudly do you crank it up?
How large is the volume of your listening area? Is it smaller and maybe an enclosed area w/ 4 solid walls, or is it larger with maybe a cathedral ceiling or larger openings to other rooms or hallways?
Do you plan to employ "just" the 100s or also use a subwoofer?
And do you like your 3803 or do you really want to upgrade that too and the 100s could be a darned good reason? ;~)

All of those matter (along w/ any room treatment and maybe even what you usually listen to). The 100s do seem to love lotsa electrons so considering your amp section is a good thing now.

One last question - have you considered just adding an amp? You should be able to get something really decent here on A-gon if you don't mind used. There are all sorts of powerful options (depending on your budget), and you could probably just add the amp for a fraction of the cost of a new receiver.

You could just get the 100s and try them w/ the 3803 - if you like 'em as-is then you're not out of pocket for anything more than the speakers.

How big is your room and how loud do you wnat it to be? I'm running Studio 80s with a 100w/ch. Harman-Kardon 5 ch. amp and it gets plenty loud in my 25'x15' room. The Studio 100s should produce similar sound pressure leves with the same input...

-RW-

I too have upgraded from the 40's to the 80's. I know it's not the 100's, but I bought 4 Studio 80's and the Studio center channel. I am currently running a Yamaha RXV1 and still am not fully satisfied. The RXV1 is rated at 110 watts per channel. I think you will be wise to go to separates, or a power amp and use your receiver for a processor. I heard the 80's with a Bryston set up and the clarity and soundstage was unbelievable. If you can afford to buy the extra power, do it! Don't get me wrong, my setup is great, but after a year or so you start thinking about what it would sound like if I had separates, and so on.