Best Audio Electronics for Paradigm S8v3 Speakers

Bifwynne

The VB1 is really a special product. Check out their web site for the details at spatialcomputer.com. Essentially they reduce noise (RF and EMI) and flatten the impedance curve between drives and speaker cable. The results in my case have been astounding.

The VB1’s have the most impact on high frequencies, eliminating virtually all the tweeter ringing effects plagued by the Paradigm aluminum dome drivers. Improvements are had across the frequency spectrum. Check out this post on AudioCircle:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=120501.0

They are only $200/pr. Beyond highly recommended!

Cdente, .... not sure this matters, but Paradigm switched out aluminum tweeter on the Signature line 7 or 8 years ago. The Signature line now uses beryllium tweeter and cobalt/aluminum mids. Supposedly, the be tweeter extend out to 45K Hz. The neighborhood dogs go crazy. ;>')

You are correct. I have the S8's V1. A speaker I really don't like. Long story as my home was burglarized last year and had to pull them out of retirement. The VB1's transform them into a fairly enjoyable speaker.

yes, Anthem electronics are a sonic match.

Not surprising Jafant. I own the S8 v3 speakers. Amp matching has been a persistent concern for me, especially since I own a tube amp. Some might say that the S8s are not on the same level as my electronic gear. Perhaps so, ... but maybe not so far off.

Speaker alternatives that I have in mind are just as tube unfriendly as the S8s and perhaps even more so, e.g., Revel Studio 2, or the Focal 1038s. For those familiar with these speaker brands might recognize the common denominator with all 3 -- they all use beryllium tweeters.

Notably, in the case of the Studio 2 speakers, many have posted that these speakers require lots of current (amps) to sound their best, which implies a high power solid state amp. The same has been said about the S8s.

My tube amp (ARC Ref 150), only rated at 150 wpc, may be a tad light. OTOH, the Ref 150 has relatively low output impedance and tight output voltage regulation, thus making it perform somewhat like a solid state amp (i.e., constant voltage source). In addition, the amp has a pretty robust power supply -- 1040 joules. That much juice will likely curl your hair if you put your fingers across the output terminals while I play Stravinsky's Rites of Spring at high gain. ;-')

I still think the S8s are one of the best high-end bargains in audio-land. Until I hear something better in a live audition using a tube amp like mine, I'm sticking.

But as to the OP's question, I for one would like to hear the S8s driven by a high-quality/high power solid state amp.