2. amps-preamps
  3. 1423160451

Power Amp for Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v2

I've got a pair of Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v2's that I like in my 2 channel music-only application, but would like to try and get more detail, soundstage (3d), separation, and bass accuracy. In my research on web fora and review sites, many owners of my speakers report improvements in the aspects I'm looking for with the addition of a power amp that features higher wattage and higher current.

My question for the sages here is whether adding a power amp seems like an effective way to go, and if so, is it generally better to use a couple of monoblocks or would an single stereo power amp be just as good? I realize it probably varies by the individual product, but figured it couldn't hurt to ask whether *in principle* monoblocks or a single stereo are better for achieving the improvements I seek. Is there any alternative advice beyond amps?

My system consists of entry-level components from around the turn of the millennium (with links to specs)

* High end Sony CD player (long model # I can never remember)
* Arcam A75 integrated amplifier (50 wpc continuous, includes preamp out)
* Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v2

Some owners of my speakers report great improvement with the Rotel 1090, which seems to be designed as two monoblocks in a single chassis. I see one on eBay for $250, which is good for my budget, but not sure if it would play well with the Arcam.

Thanks for any insight you might provide, especially from anyone with experience of my speakers/components.

Jeff
jdrouin
jdrouin OP
5 posts
 
Thanks for these suggestions. I am in fact trying to keep this low-budget, in part because I'm planning to build a SET tube amp and back-loaded horn speakers for an additional, critical listening system. But I like what I have already enough to want to keep, though I'd like to squeeze just a little more out of it.

Runnin: My speaker cables are DIY, made with Belden 5000UP 12 AWG copper stranded wire, with BFA plugs at the amp and banana plugs at the speakers. They are currently in a bi-wire configuration. However, I'm not sure if they are improved over the previous arrangement, which was a pair of Nordost Flatline cables in single pair, using the binding post jumpers at the amp. I'll go back to those to see if I notice a difference.

Your experience with the Audioquest Type 4 is really interesting. Did you terminate them yourself?
jdrouin OP
5 posts
 
Doh! Jumpers at the speakers, of course, not the amp!
runnin
397 posts
 
I originally went with bare copper at the binding posts. Since I've been swapping speakers in and out lately, I employed some banana plugs, but for the budget minded, bare copper would be the way to go, at least to start.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,474 posts
 
Jeff,

you will want a high current amp- Bryston, Anthem, Parasound or Pass labs will do very nicely! Do not forget the cables/power cords as well. Keep me posted & Happy Listening!
schism
12 posts
 
I have Studio 40 v4's and I'm using them with B&K gear. I actually heard the speakers at the dealer with B&K gear and loved the sound. There's a lot of older B&K gear out there for sale in a bargain hunters range.
More to discover