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Amplifier Match For Paradigm Signature S8 & C5 V.3

Hi all!

I just started to upgrade my current Paradigm studio  system to contain all Paradigm Signature v.3 speakers.

I'm wondering if I should be running different amps to bring out the true potential of these speakers. I'm currently running triple Emotiva XPA-1 monoblocks to the front soundstage. 

Would switching to a different brand / style power amp make a noticeable different with my setup.

I have been happy with the Emotiva's for a few years now, its just I notice comments every once in a while saying people switched from Emotiva to another brand amplifier and now their speakers sound "so much better"  Who agrees with this?

P.S. I originally had my Anthem MCA-2 hooked up to my Studio 100's. Then I purchased a new Emotiva XPA-2 and did an A/B.  I thought the Emotiva sounded better than the Anthem in every way. The Monoblocks took it up another notch to.  

Thoughts? 

Current System.
Mains - Paradigm Studio 100 V.3's
Center - Paradigm SIGNATURE C5 V.3 (just replaced my CC-690 V.5 (for sale)
Rears - Paradigm ADP 450 V.3
Heights - Paradigm 65R PRO x 4
Subwoofers - Dual Paradigm Seismic 12's

Amplifiers
Emotiva XPA-1 Monoblocks X 3 (One to each of the towers and center)
Anthem MCA-2 (powering the rear surrounds)
Emotiva BasX-700 (powering the heights)

Processor
Anthem AVM-60

Source
OPPO-203 HD


krazystang
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,604 posts
 
krazystangAnthem, Classe' and Parasound are all sonic matches w/ Paradigm Signature series loudspeakers. I will second an upgrade to the S8 V.3 model.
Happy Listening!
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
Based on Stereophile’s measurements, Emotiva’s main fault in their amps is high levels of IMD in the treble.

Also going off Stereophile’s measurements, your speakers have a lot of energy in the top octave, so unless you are well past being a senior citizen, I would not do full toe-in with those.

Malek, those speakers were <$2500, so it doesn’t make sense to spend >$1000 on an amp to power them, you’d get a much larger benefit by getting new speakers (Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower with RAAL is around $3000 shipped but are in my top picks for best tower speaker under $5000).  
  
Your subs go pretty low, but they aren’t neutral (peaks at 25Hz), going dual Rythmik F15HP’s (in 14Hz/Low Damping mode), would sound amazing.  But again, your current subs are more than ok.  
  
Do you have room treatment? If not, that would make a bigger difference than any amp possibly could.
krazystang OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the Replies so far guys!

I agree, I am and have been on the look out for some Signature S8 V.3's for a while now, as I feel that would be the biggest noticeable upgrade to my current system.

New speakers are also an option down the line, but currently I want to test the Signature series from Paradigm out.



As far as room treatment, I do not. System is located in a 20' x 24' room with 9 ft ceilings. Room is open to the kitchen also (just blocked by a half wall).

I actually ran Anthem's ARC room correction immediately after purchasing my new Anthem AVM-60 processor. I honestly was not impressed and am currently running my system WITHOUT the Arc file. I went the oldschool radio shack DB meter and feel it netted better results. Not sure why , I believe i did everything correct.

Any ideas on initial room treatment ideas?

Also, thoughts on the Parasound A31 to run my front soundstage avhifidelity?




maplegrovemusic's avatar
maplegrovemusic
1,113 posts
 
Have you heard the Anthem Statement P2 with Paradigm Sigs ? Pretty great combo . It is a guaranteed fit . Every Paradigm dealer would have used this combo to demonstrate the sigs .

krazystang OP
4 posts
 
I have not Maplegrovemusic. I'm only familiar with the Anthem MCA series.

However, the P2 would run the towers, but what would i get for the center channel?  Or would I have to get the P5?
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