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Paradigm S4 Quicksilver amplification

I recently inherited a pair of Quicksilver mono blocks and on the advice of a respected dealer picked up a new pair of Paradigm S4's. Unfortunately it is clear that it was poor advice as the speakers sound like they have a towel draped in front. I would like to use the Quicksilvers for sentimental reasons and am thinking of using them for the higher end in concert with a matched amp for the base drivers. Is this practical? If so, any suggestions on which amps I could pair the Quicksilvers with? Many thanks
geko
geko OP
7 posts
 
Thanks johnny, sounds like I should start a serach for a 20 yr old pre-amp!
(-:
Cheers
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
Just wanted to keep you informed on the Caps age and so forth
these amps are probably fine....
A good pre owned late model Quicksilver line stage with fresh tubes would perform as quicksilver Audio intended and that with other great gear can turn your music into an event.
Best Johnnyr
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
Geko
It just occurred to me
You amps have non polarized AC plugs which give you a 50 /50 chance of having the amps plugged in correctly
You will want to make sure you have both AC plugs in the wall with both polarized correctly.
If you look at the AC wires you will see little ribs on the power cords wire.
Try plugging both amps ribs to the right or in the positive ac wall slit and then try ribs to the left see what sounds best with a female voice.
You can confirm you are optimized with an AC Volt meter Measure AC volts then plug each amp one at a time into the ac wall outlet with the amps turned off and no interconnects to amps...
Now measure the amps ground voltage by taking VM probes from the amps ground chassis to ac wall sockets Ground
which is the round hole. Remove plug from wall and re insert it the other way and measure again
The lower the chassis ground the better the sound
Now mark the cords and always plug them in this way
Keep in mind these mono block amps work best with shorter runs of speaker wire 3 to 4 feet is ideal even if your uncle fritz gave you some hi Cap anaconda peker wire
try some basic shorties
If you still aint happy try a vintage pair or later Vandersteen 2 series that have a faster response in phase mid range and have a blast.
Cheers Johnnyr
geko OP
7 posts
 
I'm impressed that anaconda's have such long pekers, though I don't envy the folk who's job it is to collect them !!!

Thanks for the advice on both the polarity and wire lengths. I'll be back home on Friday and check as I suspect that this has not previously been considered. The wires are around 5 feet so I will experiment with these at the same time.

If this approach doesn't work I'll dip into the pocket for the line stage amp as suggested.

Thanks again for the great advice.

Cheers
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