Best Audio Electronics for Paradigm S8v3 Speakers

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.

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.

I dislike going against the adage 'if you don't have anything good to say' but if my frustration can be of any help...

Before I had any in home experience with a decent speaker system I joined the Paradigm fan club. Purchasing the Studio 100 v1 with its eventually harsh tweeter followed by the marginally better v2. I began replacing tube and SS electronics including the original (pre Paradigm) and stunningly noisy Anthem One Phono pre amp. A long story short, my dealer ended up assuming responsibility replacing the ONE with another brand.

My undefinable dissatisfaction continued. I was able to audition in home the S8 against the 100v2. The S8 was simply more of the same. Late that afternoon I had an opportunity to buy a pair of locally owned and very reasonably priced used Avalon Acoustics.

With all three in the house I now had an undeniable ear opening perspective of what a proper speaker system can do. The most immediate and glaring difference was that the Avalon's are more of a single point source compared to an almost discrete three way sound. This was the basis of my once undefinable dissatisfaction. Pile on low volume resolution, time and phase accuracy, and on and on. It also showed me how well my older electronics worked.

Another aspect learned was just how much more vivid comparisons are at home.

This financially obvious unfair comparison left me with the impression that electronics and cabling are an almost futile effort and the main reason for sharing my experience. On the other hand there is a world of electronics out there and an acceptable success may be at hand.