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Good stereo amp to use with Paradigm Studio 100 V2?

post #1 of 5
7/11/07 at 5:04pm
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Hi all. I'm redoing my audio system and thinking of going back from 5 channel surround to just a stereo setup. I watch some movies but mostly listen to music on CD's. I have some SACD's, DVD-A's and lots of regular CD's I'd like to listen to. I wish the regular CD's sounded better! I also currently have a Denon DVD 2910 cd/dvd player, and Denon AV-3803 surround sound receiver/amp. I'm using Paradigm Reference Studio 100's V2 as front L & R speakers.

I'm thinking of purchasing a NAD C372 integrated stereo solid state amp or possibly (at twice the price) a Cavin A-88T integrated stereo tube amp. I think my 100's need more power to realize their sonic potential. Would the NAD be a nice/satisfactory upgrade or just a "lateral move" from the 3803? Will the Cavin be worthwhile with my exsisting CD player and speakers. Your opinions/suggestions are appreciated, other alternatives/options are helpful too. Thanks in advance for your advice! Phaze
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post #2 of 5
7/11/07 at 6:26pm
The speakers are fairly sensitive, but they do have a low (as in 2.5-3 Ohms) and fairly wide impedance dip through the upper bass/mid-bass region.

I'd want to try a tube amp first hand with these speakers before plunking down the $$. I tried a (30 watt?) Jolida with mine and, while it sounded alright at low volumes, the speakers really brought that amp to it's knees if you turned it up much at all.

IMO, look for something SS that has good power/drive/grunt capability into 4 Ohms or lower.
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post #3 of 5
7/11/07 at 8:54pm
We've got the Studio 100 v3's and they absolutely need and love power. I picked up an Anthem MCA-20 (2 x 225wpc) and never looked back. It cost me about $750 on sale, but it was the best thing for the speakers and our 3805. The Denon was holding its own, but at high volumes it was obviously strained. Most of our use is 2-channel listening, so the 2-channel amp was the fix for us. Well worth the cheese and built like a tank.

J.
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post #4 of 5
7/12/07 at 10:27am
Rotel RB-1070 did pretty well with this speaker when I was auditioning it.
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post #5 of 5
7/12/07 at 1:28pm
Phaze,
No real need to get an integrated amp.
You could save a few bucks and get the NAD C272 power amp and use your Denon as the pre-pro.
Another good amp to check out is the Parasound Halo A23.
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