Solid State With Paradigm Reference 100

Eric · « **on:** 11 Apr 2003, 11:33 pm »

I am setting up a solid state system separate from my tube system in the music room. What would you recommend n terms of amp, preamp and cdp to mate with the reference 100's?

JoshK · « **Reply #1 on:** 12 Apr 2003, 12:41 am »

Meitnar DAC6 (transport+dac) > CTC Blowtorch > Parasound JC-1 monoblocks.

Antonio Machado · « **Reply #2 on:** 20 Apr 2003, 01:38 am »

Quote from: Eric

I am setting up a solid state system separate from my tube system in the music room. What would you recommend n terms of amp, preamp and cdp to mate with the reference 100's?

. Eric: I have my Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v.2 with the McCormack DNA-225 power amplifier (solid state, 225 watts per channel), they sing ! lot of bass, midrange is great, good highs (although sometimes I find them too bright). So for me that is a good option. Now, McCormack has also a younger brother, the DNA125, and I have heard that they drive perfectly the Studio 100 v.2 as well. Good luck, let us know your decision/experiences. Best regards, Antonio Machado (elavefenix@hotmail.com)

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #3 on:** 20 Apr 2003, 02:17 am »

Eric,
sorry, no experience with Paradigms but why not check out the reviews to see what the mag writers used ??????

http://www.paradigm.ca/Website/SiteReferenceProduct/RReviews/NewRefStudioReviews.html

Nelgan · « **Reply #4 on:** 20 Apr 2003, 04:05 am »

I would highly recommend checking out the Blue Circle solid state amps. They are very smooth, and help prevent metal dome tweeters from sounding harsh. Very nice, tubelike midrange. Should provide good synergy.

Tyson · « **Reply #5 on:** 20 Apr 2003, 05:20 am »

Audio by Van Alstine or Odyssey Audio.

EchiDna · « **Reply #6 on:** 20 Apr 2003, 07:29 am »

willing to try DIY?

if so take a peek at an AKSA, they have a forum here which is very knowledgeable and helpful which goes hand in hand with the great assistance afforded by Hugh Dean - the owner/designer of the AKSA design

Antonio Machado · « **Reply #7 on:** 20 Apr 2003, 02:27 pm »

Quote from: Tonto Yoder

Eric,
sorry, no experience with Paradigms but why not check out the reviews to see what the mag writers used ??????

http://www.paradigm.ca/Website/SiteReferenceProduct/RReviews/NewRefStudioReviews.html

find many interesting reviews on the Studio 100s, they are always a good source of information. Good luck, best, Antonio Machado.

jackman · « **Reply #8 on:** 20 Apr 2003, 03:53 pm »

I would also look at the preamp you are using. IME, the preamp has as much impact on the final sound (or control of harshness) as the amp. Keep your eyes open for some used Audio by Van Alstine gear. All of their stuff (even the older designs) are very smooth and I would expect them to be a good match for the Paradigms which tend to be revealing.

J

batmanslc · « **Reply #9 on:** 20 Apr 2003, 04:38 pm »

I strongly agree with Jackman regarding the importance of the preamp.
As you probably know a lot of listeners like to mate a tube pre w/ solid state amps. I'm starting to think that the pre may be more important than the amp!

audioengr · « **Reply #10 on:** 20 Apr 2003, 05:34 pm »

JoshK know what he's talking about. This is the best of the best. I have the JC-1's myself. You cannot go wrong with this lineup, however, it may be out of your league given your speaker price-point. Dave Robinson of PF online swears by the Meitner gear.

Eric · « **Reply #11 on:** 21 Apr 2003, 03:58 am »

Thanks for all of the input. I have settled on a CDP (Arcam FMJ-23) and an amp (the new Bryson 4BSST). I listend to it side by side with the old 4BST and could not believe how much smoother the new SST design is. I have an SS Bryston BP-20 that I'll start with as a pre. I have a Kora in my tube room that I may move out just to see what the differences would be between the SS pre and a tube pre with the Bryston. I'll keep you posted. By the way, by tube set up is Kora pre, AudioValve Monos, Metronome CDP and ACI Jags and Titan sub. I am using symposium isolation, Harmonic tech IC and speaker wire, and TG audio power cords.

I'll now have the fun of tuning the SS system which will be in my living room. You have given me alot to think about in terms of a tube pre. I am also thinking of adding one of the lower priced Sony SACD players to the mix as well. I currently have DH labs IC's and speaker wire I'll start with. I have to think about PC's, Isolation and POwer management as well (do you have any recommendations)?

Ron D · « **Reply #12 on:** 21 Apr 2003, 04:09 am »

Can't go wrong with the SST! I recently upgraded selling off my 4B-ST in favor on the new 4B-SST and can't agree more about the mids & highs being so much smoother - killer amp!