I have two quality amps and pre-amps.What kind of amp was running those Paradigms you listened to? I see on here a lot of quality speakers being used but haven't seen a quality amp listed yet. Everyone's speakers on here would sound a lot better with better amps.
I have two systems. A SS Musical Fidelity (made in England) system running Maggie 12's with a small sub at low level. I have a tube buffered cd player and a Rega TT. My other system is a tube system, Prima Luna pre amp and amp running rebuilt Quad 63's. I was really into audiophile stuff for a number of years, rolling vintage tubes etc. Everything is plugged into PS Audio Ultimate outlets which filter and stabilize the power. I've even polished the prongs of the power plugs. (yes you can hear the difference). With these two systems, I have reached the point of diminishing returns. I can spend a lot more money and just get small improvements. Everything was bought used on Audiogon at about half the price new.
System 1 (living room)
- Paradigm Monitor 11's
- PS Audio 5.6 pre-amp for my vinyl
- Denon AVR X4200-W for digital sources
- Aurex SR-Q200 direct drive turntable
- Bryston 4B power amp (driving the Paradigms)
- Speakercraft SC2-100 driving the sub
System 2 (bedroom)
- Bowers & Wilkins 802 D3's
- Maracus Tentare vintage German hi-fi amp
- Maracus Pretare vintage German hi-fi pre-amp
- Yamaha receiver for digital sources
The Paradigms and CV's were both, initially, being driven by the Denon AVR, but when I got the B&W's I bought the Bryston to power those. However, for a living room speaker, the Paradigms seemed to be a better fit, so I moved the B&W's upstairs into a smaller room and have the Bryston feeding the Paradigms now.
The Paradigm speakers are not a demanding load, so not much of a difference between the Denon and the Bryston, but the Bryston can drive them louder with absolute clarity. The B&W's are an extremely demanding load and to push them, you need something like the Bryston. They do not get pushed in their present location. If I shuffle the speakers again later, they'll get hooked back up to the Bryston, OR, I may buy another Bryston and put that upstairs. The vintage German gear is beautiful, but does not have the power behind it that the Bryston does.