Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Cables, Power, Tweaks, Speakers, Accessories (DBT-Free Forum) › Amp suggestions for Paradigm studio 20 v4
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Amp suggestions for Paradigm studio 20 v4

post #1 of 12
Thread Starter 
I'm fairly certain I'm going to pick up a pair of Paradigm studio 20 v4's for my desk setup. Specs are here:

Suitable Amplifier Power Range :15 - 150 watts
Maximum Input Power† : 100 watts
Impedance : Compatible with 8 ohms

My budget is kind of tight, around $200-300. I was looking at the Emotiva UPA-2 but a friend of mine suggested something like a Hafler P1500 although I think this is more a recording application (if that matters, I suppose not since it's job is to just produce power). I'm VERY open to suggestions but unfortunately I cannot go any higher than $300 at this time, and would prefer to go $200 but I understand that is quite low. Thank you!
-Matt
post #2 of 12
i have a Emotiva XPA 3 and use it for my paradigm center and surrounds and love it. i think the upa 2 would be a great choice.

taam
post #3 of 12
what do you have in the rest of your system? that will probably make a difference.
post #4 of 12
Thread Starter 
I'll be using either a Cambridge Dacmagic USB or a E-MU 0404 USB, depending on how much I need to spend on an amp.
post #5 of 12
You are Canadian right?

PopPulse T40i T-amp Integrated Amp - Canuck Audio Mart

I have one of these. I also paid $150 US for mine shipped. Who knows what he paid though. My seller paid $220 new for his.

It is a baaaaad, baaaad little amp my friend. I had the emotiva bpa-1 and enjoyed it but not like this sucker. Neutral and allows the details to show themselves.
post #6 of 12
I would Winsome Mouse to the list but a little above you price range.
post #7 of 12
Thread Starter 
Thanks guys I"ll check out those amps.

Has anyone used the Nuforce Icon? It would really save me buying a dac as well but if it's garbage I think spending more might be worthwhile in the end.

I was also looking at something like this Nad:
NAD Electronics :: C315BEE Stereo Integrated Amplifier
post #8 of 12
The Icon is a good piece.

6moons audio reviews: NuForce Icon

The Pop Pulse is a better amp but the icon is a dac/amp/heaphone amp w/ usb. Nuforce is a good company man. You can trust that.
post #9 of 12
I bought these last year and am thinking about selling them and buying more STAX earspeakers.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f44/fs...s-sold-306453/

They are a great value compared to the passive Paradigms. I've also owned two pairs of the Studio 20; one pair of v3 and one pair of v4 nither of them were as good as GMA or DALI speakers but they cost a fair deal less and aren't embarrasingly flawed in any way.

Edit: I could throw in a NAD preamp that I'm not using if you have more than one source.
post #10 of 12
NAD C315BEE $279 @IndependentAudioVideo.com. Was getting ready to recommend, then I saw that you've already been looking at it. Excellent choice, IMO Pardigm & NAD have outstanding synergy together (see sig). Have been using the two for over 15 years now, been through four NAD/Paradigm set-ups & have enjoyed each. Wireworld ICs/Cables also highly recommended for this. Good Luck & Enjoy your new system.
Aloha
post #11 of 12
nad build quality has taken some dings lately. Might be resolved but it was still disturbing to hear that there were issues. I believe it was with the lower end amps? Sorry, just skimming my memory but it was recent news.
post #12 of 12
Thread Starter 
Well after looking around, I think I've settled with a Pioneer Elite A-35R. Seems to get good reviews from a lot of people and best of all, it's cheap!

Now just to find one that is in canada
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Cables, Power, Tweaks, Speakers, Accessories (DBT-Free Forum) › Amp suggestions for Paradigm studio 20 v4