Amp recommendation for old 4ohm Paradigm's

[mkinder]

I recently replaced an old pair of DCM CX-27's with an old pair of Paradigm 9SE's. I have close to zero budget for audio so when i buy, i buy used.

The Paradigms have much better imaging - i'm always checking to make sure the center and rear's aren't on. They also have more dynamic range - but i'm still getting used to how much brighter they are, i actually turn the treble down a little on most material. I use them for 2-channel music, and as mains in a dedicated HT. The room has lots of carpet, upholstery, etc.

I power everything with a (used) H/K 335. Everything I've read about these paradigm's is that they sound better with more power... so is there a 2-channel amp (used) for around $100 - $150 that would signifcantly improve their sound over the current H/K? And perhaps someone could indicate how more power improves the sound..? I don't think I want it any brighter.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I recently replaced an old pair of DCM CX-27's with an old pair of Paradigm 9SE's. I have close to zero budget for audio so when i buy, i buy used.

The Paradigms have much better imaging - i'm always checking to make sure the center and rear's aren't on. They also have more dynamic range - but i'm still getting used to how much brighter they are, i actually turn the treble down a little on most material. I use them for 2-channel music, and as mains in a dedicated HT. The room has lots of carpet, upholstery, etc.

I power everything with a (used) H/K 335. Everything I've read about these paradigm's is that they sound better with more power... so is there a 2-channel amp (used) for around $100 - $150 that would signifcantly improve their sound over the current H/K? And perhaps someone could indicate how more power improves the sound..? I don't think I want it any brighter.

Well, the question becomes what problems do you now have with the speakers and the H/K other than what you may have read?

If it is loud enough for you, the H/K is not shutting off, then there is no real issues, just imagined ones created by others opinions of dubious value.

You have a speaker that is a 4 Ohm load on an amp. Those speakers have a sensitivity rating. The amp is capable of a certain amount of power at 4 Ohms, or it is not, in which case it clips if that point is exceeded and can shut down. You are also listening at a certain distance. So, all in combination will deliver a certain amount of volume. If you are satisfied with this volume right now, you have no issues other than stated above.

 

[mkinder]

Thanks for the reply, my issue isn't volume .. i'm just wondering if more or different brand of power could improve the balance of the sound. Specifically the speakers seem to lack a little oomph in the upper midrange - compared to what I liked about the DCM's. Some vocals or snare drums on the Paradigm's come out a little thin and bright in comparison.

The 9se's are considered floor standers but just barely.. I had them on stands but I've since put them on the floor. This made some improvement with the of the mids but the soundstage seemed too low.. so I put a couple spike feet under the fronts to lean them back a little.. this again helped.

Overall, i still like the Paradigm's better .. I just thought maybe a particular brand of amplifier, or just more power might help fill in this perceived dip in the upper mids. But with my budget, maybe the only way to address it is with some kind EQ.