Best amp for Paradigm Signature S8v2

[jb5200]

Hey everybody,

I have the S8's and C5 v.2 and I am using a yamaha rx-v3800 for pre/pro, Emotiva XPA3 amp for the front sound stage. I know that 200w/ch isn't enough for these towers because they just beg for more and I was wondering what amp would you recommend. I just blew all my $ on the speakers so I was thinking of the XPA2 because of cost but will that be enough to power these? I would love an Anthem P2 but it is twice the price but it offers 325w/ch or would (2) XPA1 for the same price be better?

Thanks!

 

[rded]

Hey everybody,

I have the S8's and C5 v.2 and I am using a yamaha rx-v3800 for pre/pro, Emotiva XPA3 amp for the front sound stage. I know that 200w/ch isn't enough for these towers because they just beg for more and I was wondering what amp would you recommend. I just blew all my $ on the speakers so I was thinking of the XPA2 because of cost but will that be enough to power these? I would love an Anthem P2 but it is twice the price but it offers 325w/ch or would (2) XPA1 for the same price be better?

Thanks!

The XPA2 should be able to handle it. Sometimes, power is not all that important. Clean current is just as important in making your speakers sing. I have Dynaudio contour 3.4s(Floor standers & rated 4 ohms) and I'm running them the the Arcam AVR600 rated 120 watts/channel but it'll knock you out cold.

 

[Warpdrv]

FYI - BEST will always be subjective and you will get many opinions from many people...

Here is what I like.... which is what I use for my Sig S4's .v1 - D-Sonic

Check out some Class D amps like Wyred4Sound or D-Sonic... I have Wyred4Sound
Those companies use the same B&O modules that make Bel Canto's Ice Power amps... for 1/2 the $$
500wpc at 8 ohms and 1000wpc at 4ohms...

Here is another thread with info about amps...
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52309

Congrats on some beautiful speakers, they are my replacements for Studio 100's. I loved auditioning - I didn't want to leave...

 

[codexp3]

I'd have to disagree that 200 watts isn't enough. I've tired my S8v2s on 500w McIntosh 501s, 630 w Brystons 7bssts, and a sunfire 5200 I use for surrounds. The McIntosh and Bryston do no better powering the S8s than my surround amp which cost 1/2 for 5 channels than my monos did for 1. Even with 200w the 'digms are as loud and dynamic as human ears can stand.

I think all well designed amps sound darn near identical. I failed to pick the Brystons from the 5200 in a blind A/B in my former audio room. I'm not sure I'd spend 7k on amps again. The new Mac Mc303 may change my mind (based on sexines alone).