It is entirely possible the speakers can't deliver what you're after. Is it that they only don't sound clear at elevated levels? Yes, I would maybe try them full range and see if you hear the same thing. Often a speaker will sound fine at lower levels and when you push them, you will hear their weaknesses and that's different than not enough power. BUT, what exactly doesn't sound right to you? I am a former owner of many Paradigm speakers and I did try out the Studios and liked them well enough, but found other speakers that sounded better to my ears. Power is only part of the picture, great sound starts with the speakers.
