Paradigm Speakers and Tubes
 

I was wondering if other AA Paradigm owners were powering their systems with tubes?

The match of my Paradigm Signature S1 v.3 with my tube based systems: Doge 8 preamp and Manley 35 Watt Monoblocks; Philly 7B preamp with Western Electric JW2C51 tubes and Antique Sound Labs AQ1004 with RCA 12AU7 cleartops and Russian EL34s--sounds so right!

The high clarity of the S1 combined with the dynamics, speed and full-bodied timbres of the Doge 8/Manley combo; and the sweetness of the Philly/Antique Sound Labs combo are superior vs. transistor power amps I have tried, which can be thin sounding with the S1.

With my tube based systems, the tone on the S1 is full and rich with natural timbres, making for an analogue-like, involving sound from digital sources. Also, my setups match seamlessly with the Seismic 110 sub.

http://www.audioaficionado.org/membe...6-s1-black.jpg
http://www.audioaficionado.org/membe...eismic-110.jpg

Roger

I'm using an ARC VSi60 with my Signature 4s and they play nicely together. I used an ARC VT-100 for a couple of years and that was a nice combo too.

Cabbagetown, good to know that tube amps are a good match with your Paradigms too. I felt something was missing in the tone and timbre departments with the transistor amps I have tried with my S1s.

I have Paradigm Studio 60v5 powered by a tube pre and warm solid state power amp. I agree that tubes take out some of the bright/harshness as I previously had a Peachtree Audio Nova125 that has a little too detailed/harsh for my tastes.

demetri, in my experience going all tube in both pre and power amps has given me a more involving listening experience for most of the sources I listen to. Even though I have a hybrid power amp in the Counterpoint NP-100 with warm-sounding RCA 5692 input tubes, I still prefer the superior timbre and seductive tone of an all tube power amp.

Roger

Steady339 I hear you and was going to go the same route but I was overwhelmingly finding that some McIntosh ss amps actually sound warmer than their tube amps and it was suggested I go tube pre with ss amp to get the extra power and lower maintenance of tubes.