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what amp should be powering my Paradigm 7se Mk3 ?

roadrunnerx, thanks for your input. I am almost exclusively going to use these for music: classical, jazz, folk, old rock (like me). Do you think for around $200 I could do much better?
I really appreciate all you guys and your opinions. I feel very fortunate you are so willing to share your knowledge.
 
I do not want to guess your market. An R-115 is great but that seems high. I got my R-117 for that price 5 years ago.
Markets have changed. Many mid 2000 Yamaha V units are also good. I am a cheap a$$ and have found many great things with time for the cheap.
I'm old and have more time then free $'s. Thrift stores, Craigslist, and yard sales. I currently have too many Backup units sitting in my 3'rd bedroom.
Too cheap to pass on, but not a Luxman. I also have some early 2K Pioneer's that are great. Read some of Superdog's threads, in many ways he mirrors me.
If near to St Augustine, I will set you up! I've been on the sound journey for awhile.
 
Hey roadrunnerx: We could not be much further apart and still be on this continent. You: St. Augustine, Florida?; Me? Vancouver British Columbia. I can pick up that R-115 for $180 Canuck bucks, which is about $150 in real USD. The 7Se mkIIIs (speakers) another fellow wants $225 for, but I figger I could get 'em for $200 Can, so about $150 your money.
I really appreciate you and your super kind offer. Sounds like one hell of a road trip. I would love a 117R, but out here they are pretty rare and would sell for a good buck. Thx again. There is an aggressive and somewhat sophisticated market out here for vintage gear.
 
I had my 7s up for sale , and won't take less than 400.00 . In beautiful condition , with a extra Oem tweeter . So if you can get them for 2-250.00 that's a good price . Don't forget what the market bears in your area .
 
That is really great information greymatter. Man I cannot tell you how much this all helps. I mean I would absolutely be lost without this information and would probably have passed on the 7s over $25! Yikes. Thanks thnx thnx. If all goes well, I should have a Luxman R115 tied to a pair of 7s by this time tomorrow, but for sure it would not have happened without all the good info from such knowledgable and good folk. Cheers folks.
 
Just make sure the tweeters are good . They are about 90.00 a piece , not sure if paradign Canada still has them in stock .
 
This is a Craigslist deal, so once the cash is down, the deal is done. I will listen carefully to each speaker paying particular attention to the tweeters.
 
Is there anything in particular to watch for with the receiver -Luxman R115? I will play with all the knobs, listen for scratchiness etc. Is there a particular weakness with these receivers? What should I walk away from?
 
I'd also suggest taking a close look at the woofer surrounds. I believe that the surrounds are a rubber type material so "rot" shouldn't be an issue but I've read the rubber can occasionally come unglued.

I have the 9se MkII's that I really enjoy. They have a "laid back" sound that I can listen to for hours w/o listener fatigue. Being rear ported, they can sound boomy in the bass if located too close to a rear wall. I've found that the tweeters sound better if located near ear level. Quite a few of the Paradigms from this time period sold with stands to elevate them off the floor a bit. I think I remember reading that MkIII's use a different tweeter so I can't help as to how they will be "voiced". I suspect the MkIII's will be brighter than my MkII's. For some folks that would be good, as more than one think that the MkII's are dark sounding.

A few years ago, I had a Luxman R-114 receiver. I tried it with the Paradigms and I remember the pairing sounding good but not good enough to beat out my Onkyo A-9555 integrated amp (which I love). My R-114 had a faulty Tone Defeat switch. I tried cleaning it several times but it would only engage the tone controls if I slid a flat toothpick in beside the switch. The R-114 is a nice sounding receiver with a clear, transparent sound. I was surprised that it was only rated for 8 ohm (and above) speakers. From what I've read, the power supply in the 115 and 117 is much more robust.

Good luck to ya tomorrow.
 
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Thanks Ranch. The R-115 was rated at 70 wpc by luxman , but apparently is significantly higher in reality. The R117 is rated at 160 wpc. Really means very little/nothing to me, but the 115 is also supposed to have a fair amount of "head room".
Thank you for your kind wishes. It is a bit daunting, but for what I am hoping to get, it all seems quite reasonably priced to me. Now if it all turns to shite, well then, not so good.
That Onkyo A-9555 is one beautiful looking piece of equipment that is right down my alley. Super quiet looking, but all quality. I absolutely see what you like about it. Will have to try and hear one.
 
I do not want to step on any toes, but.....
I have a R-117, the R-115 is supposed to be similar with less power/head room.
I wish I could find an R-115 in my market for a good price to compare but has not happened.
I have had/still have many amps/receivers which are quite good, real good. (Pioneer, JBL, Parasound, Yamaha)
Please listen before you buy. You are not buying this on the cheap, so be sure you like the sound.
The R-117 worked for me but so many people find they hear something else they prefer....
Let us know what you find.
 
I really grew up with the Luxman sound having bought a Luxman R600 back in the dark ages. What I am anticipating is a receiver with similar warm tight sound but with considerably more power. I also am eager to hear how the tuner section works. It is supposed to be really precise. Anyway, I'll let you all know how it goes. Again thanks so much for all the good advise.
 
From the bottom of my heart, from the depths of my soul: Thank you all for your knowledge, kind words, and willingness to share. I am not a particularly emotional fellow, but when I heard Vivaldi's Four Seasons on the Paradigms, I teared up. No room left for bargaining, but honestly I did not care.
I tip my glass to you all. This is without reservation the finest experience I have ever had on a forum of any type. Cheers. And once again, thank you so much.
 
Skipper. I ended up going for the Luxman R115. It just has a sound/feel I am really used to. I could have picked up the Luxman 1070, but it would have been 3x the price, and I did not feel it was warranted. Looking forward to putting this all together.
Gratz on your 9E's Ranch. Guess we both have had a great day.
 
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