Hello;

I believe this is my first post on the Audio hardware section, so I guess introductions to my purpose is necessary ;-)

Still living with my parents, I had lent my speakers to them (Paradigm Monitor 3 series / 100 watt per channel), which they ran on a quad 405-2 amplifier. My father recently bought Von Schweikert V-R4jr speakers for the stereo system, so now I have my Paradigms to myself again, and I'm looking for an amplifier to power them, so I can hook them up to my computer.

Do any of you have an idea on what the best solution would be in such a case? On a low budget, I found a TEAC amplifier on ebay which was 75 watts per channel, which wouldn't be bad, but I'd like suggestions from enthusiasts!

As well, do any of you have opinions on either the Quad 405-2, the mini-monitors or the V-R4jr? I'd like to know how they compare to other things in their price range.

Thanks,
Tristan.

My subjective vote goes for the Pioneer Reference stereo amps (I personally bought a 656mk2 for IIRC 100 EUR). Anyway if buying an old amp ask the ppl if they are smokers. Smokers amps tend to have those scratchy noises e.g. at volume control or at switches because of nicotine and whatever (sediment - don't know how it's called, you know what I mean). Of course you could clean that, but it's work.

You are in luck. The Sharp SD-EX111 can be found used for about that price and is very good. It is 20W so if you like very loud music it may not be for you. But on the other hand the paradigm monitors are efficient so it should be fine unless you are planning to simulate aircraft engines.
I owned the mini monitors once. Actually I still do and if anyone is in NJ you can have them for a good price. They are very good for the price you can get them but will lack the finesse of the Quad or Von Schweikert speakers from what I have read. I use Spendors myself now.