Thanks to everyone for your comments, they were very helpful. In response to Lewinskih01, I might use the Paradigms as surrounds at later date. My thought was to get a C45 or a simullar MAC replacement for future expansion.
Best Amp for McIntosh sys.- MC252, MC402, or MC501
I am upgrading a system that I have for about 40 yrs. Recently purchased a MCD301 sacd/cd player, MR85 tuner, and Paradigm Studio 100 series IV speakers. Still have C26 pre-amp and MC2505 amp (both recently serviced by MAC). I am happy with the sound but am afraid the days of shipping the amp back and forth for service are limited. The spks are rated "Suitable amp power range 15-350 watts" and "Amplifiers that exceed-power range are recommended". I don't intend to make another amp upgrade and am leaning toward the 501.