[John Robert]

I'm looking for a balanced amp (5 or 7 ch) to go with my new Krell Showcase pre/pro. Audio Advisor has a deal on Aragon 3005 CEDIA demos (300 X 5 @ 8 Ohms, 500 X 5 @ 4 Ohms). Here are the specs:


300 watts per channel into 8 ohms at less than 0.02% THD (20 Hz - 20 kHz, 3 channels driven); 500 watts per channel into 4 ohms at less than 0.03% THD

Frequency response: 20 Hz-20 kHz +0/-0.1 dB; 10 Hz-100 kHz +0/0.5 dB

TIM / DIM distortion: 0.005%

S/N ratio: 110 dB A-weighted

Damping factor: 500 (8 ohms - 50 Hz)

Input sensitivity: 100 mV-1W / 1.72V - 300W (single ended); 200 mV-1W / 3.44V - 300W (balanced)

Input impedance: 20k ohms (single ended); 32k ohms (balanced)

Power consumption: 105 W @ Idle / 1200 W Maximum


My concerns -


- What is the quality of recent Aragon units? I've read that the post-Klipsch amps are not as highly regarded as the older stuff.


- The amp has only one "Smart Power" supply. Is this a limiting factor for headroom and output? How does an amp rated 300 X 5 have a max power consumption of 1200 W?


I'm also considering the Gemstone amp. It is 7 channels and ~ $400 more.


Thanks for you feedback...


John

 

[John Robert]

Hello?
Hello?
Hello?

 

[ssteel01]

Funny you should ask...


I wish I had an answer for you, but I can at least empathize. I've been considering the Gemstone and the Aragon (among others) and the pricing that Audio Advisor is running on the Aragon really got my attention. I'm also pretty curious about the reputation of the Klipsch-Aragon products. I just can't seem to find one that I can audition at home...I know that Audio Advisor has a 30 day money back guarantee, but I figure you still have to eat the cost of return.


Anyway...sorry I can't provide anything other than emotional support...


Scott

 

[John Robert]

Scott:


Here is a review of the 2007 (little brother to the 3005):

http://www.audiorevolution.com/equip...007/index.html


Anyone else?

 

[Kevin C Brown]

Get the Gemstone. The "new" Aragon amps are basically advanced versions of the older (discontinued) Acurus stuff. The Acurus amps, for the money, are great amps, but I don't think they are quite what you are looking for. If you want to look at the Aragon amp you should consider, look at the 8008x5:

http://www.audioholics.com/productre...oundstage5.php

 

[ssteel01]

John:


Many thanks for the link. I guess I still have the basic fear that the Aragon might be a little too much on the bright side. I may just have to suck it up and order both to try out at home...yeah...nothing that the wife enjoys more than watching me drop $4k in home theater gear.


Thanks all.


Scott

 

[thebland]

I owned a 4004 Mk II and an 8008X3 years ago.


Good performers but I didn't find myself buying the brandagain when I needed to upgrade. They can be little hot at the top and home theater soundtracks as they do not need any of that!

 

[John Robert]

Scott:


Much also depends on your speakers and how they combine with the amp. I agree that horns/metal tweeters and Aragon would be a bad combo. Sonus Faber or other soft domes might be nice...


John

 

[BP]

i consider myself quite experienced with the older aragon 8008 series of amps having the 8008bb, 8008x3 and 8008x5 in my system. they can sound hot on top only if you pair them with equipment or a room that accentuates the highs. of course our ears all hear a bit differently but to my senses the top end is clean, clear and extended, not harsh (and i am sensitive to harsh top ends due to hearing damage from standing too close to big speakers in my younger days).

the older series is a krell based design that was improved upon by aragon. not sure about the new amps except to say that there are 2 series, the lower one is based on the old acurus line and the higher series is aragon based.

these amps are bottomless pits of clean power great for driving demanding loads. i have 4 ohm speakers and the aragons are never hard pressed to deliver.

the gemstone has been getting some good press so i will be watching to see what you decide to do.

good luck!

 

[Kevin C Brown]

Quote:

the lower one is based on the old acurus line and the higher series is aragon based.

I think the only two series they are still making is the 200x and the 300x. Both are based on the Acurus design. ??

 

[vegashomes]

I have an Ati 2007 with balanced outputs, I find the sound rather pleasing and I am using the single ended outputs.