Help Please With A Replacement For Old Aragon Amp.


There aren't any dealers allowing home auditions right now in my area so would appreciate some input n the following.
I think its time to upgrade from my old Aragon 8008BB power amp. It's been good to me but I've got the upgrade bug. Any suggestions as to a worthy replacement? I'm thinking no more than $1500-2000.  I've considered a Cambridge Audio Azur 841W or Musical Fidelity A3 cr power amp. Not opposed to going integrated.  Speakers are ATC Scm 19 V2
85db sensitivity but an ATC dealer told me they don't need gobs of power as often thought.  Pre amp right now is a First Sound Presence MK I (tubes)  The Aragon doesn't seem to grip the speakers despite it's power rating.  Thnks for any replies. 
zar

Showing 2 responses by adg101

You’re choking your amp as I suspected. As mentioned bypass the Isotex and pick up a Hubbell Hospital Grade outlet/receptacle. Use your AQ PC on your amp directly to the wall. If you hear a difference for the better then hire an electrician to run a dedicated circuit if possible. This will be the best money spent to improve your system and you’ll hear what your 8008 is really capable of.
Your 8008 should have no problem gripping your speakers unless it’s being starved for juice then it can sound a little thin like any bigger amp can. Guessing you don’t have your system on a dedicated electrical circuit? If you don’t have a dedicated circuit, I would start there. Pull out the junk spec grade receptacles and at least go with a modest hospital grade outlet, and if you’re using the stock power cord get a 10 gauge cord. If you haven’t done any of these things with your 8008, it’s not its fault. Don’t change out your amp until you’ve tried this as the next amp will have the same issue likely.