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Review: Aragon 8008 BB Amplifier

Category: Amplifiers

I bought this used from a fellow audiogoner after he assured me I would be floored by the difference in quality I would soon experience. Let me just say that he was right, my movie watching (sadly) has gone way down. I just can't stop listening to music on my "new" system. I have never heard my speakers until now. The Aragons dual mono design and my Pre is dual mono as well, has given me outstanding imaging despite the limitations of my small listening area. Bass is now there! deep and powerful, no more listening fatigue or digititis! Blues, hard rock, classical, all sound great. I have been inspired to buy many remastered editions of my favorite albums because the better the recording, the more this baby shines. I thank the stars I bought this and now I'm looking at a BPT ac product to get my system the high quality current it now deserves.

Associated gear
Musical Fidelity Pre amp
Cal Audio Labs Alpha-Delta
Mirage M5si Bi Polar speakers

Similar products
None in this league, though I did upgrade from Adcom separates
zar

Showing 3 responses by slv

slv
87 posts
 
A lot of people here tout the virtues of this or that amp, and rightfully so (there are a lot of great amps out there). However, I keep plugging along with my Aragon 8008BB (as well as my 3 & 5 Channel 8008's for my HT), and I have yet to feel the need to upgrade. I keep working on the other areas of my system and the 8008's have yet to become the weak link.

I have found though, that the Aragons do benefit from good power conditioning, and for me that has been the Richard Gray product line. They've been expensive, but very effective, and I live in a very noisy area (electrically speaking). Another effective power consideration would be dedicated a circuit(s) with an isolated grounding system.
slv
87 posts
 
Zar

I just want to mention that when it comes to power conditioning I have found balanced power to be important, by reducing noise through common mode rejection. I mentioned the RGPC products I use in my earlier post, but what I didn't mention is that the key to the results I have received is that I use their 240VAC to 115VAC isolation transformer with a dedicated 240VAC line and isolated ground (please note that I have no interest in their product line other than the fact that I have tried their products, like them and use them). The BPT products and some of the PS Audio products, will give you this feature. Also, others on this forum have had excellent results using other types of isolation transformers - you can find the posts by doing a search in the forum archives. I hope this helps.

Scott
slv
87 posts
 
Zar,

You should get the benefits of common mode rejection with a balanced transformer that plugs into 115VAC power, like the BPT unit provides. I haven't used them myself, but the BPT power conditioners have received excellent reviews.

As far as your dedicated circuit is concerned, you should be fine with 12awg wire, especially if the wire length is relatively short. Personally, I like to use 10awg or larger wire, but I have fairly long wire runs.

Concerning the repair to your amp, I also shorted one of the speaker outputs when I first bought my amp. The result was blown fuses which I easily replaced, but when I called Aragon to see if I should send it in to be checked, they told me the internal component specs well exceeded the fuse rating and that nothing should be hurt, which it wasn't. I just wonder if your local repair shop was maybe a little less than honest with you - just wondering.

Again, I hope this helps. :o)
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