Video Asylum: REVIEW: Aragon 8008BB Amplifier (SS) by JD3

Model:	8008BB
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2900
Description:	Dual-mono, SS power amplifier with Balanced (XLR) and Single-Ended (RCA) input stages.
Manufacturer URL:	Aragon
Model Picture:	View

Review by JD3 ( A ) on September 27, 2002 at 08:19:20
IP Address: 64.60.163.114

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for the 8008BB

Written in 1999: When I bought some Martin Logan SL-3 in October 1998, I outdated my whole mid 1980's Yamaha separates. The speakers did not sound like they did at the store, something was wrong. Where was the deep bass & fine detail I heard with my friends Martin Logan Arius with Adcom Amp? Both my friend & dealer told me it was the fault of my 125 watt Yamaha Amp, & to try the Aragon 8008BB dual mono amp. I thought, "What would I do with a 400 watt 4 om dual mono amp in a small beach apartment? What about the Aragon 8002 or an Adcom at a less price? Well, they talked me into it & WOW!!! am I happy. What a deal for just under $3000.00. Lately I have been listening to a lot of fine Amps, but this one plays Martin Logans with such detail & what a Bass.
Written in 2002: Bought some Aragon Palladium mono blocks to replace the Aragon 8008BB & the difference is again at a higher level. See Aragon Palladium review. I am no longer in a beach apartment but in a 2 story house. The Aragon 8008BB served me well for 3 years & will be put into my NHT 5.1 audio/video system to mate with an Aragon 8008X3 3 channel amp. The Aragon 8008BB runs hotter than the Palladiums & it makes sense because the Aragon 8008BB is running twice the transformers to run 2 speakers rather than transforming the positive & negative current to run one speaker. I still see many years of service.

Product Weakness: heavy & cheap binding posts
Product Strengths: warm smooth detail with great bass

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	(2) Aragon Palladium mono blocks
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audio Research LS16
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony XA7ES & Rega Planar 3
Speakers:	(2) Martin Logan SL3
Cables/Interconnects:	Harmonic Technology Pro-Silway MK II & Truth-Links
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	All types except extreme pop or rap
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	heavy & cheap binding posts
Product Strengths:	warm smooth detail with great bass