Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Aragon 8008x3 Amplifier (SS) by JD3

Model:	8008x3
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2500
Description:	3 channel amp
Manufacturer URL:	Aragon
Manufacturer URL:	Aragon

Review by JD3 ( A ) on October 24, 2002 at 12:37:34
IP Address: 64.60.163.114

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Written in 2001: I was amazed at what the Aragon 8008BB amp did for my Martin Logan SL-3's speakers back in Feb. 1999 & thought that Aragon (Mondial) was the answer for the best price per sound ratio. Now I am having second thoughts. I 1st upgraded my stereo system from Yamaha separates (pre-amp, amp, & surround sound), Polk Audio SDS-2 (main), & Infinities (rear) speakers over to Audio Research pre-amps (LS-9 then LS-16) & Aragon 8008BB amp to help my new Martin Logan SL-3 speakers. I then added a HT to the stereo with an Acurus ACT-3 pre-amp & Adcom 5503 3 channel amp, which was about $1000 cheaper than the Aragon 8008-X3, to Martin Logan Logos (center) & Scripts (rear) speakers. I had nothing but troblue with the Acurus ACT-3 pre-amp & when given the 1st chance with a trade up progran to the Aragon Soundstage, which I tested, I ended up with the Theta Casa Nova instead. I also bought an Aragon 47K phono amp, but Mondial was very vague on its delivery & its sounds right for the price range. I started checking out the Theta Dreadnauhgt amp & was impressed with its clarity & tonality, but the price was too high. In other words; the Adcom 5503 3 channel amp was good for the price, but I always wondered if the Aragon 8008X3 3 channel amp matched to the Aragon 8008BB amp would round off the tonality of the audio system. Later I was given a very good deal with an Aragon 8008X3 3 channel amp & I have been burning it for the last couple of days. Its a little cleaner sounding than the Adcom 5503 3 channel amp, but not that much more to write about except that the Aragon 8008-X3 3 channel amp looks better in my front room because it matches the color of my Aragon 8008BB amp (it has a green light & the Adcom had a red light). Sometimes I wish I had the money for the top of the line audio gear (for my ears it's Audio Research & Theta), but there are other things in life more important. Mondial dealers in southern CA. have always been good & that makes me happy, but I am left still wondering...
Written in 2002: The Aragon 8008X3 is now with some NHT VS-2a speakers in a NHT 5.1 audio/video system & has been working fine for a year & half. I am very happy with the amp & have now plans to upgrade. In other words; I upgraded my stereo with mono blocks & maded a smaller & cheaper 5.1 audio/video system where the Aragon 8008X3 is matching its class range. Good for the price but one can always do better if one wants to.

Product Weakness: Amp runs the center & rear channels & I am a stereo type of guy. Its hard to say
Product Strengths: Good product for the price with matching price range speakers

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Aragon 8008BB
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Theta Casa Nova
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony 9000ES
Speakers:	NHT VT2 & VS2a
Cables/Interconnects:	Harmonic Technology Truth-Links
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	CD,DVD,SACD
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Amp runs the center & rear channels & I am a stereo type of guy. Its hard to say
Product Strengths:	Good product for the price with matching price range speakers