I own a Aragon 4004 MkII. I may be able to swing some cash for an upgrade. I want to stay solid state (at least on the output stage). My speakers are 88db eff and i use an SP8 tube preamp. I was thinking 150 wpc. Question is How much in $$$ (Used) do I have to spend to outperform the Aragon? Thanks.
http://www.indyaudiolabs.com/aragon-4004-mkii.aspx (http://www.indyaudiolabs.com/aragon-4004-mkii.aspx)
How much would it cost for the mods to the Aragon? Also what is your overall budget for the used amp? From taking a look at the A'gon archive some people have replaced the 4004 mk2 with the McCormack DNA-500, Levinson 335 or Classe' 300.
Quote from: sleepyguy24 on January 14, 2013, 11:09:11 AM
How much would it cost for the mods to the Aragon? Also what is your overall budget for the used amp? From taking a look at the A'gon archive some people have replaced the 4004 mk2 with the McCormack DNA-500, Levinson 335 or Classe' 300.
I was looking at the DNA but was not sure if that is an upgrade over the 4004
This just in... from Vegas...
http://www.stereophile.com/content/aragon-lives (http://www.stereophile.com/content/aragon-lives)
Quote from: richidoo on January 14, 2013, 12:19:29 PM
This just in... from Vegas...
http://www.stereophile.com/content/aragon-lives (http://www.stereophile.com/content/aragon-lives)
I did read a little bit about it and one of the "big upgrades' was the fact that it has ethernet capability for large multichannel applications. I wouldn't be using that so what I really want to hear from the reviews is how does it sound? How does it compare especially to other audiophile products.
The little review suggests the 4004 is a keeper! Maybe some simple mods is all you need. Signal caps alone could make a huge diff. They have come a long way.
I'll take a look at the unit and see what caps in the signal path. Will need to get my hands on a schematic and evaluate.
I couldn't a pdf copy the exact manual or schematics that I could download.
I did find this link.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/solid-state/207176-aragon-4004-mk2-schematic-needed.html (http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/solid-state/207176-aragon-4004-mk2-schematic-needed.html)
Also I don't know if you saw this info but I figure I'd send it your way anyway.
http://www.angelfire.com/art2/stereorepair117/aragon.html (http://www.angelfire.com/art2/stereorepair117/aragon.html)
From doing more searching in the A'gon archives it seems for every reply saying a McCormack amp is a viable replacement for the 4004 MkII there is another reply saying different. Depending on the repair costs I'd probably just keep the Aragon 4004 MkII unless you can find a deal on an upgraded McCormack DNA-1 or DNA-1 Deluxe.
I did find a "DNA with Silver Upgrade". I will look at the schematic for possible upgrades
If you would like to hear the Arion Hybrid Amps at 500W and 1000W let me know. Your not far away.
charles
Quote from: rollo on January 15, 2013, 09:37:33 AM
If you would like to hear the Arion Hybrid Amps at 500W and 1000W let me know. Your not far away.
charles
Whoa thats some serious power. :shock: I guess I should consider the installation of a power substation as well. :-P
Quote from: jimbones on January 15, 2013, 10:20:15 AM
Quote from: rollo on January 15, 2013, 09:37:33 AM
If you would like to hear the Arion Hybrid Amps at 500W and 1000W let me know. Your not far away.
charles
Whoa thats some serious power. :shock: I guess I should consider the installation of a power substation as well. :-P
They do not draw excessive power from the wall.
charles
that 4004 is a nice amp... a little on the neutral side for me to have as a 100% of the time amp... but you can work around that... I have several friends that have them and have loved them for years....
I also had a 4004 MK2 for years...it was my first "Serious High - End" amp and a great performer...talk about gusto! The bass alone could challenge any other ss beasts. It drove my [then] Maggie MG 3A's with aplomb. Personally I occasionally peak on the A'gon seeing if any pop up in good shape though I haven't jumped on one yet...they are nice amps, sleepers too. If you're happy with SS ...(Tubes rule BTW but I understand SS still has its following) maybe (if your speakers are bi-wireable) you can just find another one, bi - amp, and improve your dynamics even more...it'll open things up across the board and you wouldn't have to worry about internal upgrades at all. My guess is a serious and substantial "Improvement/upgrade" via other ss brands might be a lot more $$$..now, on the other hand, maybe some kind of tube hybrid would be a substantial improvement??
Good luck with it.
Yes any significant upgrade will cost serious dollars. Funny that people characterize it's sound as nuetral as if it's a bad thing. It is what were after isn't it? I do agree with that assessment however. My speakers are bi-wire, maybe i can get a tube amp for the mid/tweeter. i am looking for an amp that has excellent sound staging even if it means adding colouration. I have an Acoustat TNT 200 is could sell to get some cash and add to it. :-k