Replacement for Aragon 4004 Mkii

jimbones · January 14, 2013, 10:08:33 AM

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.

richidoo · January 14, 2013, 10:15:30 AM

http://www.indyaudiolabs.com/aragon-4004-mkii.aspx

sleepyguy24 · 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.

jimbones · January 14, 2013, 11:40:23 AM

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

richidoo · January 14, 2013, 12:19:29 PM

This just in... from Vegas...

http://www.stereophile.com/content/aragon-lives

jimbones · January 14, 2013, 12:29:25 PM

Quote from: richidoo on January 14, 2013, 12:19:29 PM
This just in... from Vegas...

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.

richidoo · January 14, 2013, 01:16:37 PM

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.

jimbones · January 15, 2013, 05:18:52 AM

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.

sleepyguy24 · January 15, 2013, 06:53:15 AM

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

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

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.

jimbones · January 15, 2013, 09:04:21 AM

I did find a "DNA with Silver Upgrade". I will look at the schematic for possible upgrades

rollo · 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

jimbones · 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.

I guess I should consider the installation of a power substation as well.

rollo · January 15, 2013, 10:36:04 AM

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. I guess I should consider the installation of a power substation as well.

They do not draw excessive power from the wall.

charles

hometheaterdoc · January 17, 2013, 08:10:45 AM

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....

Lissnr · February 21, 2013, 03:04:28 AM

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.