Aragon vs. Parasound to power Martin Logans (1 Viewer)

I somewhat find myself in a predicament, I am in upgrade mode, but am not feeling too rich these days. I am on the market for a new amp to power my Martin Logan Aerius Speakers and my only 2 choices right now are an Aragon 2004 (100W/ch @ 8 ohms, 200W/ch @ 4 ohms), or a Parasound HCA-1500A (205W/ch @ 8 ohms, 315W/ch @ 4 ohms)I guess it is the 4 ohm rating that is more important as my ML's are rated at 4 ohms. This is my first step into seperates, and I am in dire need of advice from impartial and experienced people as yourselves, I am not able to audition both amps, just the Aragon maybe. I am currently using a Pioneer Elite VSX-29TX (120W/ch @ 6 ohms, n/r @ 4 ohms) to power these, as I just upgraded from PSB Stratus Silvers to the Aerius. I will be using the Pioneer for a while as a pre/pro. Both the Aragon and the Parasound are used and pretty much the same price. I keep hearing I will notice a vast improvement over my Pioneer Elite with a good amp, but just can't imagine it, I guess we'll see! I would appreciate any input, thank you!

You will see a vast difference with a broader sound stage clearer more defined highs and lows less distortion at higher listening levels I currently own a parasound amp it's the 1205a went to separates 2 months ago and the amp made such a big difference.The amps build quality is one of the best out there for the money thx certified 10 year warrenty 140 watts x5 @8ohms 200 watts x5 @4ohms these are conservitive numbers this amp really proforms I am pushing CDM7Nt full range speakers front and rear it never gets hot I run it all the time my system is in the living room and the amp is always on with the TV or music and DVD, this is one amp you will never be sorry buying. I purchased it for undr $1000.00 its worth every penny

The Aragon is perfect for you, and the Parasound for me. Seriously, I could use it to power a couple of DIY subs that will be built, so if you decide against it, and have a lead on it, lemme know. I already own 1.
I just think the Aragon will be more detailed at the top. If it's got the guts to handle the ML.
Goodluck,
Lex

The parasound has all the guts you will need and will not clip at high levels if you can stand playing it that loud

OK, don't know much about the parasound but I do know what the arius's will sound like with the Aragon. I have been trying a few different amps these last few days and have made a few conclusions on what I really like in stereo that is. I have tried my Aragon, Adcom 2 channel amp, a set on Marantz Gold mono amps, Acurus 2 channel amp, Denon 5700 receiver and creek 2 channel amp. With the Arius's the sound would change with every amp. I am running my EAD signature processor, EAD CD transport using the AT&T tosslink cable and Kimber select speaker cable and interconnects.
With the Denon 5700 the sound stage was really narrow, almost no depth and the highs where to "tin-ny" or bright and the Bass was really sloppy and uncontrolled.
With the Adcom, it was just a little better than the Denon but I did notice the sound stage was a little larger but the bass was still sloppy and the highs where just to bright.
Then I tried the Creek Amp, What an awesome amp for the money. Its extremely small, great sound stage, Good tight bass good imaging good depth. It did however have its bad side. It just didn't have enough power to play loud, it would start to clip at higher levels.
The same goes for the Marantz mono amps. The marantz amps didn't have the soundstage that the creek had but, not bad at all. Still didn't play to well loud. Just not enough power.
The Acurus was, well great. The bass was tight, the imaging was accurate, the depth was great the highs really were crisp and smooth. Overall a good sounding amp.
Then I tried the Aragon. Let me tell ya, this amp sounds, SO much better. It becomes a completely different speaker. Bass is fast and tight, vocals are smooth and accurate, depth is amazing and imaging and soundstage is large and accurate. Such a good sounding amp. I did this test because a friend that just bought a Denon 5700 said “you can't get better sound than this Denon. An amp is only so good and you can only hear so much" Proved him wrong and then some.

If my Pioneer is 120 watts into 6 ohms, then how much better can an amp with the same power be sooo much better? I can understand, a subtle difference because of the power supply, but a huge difference? I was under the impression that my "top of the line" reciever (at the time 3 yrs. ago), would have really good amps (MOSFET). So has anyone upgraded from a very good ioneer reciever lately? I am also wondering if it would be more beneficial to get the Parasound over the Aragon because of the headroom in wattage (315 vs. 200 @4 ohms). One thing I do notice about the Aragon is that it completely doubles in wattage from 8 to 4 ohms, whereas the Parasound jumps approx. 50%. Should I get more Power or what? Sorry for going on and on, but this is sort of on a time sensitive basis, and I am so used to buying higher end receivers that going into separates is totally new to me. I feel that the Pioneer pushes the ML's just fine, but I also haven't experienced anything other than what I have, and keep on hearing about the big difference that it makes. So I am putting my faith into you guys, I value your opinions!!!

Martin Logan's are minimally rated at 4 ohms. But they can present impediances of 2 or so ohms at the high end. Look for an amp that doubles power from 8 to 4 to 2 ohms. The Aragon 2004 - Martin Logan Quest and Stylos pairing is a very good match. I did that for a number of years with a pair of 2004's and later a pair of 8002's.

I can't speak to the Aerius or Parasound equipment. I would be leary of the inability of the Parasound to double real world power and the impedance halves. Call Parasound most smaller manufacturers are pretty honest about their equipment matches with.

rw

Sorry, but what do you mean by Stylos pairing?

Between the two, my vote would be for the Aragon.

Better sonic match to the M/L musically.

So I guess nobody here has upgraded from Pioneer Elite to seperate amps recently...or used Parasound amps with Martin Logan speakers? I am leaning towards the Aragon more and more, but cannot get over the extra 115W/ch on the Parasound. I guess I am concerned that I may need another Aragon later just to measure up to the extra headroom that the Parasound will supply. The other thing I like about the Parasound is that it is about 21-2 years old as opposed to the at least 6 year old Aragon. Any opinions?

I think Aragon is the Rodney Dangerfield of amps NO RESPECT!..I have heard the 8008ST on several occassions and besides the M.L. No 436's they are my favorite amps!! I am saving my $$$ for a full Revel Performa setup and Aragon WILL be the amps I use unless I find some deal on a Theta Dreadnaught that I can't pass up! . The only thing to be careful is when it comes to Aragon is they can run hot and need proper ventilation!!
Happy Hunting!
Michael

I'd have to agree with the majority here that the Aragon's are very solid amps. As for your Pioneer to be honest if there's a weak area of nearly all Pioneer's its there amps. Since that Aragon can double its wattage into 4 ohms it must mean its got an amazing power supply so it can provide the current required (no easy feat)...that makes an ideal amp for your very demanding speakers. Forget about wattage it means little in the real world when those ML's demand current and lots of it FYI I went from a Denon 3300 (105 watts) to a HK 5800 (85 watts) to a Musical Fidelity Class A/AB amp (125 watts) and in each case the differences were stagering...its all about current

Check out the parasound 2205a at their web site features and specs,reviews and make your own conclusions as to which is the better of the bunch.

Thie amp will be everything you will need and more for music and home theaterand drive your ML like you never heard them play before.

Well I finally crumbled!!! I bought the Aragon 2004...I hooked it up kind of late last night, so I couldn't check it out like I would have liked yet. One thing though, out of curiosity, should an amp warm up before full quality from it is expected? It seemed to me as though about 20 minutes after it was powered up, the volume seemed a bit higher, and the sound a little fuller. Could be different music on the cd though (it was a compilation).

The Aragon definately needs to be warmed upbefore you get full sound out of it. It just gets more detailed. Good choice.