Introduction The name Aragon has long been synonymous with performance and value. Eons ago, Aragon was put on the high-end audio map with the introduction of the critically acclaimed Aragon 4004MKII amplifier. Today, the Aragon brand name is owned by Klipsch, who have recently introduced an entirely new line of Aragon products with the same lofty goals in mind: to supply products that compete with the very best, at a price that doesn’t require a second mortgage. The Aragon 2007 fits that description as a seven-channel amplifier that measures nine-and-one-quarter inches tall, 15 inches deep, and 17-and-one-quarter inches wide. The 2007 weighs 49 pounds and sells for $3,000, a competitive price as compared with other high-performance multi-channel power amps. Each of the 2007’s amplifier channels is capable of supplying 200 watts of power into eight ohms, and 300 watts into four ohms. This is a whopping total of 1400 watts at eight ohms and 2100 watts into ...

Introduction Parasound has been producing high-quality audio components at a reasonable price for over 20 years. The new HALO line represents a dramatic improvement in both appearance and performance for Parasound. The HALO series represents a departure from Parasound’s traditional black box styling and is clad in a silver brushed metal finish. Each component in the series has a groove, forming an accent line across the bottom portion of each unit. The end caps of each front panel are slightly off-color from the panel itself. Each of the HALO components has a red "P" at the top center that lights up when power is present. I give the front panel the utter coolness award for its faint blue light emanating from behind the buttons which forms like its namesake -- a halo effect. The T 3 retails for $600 and is a full-featured tuner, measuring 17" inches, by four-and-one-eighth inches in height, 13" inches ...

Introduction If you have been into high-performance audio for more than a couple of months, there has been at least one point when you lusted for Krell gear in your system. Dan D’Agostino’s passion and joie de vivre for everything else he does in life (exotic cars, motorcycles, cooking and more) doesn’t even compare with his enthusiasm for the high art form of musical reproduction. Ask anyone who knows the subject about great sound and you are likely to hear Krell brought into the conversation. Krell does nothing better than make amplifiers. The Krell Full Power Balanced 350Mcx, as it is formally known, is a 350 watts per channel (into eight ohm impedances) mono amplifier priced at $6,000 each or (more frequently) at $12,000 per pair. The amp is based on Class A circuitry, which is expensive to design and manufacture but results in a very clean sound that directly addresses the main knock the ...

Introduction Rogue Audio is a fairly new company in the world of high-end tube audio gear. Formed in 1994 by Mark O’Brien, who remains involved with the company as its president and head designer, Rogue Audio strives to provide reasonably priced, high-quality tube gear. A review of the Rogue Audio components reveals that the company spends its time and resources on items that will improve sound quality and not on gingerbread that is unlikely to be used often by audio enthusiasts. The Rogue Audio Eighty-Eight Magnum power amplifier is a good example of Rogue Audio’s efforts to provide high-quality sound, without frills, at a very fair price. The Eighty-Eight Magnum amplifier retails for $1,995, only $400 more than the non-Magnum version. The Rogue products can all be purchased in their regular versions, or for a small increase in price, the Magnum version with upgraded parts reminiscent of a "The Parts Connection" upgrade kit. Rogue Audio ...

Introduction Newly formed company Portal Audio recently introduced their first offering, the “Panache,” a no-frills integrated amplifier with aspirations of offering high-end performance at a reasonable cost. Its main objective is to provide a platform for a simple audio-only system, one which will require minimal processing or switching of limited audio inputs and outputs. The Panache is priced at $1795 and is currently available via Internet direct. Portal Audio offers a 60-day risk-free trial period, taking advantage of a growing Internet model, allowing potential buyers to audition the unit in their own systems to ensure that their needs and expectations are met. The Panache incorporates a passive line stage with a high gain dual mono Class A/AB amplifier in an attractive, somewhat minimalist package. The passive line section consists only of an input selector that routes the incoming signal through Alps volume and balance controls. The Amplifier section is rated at 100 watts per channel ...