Aragon, Parasound or Bryston

Thanks for the responses. Looks like Parasound for me. Not ready to mess with class D yet. Too many mixed opinions and no real way to audition.
I  had an old Yamaha receiver in the 80s. It was an R1000 with a switching power supply. It was the first time I spent real money on Hi Fi with it being almost $1000 (plenty for a receiver when you are a teenager). I remember being so disappointed with the sound.  I dont know if it was class D or something else but it touted a switching power supply and impressive output power for a receiver. Sounded fatiguing and lifeless. I fully realize todays class D is not the same but ever since that time I swore.  Where 2 channel is concerned its will be over built, heavy, class A or A/B.
I actually have an 8008ST which just recently died. Its out to get fixed but I'm doubtfull Ill be able to get it fixed here in Winnipeg and shipping out is questionable considering the economics of the process. I loved that 8008. Absolutely loved it and want something comparable. 

energeezer,

      Yes, I've learned that class D has made big strides over the years but I never heard the early examples.  My opinion of current good class D is that you give up nothing in the mids and treble to class A/B but gain better bass response and dynamics.  All the other benefits (smaller size, reduced weight, more affordable price, much cooler running and reduced electricity consumption) enticed me to give it a try. 

     I know not everyone respects class D yet, but others not knowing how good it really is, for me, just adds to its appeal and makes it even cooler.  Realizing there were no negatives to class D only made me wish I had tried it sooner.

     I understand your reluctance since I was a bit reluctant myself initially.  If you ever get curious though, most class D amp sellers offer free in-home trial periods of 3-6 weeks with full 'no questions' refunds so there's no real risk. 

      I know someone who gives it an open-minded comparison would really have to be biased to not admit class D is equal to or superior to class A/B in every meaningful criteria we care about. 

      The best class A/B (Aragon, Bryston, Pass Labs, Parasound Halo, etc.) may be close in sound quality but, when all the other benefits of class D are taken into account, class D is clearly superior in my opinion.

Good luck and Enjoy!

     Tim  

I have the Aragon 8008, and I brought home a Parasound A21 when I first got the Aragon to compare.  I've got PSB Imagine T2 speakers.  The amps were close, but I thought the Aragon had a tad more warmth to the sound (fill in personal adjective here...weight, thickness, heaviness, etc.).  I REALLY don't like too much brightness (edginess, coolness, or just too much clarity) in my music (think Bryston). So, I went with the Aragon.  Been flawless for the past few years.  Not a Bryston man...reputation and warranty notwithstanding.

noble100:  You didn't tell us which Class D amp you are using.  I'm using 3 Parasound JC 1 (LCR), an A 21, and two A 23 (surround) amps that at the moderate listening levels I prefer I suspect stay in Class A, but I might replace the A 21 with a Class D amp in my secondary setup.

db