When I first started this whole HI-End audio experience, and got to the point where an amp was the next in the list of upgrades, I had the same problem as you.
I was looking at the Bryston 4B-ST, Classe CA-300, Aragon 8008BB, and McCormack DNA1 Deluxe, . I was lucky enough to see, or rather hear, all of them at CES. One of the best times I have ever had. I got to see the guts of each one as well.
Based on looks alone I liked the Classe with its huge front handles and small back ones. It was huge. Almost saying "one person can't handle me". The Aragon had that cool V-cut.
Based on the construction of each, i.e. inside, the Classe won hands down. The transformer was HUGE. Way Bigger than the others. Capasitors everywhere.
Sound however is the only thing that should sway your opinion, ...and price. Not looks, not construction, not warranty.
In the end it was between the Aragon and the Classe. I liked the idea of a tubey sounding, solid state amp. That was the Classe.
The Aragon was better than either the Bryston or the McCormack. Fuller sounding, better bass extension, more precise location of the instruments.
Even at CES it is impossible to get a direct comparison of any two pieces of audio equipment. The absolute best way to make a decision is to sit in your own room with your equipment and listen. Unfortunately, this is also one of the most difficlut things to do. Especially for those of us who have no hi-end stores located within 50 miles, like me.
I bought a Classe CA-300 for two reasons.
1: After much reading, research, and listening to the Classe and Aragon in as many stores as I could over the course of 1 year, I decided I liked the Classe more.
2: I got one for a fantastic deal.
I liked it so much that my system now comprises of: Classe CDT-1, DAC-1, CP-50, CA-400. Never had a problem.
I was looking at the Bryston 4B-ST, Classe CA-300, Aragon 8008BB, and McCormack DNA1 Deluxe, . I was lucky enough to see, or rather hear, all of them at CES. One of the best times I have ever had. I got to see the guts of each one as well.
Based on looks alone I liked the Classe with its huge front handles and small back ones. It was huge. Almost saying "one person can't handle me". The Aragon had that cool V-cut.
Based on the construction of each, i.e. inside, the Classe won hands down. The transformer was HUGE. Way Bigger than the others. Capasitors everywhere.
Sound however is the only thing that should sway your opinion, ...and price. Not looks, not construction, not warranty.
In the end it was between the Aragon and the Classe. I liked the idea of a tubey sounding, solid state amp. That was the Classe.
The Aragon was better than either the Bryston or the McCormack. Fuller sounding, better bass extension, more precise location of the instruments.
Even at CES it is impossible to get a direct comparison of any two pieces of audio equipment. The absolute best way to make a decision is to sit in your own room with your equipment and listen. Unfortunately, this is also one of the most difficlut things to do. Especially for those of us who have no hi-end stores located within 50 miles, like me.
I bought a Classe CA-300 for two reasons.
1: After much reading, research, and listening to the Classe and Aragon in as many stores as I could over the course of 1 year, I decided I liked the Classe more.
2: I got one for a fantastic deal.
I liked it so much that my system now comprises of: Classe CDT-1, DAC-1, CP-50, CA-400. Never had a problem.