Aragon, Parasound or Bryston

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

 "I loved that 8008. Absolutely loved it ..."   Fortunate that you know this. So wisely absolutely act in accordance with what you absolutely love. I had a 20 year Krell service tech and authorized servicer for many world class audio lines not just service or recap my Aragon 4004 mkII. To address all the age related possibilities, he renewed and improved rectification and capacitance for improved speed. I am presently and will for decades be enjoying what I absolutely love free of doubt, restlessness and expensive speculation. After all, it doesn't matter what others like or think. Absolutely do that which will most predictably give you what you absolutely love ! Happy New Years of loving what you hear. :-)