Aragon Stage One HT Preamp and 3005 Amplifier

These days, when one sees the name Aragon, visions of The Lord of the Rings come to mind. But, then, that's Aragorn. Still, looking at the blue streams of light that seem to shine from deep inside the front panel of these handsome home theater components, one does get a sense of the mystical and the magical. I was captivated by this look the first time I saw the Aragon gear at the Festival du Son last March.

The Stage One is an 8-channel unit in both analog (via a DB-25 input like that on the Sunfire Theater Grand) and digital, with Crystal Semiconductor 24-bit D/A converters for each channel. There's also a stereo Direct mode which does not convert analog inputs into digital form.

Additional inputs are provided for TV, DVD, Video, VCR, CD, Tape, Aux, all selected by front panel buttons (or on the remote), the selection of the internal tuner also available on either. There are plenty of digital inputs: 3 Toslink and seven coaxial RCAs. All video inputs have both composite and S connectors, with TV, DVD and VCR inputs also having RCA component input trios. There's a single RCA component out set.

Analog outputs are all RCAs, a little odd in that the matching 3005 amplifier also offers balanced XLR inputs. There are also digital and analog record outs on the Stage One. In addition, there are RS-232 jacks (by which software upgrades can be loaded), IR-in, and 12V DC out facilities, along with an "Expansion Port" with a screwed on cover.

The 3000 power amplifier series is THX Ultra certified, which means it passes "a rigorous series of quality and performance tests", covering "operatioon, output power levels, gain, frequency response and numerous other parameters." According to the Aragon web site, the 3005 "will deliver 300 watts into 8 ohms and 500 watts into 4 ohms." "The 3005 is a 5-channel amplifier that achieves it high output using the fewest active components possible for a more dynamic, powerful and more detailed performance. The minimalist approach of our design results not only in better sound, but in amplifiers that consistently rate among the most reliable available at any price."

"The 3000 Series amplifiers feature a single power supply design that we call SmartPower(TM). In this configuration, a channel could provide substantially more than its rated power for short periods of time by getting more energy from the power supply while the other channels aren't demanding as much. SmartPower enables the amplifier to perform at optimal levels in high-end two-channel environments as well as in the most demanding home theater applications."

If you want to use the Stage One's extra channels, the addition of the 3002 stereo amplifier is an option, as is the more recent 2007 (200 wpc) 7-channel amp. Channel assignments can include the centre rear for Dolby and DTS ES or THX EX, or be used for additional surrounds; line outs are provided for both Surround and Surround Back. Which surround channels are the discrete Dolby Digital and DTS surrounds is finally made clear on page 17 of the Stage One manual, with a diagram showing the basic surrounds at either side of the listening position, and the extra Surround Back pair behind.

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