General Asylum: REVIEW: Aragon Palladium II mono blocks Amplifier (SS) by JD3

Model:	Palladium II mono blocks
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$5000.00 a pair
Description:	400 watts into 8 ohms (5Hz-20kHz) SS mono blocks
Manufacturer URL:	Aragon
Model Picture:	View

Review by JD3 ( A ) on September 26, 2002 at 12:49:13
IP Address: 64.60.163.114

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for the Palladium II mono blocks

Upgrading from an Aragon 8008BB dual mono amp to run Martin Logan SL3 speakers, I bought one of the last pair of these fine mono blocks before the new model comes out with upgraded cosmetics. Right away I notice more detail in the background information & tighter bass while giving the same tube like smoothness as the Aragon 8008BB. Very simple design that comes in either Balance or RCA, I have the Balance that runs from an Audio Research LS16 pre-amp to Sony XA7ES CD transport, & Aragon 47K phono pre-amp to Rega Planar 3 turntable. I read a professional review where the author writes to leave alot of room because the mono blocks became hot to his touch, but I never had any problems & only feel a little heat coming from the vents. Either that author was running some werid speakers with a very high load or I am doing something wrong. I placed the mono blocks under a 11 inch stand, but now I think 9 inches would of done it. I can never go back to a stereo amp again :) JD3

Product Weakness: heavy and costly
Product Strengths: Clarity with full range detail

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	(2) Aragon Palladium mono blocks
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audio Research LS16
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony XA7ES & Rega Planar 3
Speakers:	(2) Martin Logan SL3
Cables/Interconnects:	Harmonic Technology Pro-Silway MK II & Truth-Links
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	All types but extreme pop & rap
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	heavy and costly
Product Strengths:	Clarity with full range detail