This in-depth review dives into Aragon's latest high-end audiophile system: the Titanium stereo amplifier and Tungsten preamplifier. This remarkable pairing promises unparalleled fidelity and a listening experience unlike any other. We'll explore the exceptional build quality, meticulously selected components, and impressive specifications that justify the substantial price tag. From its dual-mono design and built-in DAC with room correction to its impressive power output and extended frequency response, we'll examine every detail of this premium audio setup.The review will cover Aragon's commitment to American manufacturing and its dedication to long-term value, including a unique upgrade policy and extended warranty. We'll analyze the sonic characteristics, focusing on the amplifier's speed, dynamic range, and exceptional clarity. Ultimately, we'll determine whether the Aragon Titanium and Tungsten represent a worthwhile investment for discerning audiophiles seeking a truly reference-quality listening experience, weighing the significant cost against the undeniable benefits of superior performance and lasting durability.
Pros And Cons
- Conservatively rated at 200 watts at 8 ohms, 400 watts at 4 ohms
- Heavily biased class AB operation (12 watts class A)
- True dual mono construction with two transformers and independent filter banks
- Fast slew rate (120 volts per microsecond)
- Excellent imaging
- Bandwidth extends beyond 100kHz
- DC coupled with servo, usable response down to 5Hz
- High-quality components and tight tolerances
- Made in the USA
- 5-year warranty
- Cannot be bridged to become a monoblock
- Excellent DAC built in
- Multi-way crossover capabilities
- Analog direct input for turntables
- Analog domain volume control
- Bass management and subwoofer crossovers
- Built-in room correction system
- Upgradeable
- 5-year warranty with upgrade warranty renewal
- No streamer built-in
- BTL mono amplifier
- Doubled power, slew rate, and high-bias class A power compared to the Titanium
- High-quality components and tight tolerances
- Made in the USA
- 2-ohm capable
- 5-year warranty
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Aragon's New Titanium Stereo Amplifier and Tungsten Preamplifier
Aragon's new Titanium stereo amplifier and Tungsten preamplifier are a remarkable pairing, designed for high-fidelity audio reproduction. The preamp boasts a built-in DAC with multi-way crossover and room correction capabilities, offering unparalleled flexibility. It even features a completely analog volume control for purists. The amplifier itself is a powerhouse, conservatively rated at 200 watts at 8 ohms and 400 watts at 4 ohms. This is a true dual mono design, with separate transformers and filter banks for each channel, ensuring exceptional channel separation.
This high-end audio setup is far from basic; it's aimed at the discerning audiophile who demands the best. The construction is nothing short of exceptional, with an emphasis on the highest-quality components and tight tolerances. It is a testament to Aragon's commitment to building premium, lasting audio equipment. The focus on quality materials and precise engineering makes these pieces stand out.
Pricing, Build Quality, and Upgradeability
The price point for this premium setup is significant: $20,000 for the Tungsten preamp and $13,000 for the Titanium amplifier. However, Aragon justifies the cost with its commitment to using top-tier components and meticulous build quality. Every resistor and capacitor is selected for its high quality and tight tolerances. Even the layout of the PCBs is carefully considered for optimal signal-to-noise ratio.
Aragon's dedication to superior components and detailed engineering is evident in the remarkable specifications and robust construction. Even the inclusion of upgradeability, with a 5-year warranty that restarts with each upgrade, demonstrates a commitment to long-term value and customer satisfaction. It’s a clear sign that Aragon is building audio equipment designed to endure.
Additionally, the preamplifier is upgradeable, which extends the longevity of the investment significantly. Aragon states it will restart your warranty if you send the preamp for upgrades; this reduces the worry of obsolescence.
Design Philosophy and Sonic Characteristics
Aragon's design philosophy centers around creating a truly exceptional listening experience. The amplifiers are engineered for exceptional speed and dynamic range, boasting an impressive slew rate of 120 volts per microsecond. This allows the amps to accurately reproduce even the most subtle nuances and transients in audio recordings, offering remarkable clarity and detail. The deep bass response extends down to 5 hertz, providing an incredibly realistic and immersive listening experience.
The amplifiers are designed to create exceptional dynamic range and detail for a complete and engaging listening experience. They handle any speaker imaginable, allowing them to be incredibly versatile pieces of equipment for your audio setup. Aragon uses this as a point of pride in their line of amplifiers.
Aragon aims for a balanced and accurate sonic profile, showcasing the natural characteristics of recordings without any coloration or distortion. They boast a wide bandwidth, extending beyond 100kHz at the top end, enabling accurate reproduction of high-frequency information. The DC-coupled design with a servo extends the usable frequency response down to 5Hz, capturing the full range of musical dynamics.
Made in America and the 1Hz Test
One of the most impressive aspects of Aragon is its commitment to American manufacturing. The amplifiers are designed and built in Indianapolis, Indiana, using high-quality components sourced both domestically and internationally. This commitment to American craftsmanship is a testament to Aragon's belief in creating durable and high-performing products.
Aragon's focus on American manufacturing provides jobs and boosts the American economy. While some components are sourced internationally, the assembly and testing happen right here in the US. The result of this strategy is high-quality products backed by exceptional customer service and a long warranty.
Finally, the ability of these amplifiers and speakers to reproduce a 1Hz tone (while you may not *hear* it, you can *see* the speaker move) showcases both the amplifier's deep bass capabilities and its compatibility with highly capable speakers like those from Totem.
Conclusion
The Aragon Titanium amplifier and Tungsten preamplifier represent a pinnacle of audio engineering and design. The high price point is justified by the exceptional quality of components, meticulous construction, and impressive performance. The inclusion of upgradeability and a robust warranty adds significant long-term value.
While the price is high, these amplifiers offer a clear advantage in terms of build quality and fidelity, and provide a sonic experience exceeding that of many more expensive competitors. Their focus on clean, detailed sound and extended frequency response make them an excellent choice for audiophiles who seek the best possible listening experience. They are clearly a statement piece, designed for those who want to create a true reference-quality audio system.
However, potential buyers should weigh the significant investment against their budget and listening needs. For those who value exceptional sound quality, American craftsmanship, and long-term value, Aragon’s offering will be well worth the cost.