Summary:
having a 5 channel ribbon/planar speaker setup (bohlender graebner), I need a HIGH current dynamic amp to drive them. Tried almost everything- see similar products used. a friend of mine has an audio shop, so i got to demo LOTS of amps. Finally settled on the aragon. This amp made my ribbons SING. Tons of bass output, better depth and clarity. IMHO & in my setup, best amp for 5 channel dollar wise.

Havent tried the ultra high end krell or levinson, but I dont think I really need to now.

Setup-
meridian 561 processor
Meridian 596 dvd player
BG 520s, 420s & 220
2 Talon Roc subs
Quad FM4 tuner

Strengths:
tremendous current, power and dynamics

Weaknesses:
size, weight, no auto on-off

Similar Products Used:
sunfire cinema grand, proceed amp5, citation 7.1, bryston 9bst, classe cav150, cinepro 2k6II, others

Price Paid:  $2000.00 from EBay

Summary:
I concur with both of the previous reviews. The 8008x5 amp provides incredible detail, but I would still classify it as a "warm" sound. Not quite tube-like, but it has unbelievable bass quality and quantity. For a low impedance speaker like the Apogee/Martin Logan or other electrostatic or planar speaker, you can't find a better amp for the $$$.

Right now they are driving a pair of cheap Boston Acoustic speakers (I'm picking up a pair of used Apogee Stages this weekend), and they make even those speakers sound good.

The only complaint I have is a low level hum when no music is being played. The hum is not audible with normal listening levels, but I'm planning to investigate whether an upgraded power cord or different speaker cable will alleviate the hum.

Strengths:
Clarity, power, value

Weaknesses:
Size, low level hum

Similar Products Used:
Aragon 8008 (2 channel version)

Summary:
I have been a top of the line receiver man my entire life...primarily because of the ease of use and relative cost per performance. But after getting an incredible deal on an Aragon 8008X5 power amplifier, I decided it was time to take my first steps into High End home theater.

After discussions with the Aragon people and several High End Retailers. I installed two 20 amp AC circuits, and bought a Tice 3B Powerblock AC filter surge protector. I purchased a Granite Audio #560 30-amp power cord; Carver Pro/Phoenix Gold High End balanced interconnects and speaker cables. I connected all this to an Integra Research RDC-7 pre-pro and RDV-1 DVD Audio/Video Player. I ran the gear for about 2 weeks in different modes to burn it in. Purchased some new music, including some DVD-audio discs. And nearly lost my mind after hearing the sound.

Everything sounds better than anything I've ever owned. The surround sound really surrounds. 2 Channel stereo sounds like the surround channels are "on"; the sound stage is huge. The sound is sweet, clean, deep, and authentic. I watched the eagle's "Hell Freezes Over DVD" and thought I was on stage "live" with the camera man. Digital cable, VCR (sounds more like DVD), Laser discs, Radio; everything (I havn't connected my cassette deck or reel to reel yet) is improved.

With High Quality CDs and DVD Audio you can hear the subtle textures of instruments. The strings slapping against the wooden neck of a fretless bass or the sound of fingers across the head of a set of congas. Breathing, the after ring and overtones of bells and cymbals. It seems their is no ceiling. Nothing is muffled or compressed. The sound is open, airy, and nuetral; very detailed. The timber is natural and lively but not bright; full, but not bloated. This amp should cost double it's price.

The Aragon 8008X3 (the 8008X5's little brother) was given a AAA rating in Stereophile's Guide to Home Theater's Recommended components list for the years 2000 and 2001. I'm sure this amp would fare no less.

I called Aragon a couple of times to ask a question or two and ended up speaking to the owner. How about that for Product support. The aragon people are great.

My system includes:
Aragon 8008X5 power amplifier
Integra Research RDC-7; seven channel, tuner Pre-Pro
Integra Research RDV-1 DVD-Audio/Video player
Tice 3-B Powerblock
Atlantic Technology 350THX Speakers
Velodyne F-1800 Subwoofer
Otari MX-5050 Reel to Reel
Pioneer CLD-D704 Laser Disc Player
Pioneer CT-W 900R cassette deck
RCA VR725HF S-VHS VCR
Granite Audio #560 AC Mains 10AWG Cable
Carver Pro/Phoenix Gold LXR & Speaker cables
Audio Quest speaker cable
Monster Cable M-351 SWHT THX subwoofer cable
Pioneer Rear Projector

Strengths:
Build Quality, Sound, Price

Weaknesses:
size; won't fit into most AV or Audio racks

Similar Products Used:
High End receivers

Price Paid:  $2400.00

Summary:
Aragon 8008x5 is an excellent example of how multichannel amplifier should be made. It has virtually unlimited power output (limited only by your wall outlet). It has an exceptional built quality (first rate): gold plated posts, heavy guage case, study construction, large feet, huge heat sinks for each individual channel.

The sound is nothing but accurate. Bass notes were played with full authority. High and mid are so sweet and untruncated. Absolutely a world class amp.

Highly recommended.

Associated Equipments:

-EAD Theater Master
-Martin Logan Request
-Martin Logan Logos
-Velodyne F1800XR Subwoofer
-Pioneer Elite DV-F09 DVD Changer
-Pioneer Elite PD-F19 CD Changer
-Nordost Cable through out.

Strengths:
Raw Power, Bass Reproduction

Weaknesses:
None (maybe to heavy to move around)

Similar Products Used:
EAD PowerMaster 2000, EAD Power Master 500