Any Old Timers - Aragon 24k sp Preamplifier

[thegratefuldad]

Looking for an old-timer who may know about Mondial Designs and the difference (if any) between the Aragon 24K preamplifier and the Aragon 24k SP preamplifier.
Were there 2 variations of the same preamplifier?
Is one line-level only, and does the other one have a Phono Stage?

 

[watermelonmanaf]

SP has no phono input/stage. The phono stage version has a load adjustable MM/MC phono stage. Both versions also had an option to upgrade both the power supply and the volume potentiometer.

 

[atlvalet]

As mentioned, the Aragon 24K SP means "Sans Phono" Many come with the IPS power supply and Penny & Giles volume potentiometer.

I had mine upgraded by a fellow who specializes in Aragon gear, and honestly, it sounds pretty damn good. Sold my Schitt Freya+ because it sounded "thin" by comparison. In fact, I have a full Aragon 47K/24K SP/4004 mkii stack and it sounds amazing (all rebuilt/upgraded).

Each component now beats the original specs and sounds damn good. I have some Audio Research gear too, and I love both that and the updated Aragon gear.

 

[Gregadd]

I actually me he owner of Aragon at the now defunct Excalibur in Alexandria , Virginia. Aragon was supposed to be a poor mans Krell. I had the combo on demo. I was heavily into tubes at the time.

 

[atlvalet]

Yes, Dan D'Agostino designed the 4004 (and maybe other components). He said he started his new company because he wanted to get back to the magic the KSA-50 gave him (per an interview on Audiophiliacs with Steve Guttenberg).

 

[watermelonmanaf]

I have the phono stage version with the P&G pot and the IPS running into an 8008bb. I couldn’t be happier.

 

[Tuckers]

I had the preamp and amp back in the day. Really good value for the money. Excellent industrial design. But definitely a solid state sounding combo!