Creek Destiny Integrated vs. Current Aragon System

I've used a Aragon 24K (P&G volume, improved PSU) for a couple of years and was pretty happy with it. Then I bought an Audio Research LS-2 preamp and realised that the Aragon wasn't as good as I thought and had been holding back the potential of the system for a long time. So I suggest to try some other preamps in your system and listen if you hear any improvement. The 4004 seems to be pretty good, so I'd hold on to that. That being said, any older (power)amp might benefit from some TLC. Have the caps checked and replaced if necessary, adjust the bias etc. That might improve things as well.

Thank you, Satch. I have the exact same Aragon preamp you have described. Others have suggested Tube amplification as an option for improved musicality. Perhaps a tube preamp may give me some of that "Tube Magic", that is if my 4004 can reproduce, with some accuracy, the sonic qualities of a tube preamp.

Anyone with some additional thoughts on this? Does a decent preamp exist for around 2K? Is a tube or hybrid a good idea, or should I stick with a better SS connected to my 4004?

I have an Aragon 2004 Mk II with a Conrad Johnson PV10BL tube preamp and couldn't be happier. Speakers are Magnepan MG12. I also had good results with a Bottlehead Foreplay 2.

I've seen many others using the Aragon 2004/4004/8008 amps with tube pres and maggies so I would say there's no problem there. You could get a used CJ preamp for a lot less than 2K to see if it works for you without jumping in with both feet.

Dear Schlagelk,
Thank you! I think I am getting closer to the audio quality I am seeking.

Taking the advice of a previous response, I brought my 4004 into a very experienced electronics repair shop and requested a tune-up for my 4004. The technician, with over 20 years of experience in this area, managed to get in contact with two Klipsch engineers from the former Aragon. The Aragon engineers provided him with schematics and recommended parts replacement/improvement for the amp. Upgrade is under way now for what I consider to be a very reasonable expense ($300.00) and is claimed to produce a much more musical amp; I'm really excited to hear it upon return!

So, like you, others have mentioned the target I may consider is going after is a pre-amp that may better my Aragon 24k SP. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated.

Now, to find the right pre-amp.. I have no high end dealer in town, or even close, so I appreciate your suggested solution and would welcome suggestions from others as well.

Again - Thank you!
Rpg

To clarify, $375.00, mostly parts costs. The technician provided me with some really interesting information regarding the history of Aragon amps and their evolution. I am verbose by nature, so I'm not going to get into specifics here, but for those who own an Aragon amp, you may be interested in learning more about this. When the work is completed on my amp, I'll share my perceived results.