I also had a an ACT-3 with the bass management chipset and traded up to the Soundstage. I used it both for music and HT and was well satisfied. Also an avid jazz fan and the 2 channel sound with the Sounstage was quite good and more than a few steps better than the ACT-3. Hope this helps
Aragon Soundstage...worth the extra ?
As an audiophile neophyte, I'm currently using the Acurus ACT-3 pre-pro, but I'm primarily a music lover. Music listening comprises about 90% of my system's use. My local high end dealer will accept my 7 month old Acurus for trade along with about $1,000 cash for a 1 year old Aragon Soundstage. I'm an avid acoustic jazz listener and my other primary equipment includes B&W 640i mains, Audio Research 100.2 SS amp (which I love!), Paradigm PS-1200 sub, Rotel RCD-971 CD Player, and Audio Research interconnencts. Does the Soundstage sound that much better than the Acurus in stereo? Is it worth the extra cheese? I hear the Aragon is more upgradeable. Will it take me into the future adequately? Oh, my dealer also swears by the Richard Gray Power Company. Any opinions on that too would be greatly appreciated?