Video Asylum

Posted by Larry on January 16, 2000 at 12:54:22:

In Reply to: Mondial Designs Ltd. Aragon Soundstage Preamplifier (HT) posted by Nathan on January 02, 2000 at 05:33:44:

I visited yesterday (while I was supposed to be buying groceries - "Sorry honey, there was a huge line at Ralphs") my long time dealer from whom I've purchased lots of Mondial gear over the years (including BB & X3 amps).

Asked him about the Soundstage. He told me:

1. Mondial is allowing dealers one unit per month. He sold his only one within a week of getting it for full list price (ouch!). He won't get another till Feb. As I indicated, he sells a lot of this gear, so if anyone could get more units in, he'd know.

. . . Expect not to get a great deal if you buy one right now. It's a new unit & supply is tight.

2. He thought there were some bugs with that unit. Didn't get into much detail, but from what he said, they sounded like software problems.

. . . This is not unususual. Lots of products have such problems. You'll often see these problems noted in magazine reviews of new preamp/pros. Example, the original Citation 7.0, when first shiped would "lock up" and have to be turned of/on. As I recall, those Citation problems took a couple of software revisions to fix. And Madrigal is continually updating the AVP's software for increasingly (thankfully) minor bugs.

Summary:
I'd suggest patience to people interested in this unit. I don't mean not to buy it, as I am a long time fan of Mondial's products, but prices are going to be high and bugs are going to be worked out for a little while. And, should you buy, make sure you have a dealer who can/will inform you of software revisions. They can be substantial, and often incorporate the feedback of reviewers & dealers.