Aragon Soundstage Features & DSP Modes
The Soundstage may not have all the bells and whistles typically found on other processors, but it has it where it counts. Tabulated below is a feature matrix listing the most important attributes of the Soundstage.
Feature Matrix for Soundstage
| Class A Analog Preamplfier | Surround Sound Processor |
| Direct Analog Passthrough | Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic |
| Easy to use one button-press operation | Full auto detection for Dolby Digital, DTS, PCM and analog. |
| 8 analog inputs, 11 digital inputs | 8 S video inputs, 8 Composite video inputs |
| Digital output | 6 channel analog input |
| Analog domain volume control Electronically controlled micro-pot | Balanced Outputs and Single Ended Outputs for all 6 channels |
| RS-232 Input/Output | 5 volt control output rear panel IR input |
| Digital Input Expansion Port | Video Input Expansion Port |
| Preprogrammed/Learner Universal Remote Control | Large VTF front panel display |
| Low noise, toroidal transformer power supply with multiple isolated supplies for analog, digital, and control. | Additional regulated power supply available to allow future expansion |
| Manufactured in the USA | Fully hardware and software upgradable modular design |
DSP Modes That Don't Sound Like Music In A Toilet:
Rather than equipping the Soundstage with 40 or so useless DSP modes, with claims of transforming your living room into a Stadium, Church or even a Wine Cellar, Aragon has taken a much simpler, yet practical approach for adding ambience while preserving the naturalness and imaging characteristics of the two front channels. For example, the Soundstage is equipped with following ambience modes for non-discrete applications:
LF = Left Front; RF = Right Front; LR = Left Rear; RR = Right Rear; C = Center
Party Mode: Signal from left front channel goes to left surround channel. Signal from right front channel goes to right surround channel. A mix is sent to the center channel. No delay.
Or:
LF = LR ; RF = RR
C = LF + RF
Hall: L+R signal sent to center channel and each surround channel. The surround channel signal runs thru a reverb algorithm to simulate a large hall.
Or:
C= LF+RF
LR = RR = C + delay
Although the Soundstage is only equipped with two surround modes for music enhancement, these modes are extremely musical. In almost every instance I engaged these modes, I noted an enhanced soundfield that was unobtrusive or artificial sounding.
I particularly enjoyed listening to some of my classic Steely Dan CD's from the 70's in Hall mode. Donald Fagen once said "Don't ever do it without the Fez on." My follow-up quote to that is "Never listen to the Dan without the DSP on." My point is, the Soundstage engaged in this DSP mode took an otherwise dull recording and brought it new life and dimension. The Party mode was great at transforming my living room into a disco tech when listening to lively, bass intense dance music from artists such as George Michael, Madonna, and Prince.