Power amplifier Dan D'Agostino Progression Stereo Amplifier, buy at Promotional price, reviews and reviews.

Characteristics:

General characteristics

Manufacturer Dan D'AgostinoType power amplifierStandardstereoNumber of channelsCircuit designSemiconductor

Amplifier parameters

Power of front channels 600 W/channel Maximum reproduced frequency 200000 Hz Minimum reproduced frequency 1 Hz Harmonic distortion 0 % Signal-to-noise ratio 105 dB

Line in/out

Input impedance (line input) 100 kOhm

Interfaces

Number of balanced linear stereo inputs Number of trigger inputs Preamp input yes Acoustic connectors screw Number of trigger outputs Gold-plated connectors yes

Nutrition

Power supply built-in

Design

Color - black yes Color - silver yes Width 457 mm Height 190 mm Depth 508 mm Weight 57 kg

Show all characteristics Power amplifier Dan D'Agostino Progression Stereo Amplifier

Dan D'Agostino Momentum and Progression Amplifiers

There is perhaps no more famous name in the high-end industry than Dan D'Agostino. This man has created many amplifiers, and even those that were released decades ago have still not lost their value. His equipment has always been characterized by uncompromising design and impeccable sound.

Today we will test several of the master’s developments in one system – the classic Momentum 300 monoblocks and a set from the new Progression line.

For a long time, the name Dan D'Agostino was associated with the Krell company, and a lot of equipment was released under this brand that received cult status. Having founded his own company, Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems, in 2012, the audio guru had the opportunity to realize his plans without regard to the opinions of investors and marketers. Facsimile Dan D'Agostino

has become a symbol of High End Audio in its most radical form - without regard to size, weight and cost. In an interview with the American magazine Positive Feedback, Dan literally said the following: “In this company (MAS), I’m practically not interested in anything except the sound. I design equipment, regardless of how it looks and what laboratory measurements show... There is a basic scheme that I adapt for different projects and improve, listening to the result over and over again.” Here, of course, there is a certain amount of slyness, since the technical characteristics of Dan D'Agostino products are all right, and the design too, as you can see for yourself. The most outstanding element of the Momentum M300 is the steampunk style dial indicator, which has become the hallmark of the brand.

The Dan D'Agostino facsimile has become a symbol of High End Audio in its most radical form - without regard to size, weight and cost.

All-in-one Momentum M300 radiators are machined from pure copper, which is known to have much better thermal conductivity than aluminum. Otherwise, with such a case size, it is impossible to bring out and dissipate about a kilowatt of heat - the amplifier produces 300 W at eight ohms, 600 at four and 1200 at two. A strictly linear dependence indicates a record high power supply of the power supply, which is confirmed by the weight of the device, which exceeds 40 kg. A fair portion of it is accounted for by a 1600 VA toroidal transformer, which occupies almost ¾ of the housing.

Another reason for using copper is that the 12 pairs of output transistors mounted on these heat sinks are at the same temperature. At the same time, distortion is noticeably reduced, especially at low levels, which Dan considers almost the main sign of a good amplifier. During operation, the radiators and housing heat up so much that your hand can barely stand it; it looks like the amplifier is operating in class A at up to 40 watts, or maybe more.

The signal to the monoblocks is supplied through a single XLR connector, and is removed from a pair of massive screw terminals.

All-in-one Momentum M300 radiators are machined from pure copper, which is known to have much better thermal conductivity than aluminum.

The Progression series appeared relatively recently, and in it D'Agostino combined his classic solutions with a set of functions that is in demand in our time. Thus, a digital path with optical, coaxial and USB input was added to the Progression Preamplifier - the first such solution in the history of the brand. The digital-to-analog converter supports PCM up to 24-bit/384 kHz and DSD 256 and has balanced output. The further analog path is balanced, made on discrete elements without general feedback, and even with this it has low distortion (>0.018% in the entire audible range) and a gain bandwidth of up to 1 MHz.

The volume control is a 4-section attenuator using high-precision resistors, switched by transistor switches. When you turn the knob, the indicator arrows rise for a short time, showing the remaining volume reserve, and when you set the stereo balance, they allow you to evaluate the difference between the channels.

Another non-standard solution is remote control via Bluetooth. It has a range five times greater than traditional infrared systems and is not limited by line of sight. In addition, the remote control does not have to be pointed at the equipment rack.

The power supply is housed in a separate housing with reliable electromagnetic shielding. The alternating voltage is supplied to the transformer through two filters: one cuts off RF interference, and the second eliminates the direct component that appears when the network is overloaded.

The Progression Preamplifier has six line inputs - four balanced XLRs and two RCAs. There are two outputs, both balanced, which allows you to connect several power amplifiers.

Another non-standard solution is remote control via Bluetooth. Its range is five times greater.

We had one - the Progression Stereo, a 57-kilogram monster in a milled aluminum body and with a huge porthole on the front panel. It has the same power output as the pair of all-in-ones described above, but it doesn't get as hot. It's all about the proprietary Super Rail power system, the principle of which D'Agostino, by his own admission, borrowed from specialists in boosting car engines. The voltage on the power rails varies depending on the amplitude of the signal - it is maximum at peaks and minimum at quiet fragments. At the same time, the output stage does not “starve”, and energy is not wastedly converted into heat. The basis of the system is a three-kilowatt transformer and a bank of capacitors with a capacity of 400,000 uF.

However, the Progression Stereo's heat sinks are also serious - each is milled from a 22-kilogram aluminum billet. Vertical vents improve cooling through natural convection. Despite its substantial dimensions, the amplifier does not look bulky - the front panel rounded at the top conceals the height of the case. It is available in two standard colors, silver and black, but customized options are also possible.

The listening system was selected in accordance with the class of subjects. The Aqua La Diva CD transport was connected to an Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty digital hub, the signal from which was fed to a Progression Preamp. Speaker systems - ATC EL150 with a sensitivity of 91 dB.

At the first stage, they were connected using a bi-amping scheme, in which the lower band was sounded by Momentum M300 monoblocks, and the upper band by Progression Stereo. In this configuration, we assessed the energy potential of the M300 and the ability of the stereo end to transmit musical information in the most critical range. And at the same time, by including all Dan D'Agostino components into the system at the same time, reveal their signature sound signature.

The ATC EL150 has rather heavy 15-inch drivers, which are quite difficult to keep under strict control - I have seen this from my own experience more than once. Now the acoustics have appeared in a completely different quality - we have perfectly controlled far-field monitors with very fast and clearly structured bass. If you don’t know that a recording of a drum kit is being played, you might think that it was actually a couple of meters away from us. Colossal sound pressure, live energy in the entire range from the bass drum to the cymbals, not the slightest disruption of rhythm and a very rich sound gamut - this is what evokes associations with live sound. In symphonic music, one is impressed by the scale of the orchestra, the timbral resolution (every instrument is heard with all its nuances) and exemplary intelligibility on tutti, when the acoustics build a real wall of sound. And in pauses and quiet musical fragments one also felt life, there was air and some kind of elusive movement. And this with a total amplification power of more than 2 kW! The terminals did whatever they wanted with the huge acoustics: they knocked a colossal deafening sound out of them, forced them to sing, shoot out sharp bass notes, ring with silver... And there was not a drop of theatricality in this - despite all the colossal potential, we were listening to music.

The terminals did whatever they wanted with the huge acoustics: they knocked a colossal deafening sound out of them, made them sing, shoot out sharp bass notes, ring with silver...

Now option No. 2: turn off the Momentum M300, connect the input terminals of the speaker systems with jumpers and connect the signal from Progression Stereo via a two-wire line. I’ll be honest: I expected a failure in terms of overall dynamics, but this did not happen - the blow remained just as impressive, the boom (a sign of weakening control) did not increase, the drive did not weaken. Although changes, of course, have occurred - the infra-low component has become a little less noticeable, the musical balance has brightened slightly. The overall picture was perceived as no less dynamic, but more comfortable. Richly nuanced in the midrange (the EL150's dome midrange drivers showed off their full potential), lively vocals, a light, transparent top end with real 'spark' supported by tight, fast bass - it really makes an impression.

Sharp changes in level are conveyed extremely naturally - neither distortion nor limitations on peaks are noticeable, even when the arrows in the “porthole” jump to the 200-watt mark. The sound is generally free, I would even say fresh, without synthetics. Even on complex recordings, the correct arrangement of instruments and voices was noted; nothing was mixed up or turned into a mess.

Richly nuanced in the midrange, lively vocals, light, transparent top end, with real sparkle supported by tight, fast bass - it really makes an impression.

I must note that the system turned out to be extremely responsive to the selection of cables. We tried a variety of combinations, and each time we noticed something new in the character of the sound. By replacing the networkers it was possible to influence the mobility of the bass and, oddly enough, the construction of the stage. In particular, to strengthen the focus of images at the edges and extend the perspective into depth, although in any version the space was three-dimensional, with a clear departure from the front line. By switching the interconnects you can change the balance between the middle and the top, increasing the contrast and “atmosphericity”.

Our experiments have shown that, with a kilowatt potential, Dan D'Agostino amplifiers are so precise and delicate that they are able to convey to the listener not only all musical nuances, but also the features of each link of the system, including cables. And this is a very valuable bonus, allowing you to add special individual features to the impeccable sound of the system.

SYSTEM

CD transport Aqua La Diva
Lumin X1 Network Player
Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty digital hub
Dan D'Agostino Progression Preamp
Stereo power amplifier Dan D'Agostino Momentum M300
Stereo power amplifier Dan D'Agostino Progression Stereo
Speaker systems ATC EL150
Power conditioner Torus Power RM16
Cables: acoustic HMS Gran Finale Jubilee
interblock HMS Gran Finale Jubilee XLR, Kubala Sosna Realization XLR
networked HMS Energia, Living Athmos Reference, Kubala Sosna Sensation, Siltech Ruby Mountain 2

Dan D'Agostino Momentum M300

Manufacturer: Master Audio Systems LLC (USA)

https://dandagostino.com

Configuration: mono || Output Power: 300 W (8 ohms), 600 W (4 ohms), 1200 W (2 ohms) || Frequency bandwidth (-1 dB): 1 Hz - 200 kHz || Gain: 26.5 dB || Distortion (1kHz, 300W, 8ohms): <0.03 || Signal to noise ratio: -105 dB || Input impedance: 1 MΩ || Output impedance: <0.12 ohm || Power consumption in standby mode: <1 VA || Dimensions: 318 x 470 x 109 mm || Weight: 40.8 kg || Price per pair: 4 300 000

rub.

Dan D'Agostino Progression Preamp

Analogue inputs: 4 x XLR stereo, 2 x RCA stereo || Digital inputs: USB A, TosLink, Coax || Analogue outputs: 2 x XLR stereo || Supported converter resolution: PCM up to 24 bit/384 kHz, DSD 11.2 MHz || Remote control: Bluetooth || Signal to noise ratio: -95 dB || Frequency bandwidth (-3 dB): 0.1 Hz - 1 MHz || Gain: +8/+14 dB || Total Harmonic Distortion (20Hz - 20kHz): <0.018% || Operating power consumption: <40 W || Dimensions (D x W x H): n.d. || Weight: n.d. || Price: 1,645,600 rub.

Dan D'Agostino Progression Stereo

Configuration: stereo || RMS output power: 2 x 300 W (8 ohms), 2 x 600 W (4 ohms), 2 x 1200 W (2 ohms) || Frequency bandwidth (-1 dB): 1 Hz - 200 kHz || Gain: 26.2 dB || Distortion (1 kHz, 300 W, 8 ohms): <0.15% || Signal to noise ratio: -105 dB || Input impedance: 100 kOhm || Output impedance: 0.15 ohm || Dimensions: 457 x 508 x 190 mm || Weight: 57 kg || Price: 1,645,600 rub.

The editors would like to thank the High End Avenue salon for their assistance in conducting the test.

Tags: Dan D'AgostinoDan D'Agostino MomentumDan D'Agostino Progression

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At Diamond Electric you can buy the Dan D'Agostino Progression Stereo Amplifier at a promotional price. Characteristics and customer reviews. Delivery and pickup in Moscow and other Russian cities. Price 2070430 rub.

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