AudioAficionado.org  

Go Back   AudioAficionado.org > Manufacturers Forums > D'Agostino Audio

D'Agostino Audio Master Audio Systems

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #51  
Old 09-18-2018, 12:48 AM
For The Love of Music's Avatar
For The Love of Music For The Love of Music is offline
Ultra-Fast 69
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Spanish Castle Magic
Posts: 1,926
Default

Happy to hear your digging it; like you said, McIntosh makes some great gear, and so does D’Agostino - enjoy!
Reply With Quote
  #52  
Old 09-18-2018, 02:50 AM
bart's Avatar
bart bart is offline
Life is beautiful
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Belgium
Posts: 19,867
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by audioguy3107 View Post
So I've had about a week or so to get used to the D'agostino sound and It's simply stunning. The clarity and immediacy of what I'm listening to is almost beyond belief. Here's a couple of observations....

1. The Avalon Isis while fairly efficient, needs some power to control the woofers.....the MC 402 while nice just didn't perform well in this area and I knew it from the second I had the Isis in the system. The S250 (500W/CH in to a 4 ohm load) fixed this problem immediately. All muddiness and wooly bass was gone from the second it was hooked up. I also had a slightly annoying mid bass hump around the 70 to 90 Hz areas which was very easy to hear on certain recordings. With the S250.....gone.

2. System synergy.....always knew it was important but holy crap....the C2300 tube preamp is a very nice preamp, but it apparently didn't play very well with the S250. I heard a much bigger difference one the Momentum pre was placed in the chain. It was as if a veil had been lifted from the front of the speakers. Not only that, the S250 must have brought out what little noise was inherent in the C2300.....it had always been dead silent with the MC 402 but there was quite a bit of hiss and electronic tube noise for lack of better words. This also disappeared once the Momentum pre was in the chain.

3. Good vs. Poor recordings. Yes, we've all heard the audiophile characteristic of a component truly bringing out what's on a recording, good or bad. I've never heard such a difference in my own listening space. Some would say that the Mc combo smoothed out the differences which may very well be the case. With the D'agostino combo there is nowhere to hide. Poor recordings sound exactly as they should while audiophile recordings sound so pristine and perfect it's almost too hard to believe. Like I said before, the first few hours I was listening I couldn't even get through a complete song since I started laughing out loud it was so ridiculous. Analog sounds insanely better than digital BTW.

4. The Avalons are sensitive to placement. This is a characteristic of Avalons in general, but I believe that with the Dag equipment in the chain, it's almost hard to believe how slight a movement can change the tonal balance and placement of vocals and instruments in space. I took me forever to get them focused and balanced correctly. It was one of those situations where I would move them slightly and have to back the other way....it is simply amazing the way they play with the room boundaries/dimensions. I have a feeling if I could get rid of the French doors on the right side of the room that would solve many problems but I probably should quit while I'm ahead!

Those are some initial thoughts so far....it's really been an eye opener. I've heard components such as these at shows and retailers, but never in my own room, it's been an experience so far.

- Buck

Buck, nice description of your experiences and enthusiasm!
__________________
Stereo: Hegel H590, Grimm Audio MU1, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Burmester 948 - V3 & V6 racks, Vivid Audio G2 Giyas, REL Carbon Special (pair), Silent Angel Bonn N8 Ethernet Switch & Forester F1, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse IC and SE SC, Furutech Digiflux
AV: Hegel C-53, Marantz AV8802A, Oppo BDP-203EU, Pioneer Kuro 60", Vivid Audio C1 & V1w's, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse, SE & E
Second system (veranda): Halgorythme preamp and monoblocks, Burmester 061, Avalon Avatar, Sharkwire & Wireworld cables
Reply With Quote
  #53  
Old 09-18-2018, 05:57 AM
SL1800 SL1800 is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: OK
Posts: 756
Default

Congrats Buck. I’m happy it’s all coming together for you now. Now I just need to come hear this great system!!!
Reply With Quote
  #54  
Old 09-18-2018, 09:49 AM
Antonmb's Avatar
Antonmb Antonmb is online now
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northwest Washington (Mt Baker foothills)
Posts: 9,121
Default

Buck, glad you’re having fun - I especially like the “laughing out loud.” When I got my S250, I played a favorite recording of Ravel’s Bolero, and as the last notes were fading, I started laughing - my wife thought I was losing it.
__________________
Tony
D'Agostino Momentum S250 MxV & HD pre; Linn Klimax Organik DSM, SonicTransporter, EtherRegen; Acoustic Signature Typhoon Neo, Koetsu RSP, Boulder 1108; Sf Il Cremonese; Shunyata Everest, Altaira, Sigma & Alpha v2
Reply With Quote
  #55  
Old 09-18-2018, 12:37 PM
audioguy3107's Avatar
audioguy3107 audioguy3107 is offline
Go Dawgs
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Posts: 5,468
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Antonmb View Post
Buck, glad you’re having fun - I especially like the “laughing out loud.” When I got my S250, I played a favorite recording of Ravel’s Bolero, and as the last notes were fading, I started laughing - my wife thought I was losing it.
Funny, the first thing I let my wife hear on the new setup, even she started laughing. I took that as a good sign.

- Buck
__________________
Library: Speakers: Avalon Acoustics Isis, Subwoofers: (2) REL Acoustics 212SE Amplification: D’agostino Momentum preamplifier, D’agostino S250 stereo amplifier Digital: dCS Rossini CD/SACD transport, dCS Rossini DAC/streamer/master clock. Analog: Brinkmann Taurus table, Lyra Etna Lambda, Audio Research Ref. Phono 3
Reply With Quote
  #56  
Old 09-19-2018, 11:06 AM
Charles Charles is online now
Senior Member

 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,230
Default

Congrats on the your new speakers and amplification! I would really enjoy being able to listen to some Avalons. Any possibility of some pics of the speakers hooked up to the amp (D250) and pics of your subs. Do the Rel's come with amplification? We seldom see Avalons. Again, wonderful well thought out system.
Reply With Quote
  #57  
Old 09-19-2018, 11:58 AM
audioguy3107's Avatar
audioguy3107 audioguy3107 is offline
Go Dawgs
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Posts: 5,468
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles View Post
Congrats on the your new speakers and amplification! I would really enjoy being able to listen to some Avalons. Any possibility of some pics of the speakers hooked up to the amp (D250) and pics of your subs. Do the Rel's come with amplification? We seldom see Avalons. Again, wonderful well thought out system.
Hi Charles, yes I’ll update my system thread with new pictures etc once I clean up some cables vacuum the floor etc. Been a bit busy with work and kids lately but I’ll get them up soon.

The RELs do have built in amplification, I don’t think REL makes any passive subwoofers.
__________________
Library: Speakers: Avalon Acoustics Isis, Subwoofers: (2) REL Acoustics 212SE Amplification: D’agostino Momentum preamplifier, D’agostino S250 stereo amplifier Digital: dCS Rossini CD/SACD transport, dCS Rossini DAC/streamer/master clock. Analog: Brinkmann Taurus table, Lyra Etna Lambda, Audio Research Ref. Phono 3
Reply With Quote
  #58  
Old 09-20-2018, 06:48 AM
audiohippo's Avatar
audiohippo audiohippo is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Australia
Posts: 924
Default

Too much text not enough pictures!
__________________
Wilson Audio Alexia + Mezzo | Dan D'Agostino Momentum PRE & S250 | Esoteric P02x & D02x | Torus AVR2-16 | Marantz AV8805 | Panasonic UB9000 | Bryston 7B3 & 9BSST2 | ScreenTechnics 125" 2.37 Screen | JVC X7900 | Krix A20 (4) | JL Audio F113 (2)
Reply With Quote
  #59  
Old 09-20-2018, 10:41 AM
LarsT LarsT is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: NJ
Posts: 596
Default

Is it a good thing or bad thing that Momentum web page just became a favorite in my browser?
It’s definitely a good thing Ivan isn’t a D’agostino dealer. That would be very bad for my wallet.
Reply With Quote
  #60  
Old 09-20-2018, 11:13 AM
Masterlu's Avatar
Masterlu Masterlu is online now
AA Founder, Legend AV Owner



 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: South FL & Cape Cod MA
Posts: 78,485
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by LarsT View Post
Is it a good thing or bad thing that Momentum web page just became a favorite in my browser?
It’s definitely a good thing Ivan isn’t a D’agostino dealer. That would be very bad for my wallet.


__________________
Ivan
FLORIDA
MX136, MC1.2KW(10) MC2KW(2), MCD1100, MS750(2) MVP881, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, HT-2 SUBS(2) HT3F(2) WS350(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) XCS350(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" MOTORIZED SCREEN, CINEMA-TECH SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Reference System: ACCUPHASE A300 AMPS, C3900 PRE-AMP, DP1000 CD/SACD TRANSPORT, DC1000 DIGITAL PROCESSOR, DG-68 DIGITAL EQUALIZER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, PS1230 POWER SUPPLY, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, WW PLATINUM CABLES
CAPE COD

MX150, MC501(2) MC1.2KW(10) MC2301(2) MR88, MVP881, MCD1100, MDA1000, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, ESOTERIC K-01X 30th ANNIVERSARY (BLACK) SACD/CD PLAYER, G02-X CLOCK, HT3F(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(4) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) KALEIDESCAPE STRATO & TERRA SERVERS 80-TB, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" SCREEN, SONUS FABER STRADIVARI, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, FORTRESS SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Analog Rig: CLEARAUDIO INNOVATION WOOD, UNIVERSAL ARM w/ Da VINCI' CART, 2nd UNIVERSAL ARM w/ GOLDFINGER STATEMENT CART, HRS-MXR REFERENCE RACK-GLOSS BLACK w/ M3X SHELVES, AESTHETIX RHEA SIG PHONO-PRE, BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Reference System: BURMESTER 911MK3 AMP(3), 088 PRE-AMP, 089 CD PLAYER, 100 PHONO PRE-AMP, 948 POWER CONDITIONER, ACCUPHASE DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, AVID ACUTUS REFERENCE SP TT, GRAHAM PHANTOM II SUPREME ARM, BENZ MICRO LP-S CART, GRANDIOSO P1X/D1X STACK, G1X RUBIDIUM MASTER CLOCK, N05 NETWORK PLAYER, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, SONUS FABER AIDA SPEAKERS, JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(2) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) WW PLATINUM CABLES

Library System: GRANDIOSO M1 MONOBLOCK AMPS, C1 LINESTAGE PRE-AMP, K1X CD/SACD PLAYER, G1 MASTER RUBIDIUM CLOCK, E02 PHONO-PRE, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, AERIAL ACOUSTICS 20T V2, AERIAL SW12 SUBS(2), CANTON REF K1’s, VPI HRX TT w/ SDS POWER SUPPLY, ORTOFON CADENZA BLACK CART, KLAUDIO RCM, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2, SHUNYATA OMEGA QR’s, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Esoteric/Bryston System: ESOTERIC C02-X PRE-AMP, P-02X TRANSPORT, D02-X DAC, G02-X CLOCK, BRYSTON 28B3 CUBED MONOBLOCK AMPS(4), BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2(2) EVEREST 8000 POWER CONDITIONER(2) ALTAIRA CG & SG HUBS, AMR-DP777-SE DAC, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, QUADRASPIRE RACK, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Accuphase/Canton System: ACCUPHASE E800 INTEGRATED, DP570 CD/SACD PLAYER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, CANTON REF K3’s, CANTON REF K5’s, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS MXR REFERENCE MAHOGHANY RACK w/ M3X2 SHELVES, WW GOLD CABLES
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Audioaficionado.org tested by Norton Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:02 PM.



Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.10
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
©Copyright 2009-2023 AudioAficionado.org.Privately owned, All Rights Reserved.
Audio Aficionado Sponsors
AudioAficionado Subscriber
AudioAficionado Subscriber
Inspire By Dennis Had
Inspire By Dennis Had
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Wyred4Sound
Wyred4Sound
Dragonfire Acoustics
Dragonfire Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
Esoteric
Esoteric
AC Infinity
AC Infinity
JL Audio
JL Audio
Add Powr
Add Powr
Accuphase - Soulution
Accuphase - Soulution
Audio by E
Audio by E
Canton
Canton
Bryston
Bryston
WireWorld Cables
WireWorld Cables
Stillpoints
Stillpoints
Bricasti Design
Bricasti Design
Furutech
Furutech
Shunyata Research
Shunyata Research
Legend Audio & Video
Legend Audio & Video