McIntosh Mc1.25kW vs Dan D'Agostino Progression Monoblock amplifiers

[Charles]

Transparent Magnum Opus retails for 65,000.00. Has an extensive network. I think Wilson uses Opus cable in the XVX. It is on par with WEL Signature. Myself I'm not into networks in speaker cables but have no strong feelings one way or the other.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Charles

Transparent Magnum Opus retails for 65,000.00. Has an extensive network. I think Wilson uses Opus cable in the XVX. It is on par with WEL Signature. Myself I'm not into networks in speaker cables but have no strong feelings one way or the other.

Wilson were/still are? wired with Transparent internally (without networks ) I have always admired Transparent Audio products and have played around/invested rather heavily at times, always with great results. Again, I don't know how much of that is just our imagination but the result was always very musical and satisfactory.

By the way, I found nirvana with their budget series just as much as having $30k worth of Transparent to audition on a home trial. Yes, I thought there were differences but I digress...

[doggiehowser]

I do like the transparency and detail of Dan DAgostino amps - and there isn’t the usual harshness trade off when usually listening to detailed amps.

But I find that DD amps temper well with Audio Research preamps. I think that might give the first reviewer what he was looking for.

I noticed the owner of EAT has a Reference 10 with Momentum monos. She likes that combination as well.

[piolaxo]

Originally Posted by SCAudiophile

Great article!

Indeed. Extremely valuable.

[Levitator]

Originally Posted by SCAudiophile

Yes, having heard both....

Agreed, having also heard both noting that the momentum’s are also a higher price point than progressions...

[Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by Levitator

Agreed, having also heard both noting that the momentum’s are also a higher price point than progressions...

Since you’ve heard both, which do you prefer and why?

[Levitator]

Money aside, I would pick the Momentum’s as they seem to have a richness and sweeter mid-range that the progressions don’t quite have to the same degree...they have plenty of authority with a delicate touch so to speak

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Levitator

Money aside, I would pick the Momentum’s as they seem to have a richness and sweeter mid-range that the progressions don’t quite have to the same degree...they have plenty of authority with a delicate touch so to speak

Yes, the Momentums were oozing with richness of tone while retaining the last bit of transparency and the most of delicate details. Quite difficult to explain actually until one hears them in person. I have not heard the Progression but would have thought it would be similar...

Here was my pair of Momentums driving the Alexia. One can easily appreciate the richness of the cello, even over a very crappy recording and youtube video.. https://youtu.be/Ota9Qf9OY14

[PHC1]

And to drive the point home, here is that same track I just captured on the PrimaLuna with EL34 tubes running in pure Triode Mode.

Now tell me the D'Agostino amps are somehow behind in richness of tone or even the coveted tube magic?

PrimaLuna and Harbeth https://youtu.be/-rosu4xcq1M

D'Agostino and Wilson https://youtu.be/Ota9Qf9OY14