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#1
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D'Agostino and ARC REF 250 Demo
I spent several hours at my dealer in Ann Arbor listening to Wilson Sasha's with D'Agostinos and REF250s. The Preamp was the new ARC REF5SE with 24 hours on it. I have the ARC REF40 and went thinking, based on the synergy, I would like the REF250s. To my surprise, I liked the D'Agostinos more than the REF250s. It had the dynamics of solid state with the tight bass but what shocked me was the top end which was detailed yet smooth sounding. The D'Agostinos startled me on some passages like I've never been from an amp before.
Call me impressed!!! PS: I also spent time with Wilson's new XLF... I'll post some pics/video in the Wilson forum
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Chuck 2CH: D’Agostino Momentum's, Audio Research REF40, Wilson Alexia's, SME 30/2, ARC REF2 SE, Meridian 808V5, Transparent REF XL HT: B&W 800Ds, HTM1D, B&W 802N, (2) Mc 601's MC 303, (2) JL F113s, Meridian 861V8, Sony VPL-VW500ES 4K projector, 120" Stewart SST 130, Oppo 93, 65 inch Panasonic. |
#2
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D'Agostino's will do that. Looking forward to your XLF impressions.
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#3
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Some mighty nice gear on the floor, there...
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When I grow up, I want to be a little boy. - Joseph Heller Aural pleasures courtesy of SME, Dynavector, Audio Research, Simaudio, Wireworld, & Wilson |
#4
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Hi SRT-10 Viper:
I'm thinking of Dags v Ref 250s v Lamm 1.2s for my system. Can you give a little more detail on the comparison between Dags and Ref 250s? Were the Dags much better or just a little in the bottom end? Can the Dags match the great ARC midrange? How about soundstage? Was the comparison overall a close call or did you very clearly prefer the Dags? Also, do you think you prefer the Dags to Lamm 1.2s? Why or why not? Your thoughts would be appreciated.
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Wilson Alexia V, ARC Ref 160M MkII,Ref 40,Ref Phono2SE, Shunyata Triton3, Typhon, Sigma PCs, ICs & SCs, Spectral SDR4000SV (w MIT IC), Belcanto PL1, Oppo 205, Marantz 2270 (tuner only):AudioDesk and VPI record cleaners, Furutech Demag & Destat; Stillpoint Apertures, TechDas AF 3S Premium with SAT CF9 and Kuzma 4pt 9" arms, Lyra Atlas Lambda SL, Dynavector XV1-t stereo and XV1-s mono carts, Miyajima mono, Shure V15VxMR, |
#5
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Quote:
I was suprised by the D'Ags... I believe the difference was significant. The treble and midrange were better on the D'Ags then both the REF250s and my Lamms, which I didn't expect. The bass was tighter then the bass on the REF250s and closer to the Bass on the Lamms yet still tighter. I think you should demo the trio to determine your preference. To me the D'Ags performed better then I expected and more then a small margin.
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Chuck 2CH: D’Agostino Momentum's, Audio Research REF40, Wilson Alexia's, SME 30/2, ARC REF2 SE, Meridian 808V5, Transparent REF XL HT: B&W 800Ds, HTM1D, B&W 802N, (2) Mc 601's MC 303, (2) JL F113s, Meridian 861V8, Sony VPL-VW500ES 4K projector, 120" Stewart SST 130, Oppo 93, 65 inch Panasonic. |
#6
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I would agree Chuck
I heard the ARC REF150's driving the sasha's and the Stereo D'ag was better sounding in most respects on the short listen. A bit different at home where the Stereo Dag was not as 3d in the upper frequencies, especially the "air". bass and mids are great with the dag's. On of the few SS amps that I have heard that does not constrict the bass as you pump up the volume - it gave the bass some natural spread while maintaining complete control. cheers |
#7
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I wonder how does the Dag Stereo compare to Monos ... anyone ?
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#8
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As an ex Lamm and ARC owner, to my ears the D'Ag amps are better across the board. While it would usually be pretty easy to just characterize the sound and mention the few strengths of one amp vs the other, etc... it is more difficult with D'Ag amps because they make you wonder how and why they sound soooo much better across the board. Really, they are a must audition in a well setup system and especially with Wilson speakers. Then one can appreciate it for themselves. I don't even like to talk about them because I am so happy with them and it would come across as I am biased and boasting. Go listen for yourself. Let's not forget how much they cost too, at that price they better smoke the competition.
Last edited by PHC1; 05-06-2012 at 08:36 AM. |
#9
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Wondering the same thing. With Dag monos at almost double the cost of the ref 250s, I wonder if the stereo Dag is worth a comparison? They retail at the same at the ref 250s.
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#10
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With only 24 hours on the REF 5SE - I am wondering if your sessions would be different if it was fully broken in?
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Power Amp: Lamm 1.2 Reference Monoblocks w/ HRS M3X isolation bases Pre Amp: ARC REF5 SE Sources: Oppo BP-95 Speakers: Thiel 3.6 Cables: Transparent Power Protection: PS Audio PPP |
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