Dan D'Agostino Progression Mono Amps & Preamp in the house

[vintage_tube]

FEDEX Freight found a truck with a lift gate and these were delivered today around 1:30PM. While waiting for the neighbor to help with the 150 pound amps, I unboxed the preamp, read the manuals, and re-cabled everything up -- ready to go.

But bummer, he was a no show -- so after dinner I coax'd the wife to help this poor soul to unbox and place in the rig & fire these puppies up. Like a rabid animal, I'm loathing at the mouth for music. She's was a real trooper --

Pretty nifty handle configuration to lift the amps out of the cardboard box -- we both managed -- after numerous breaks. Much easier than my previous amps that's for sure.

Anyways, by 10:45PM -- the power was energized and CD inserted in the dCS Paganini Transport - then no music for like 30 seconds -- starting to worry but the needles on the preamp were moving. Then like with the touch of a magicians wand, the amps came to life.

It's nearly 2:30AM Saturday -- still playing and letting them burn in -- may let them run overnight and into the weekend.

Off the bat -- bass control is the biggest eye opener -- mids sounded tinny at first for the first 20 some minutes, then the wife said they are starting to sound better. Every 20 minutes, better yet. I have them at low volume right now -- but definitely mids are opening up -- much better than at first.

Nice combo I must say with the Wilson Audio Alexias. Additionally, the amp meters do move (read something otherwise from a reviewer on earlier versions).

On a side note for the vacant left shelf, hope to get the VAC Renaissance phono preamp back from Sarasota in a week to 10 days & the rack will be fully occupied.

Best Sirs,

Bob



Safely in their new home.

Preamp Power supply

The preamp now resting on top of the PS

Right amp about to be wifehandled

Needles do move

Sound -- WooHoo

[2fastdriving]

Congratulations Bob! How loud was it for the needles to be hitting 200w? I've seen these many times before and they really don't move, from my observations. Weird. But looks awesome! Nice choice of finish. Your wife is a real trooper.

[Sharp 1080]

Congratulations Bob! They will sound even better after 24 hours. Let the fun begin. The system will definitely become more liquid and the midrange and soundstage open up. I learned how to calibrate the meters today. Heavy aren’t they? I have my amp back.

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

Congratulations Bob! How loud was it for the needles to be hitting 200w? I've seen these many times before and they really don't move, from my observations. Weird. But looks awesome! Nice choice of finish. Your wife is a real trooper.

I was really surprised to see it where the photo shows -- and it was not LOUD by any means -- I'd probably play Led Zeppelin Whole Lotta Love much louder -- and didn't pull out my Radio shack SPL -- but a comfortable loud is the best way to describe it.

I wonder if Dan re-engineered/redesigned the high-speed ballistic circuit that enhances the meter’s responsiveness after those initial 'reviewer' comments. Dunno.

Best Sir,

Biob

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by Sharp 1080

Congratulations Bob! They will sound even better after 24 hours. Let the fun begin. The system will definitely become more liquid and the midrange and soundstage open up. I learned how to calibrate the meters today. Heavy aren’t they? I have my amp back.

Thanks & Cool beans Vern -- In emailing Alex, I mentioned your issue -- glad you have it back.

Dang sure are -- front heavy is an understatement.

I may try the 2d gain setting this weekend (from +9.8db factory setting to +15.4db gain).

Best Sir,

Bob

[For The Love of Music]

Bob, we are all excited that your excited, but give your wife a real gym membership, this almost takes advantage of the situation.

You put together a top shelf system, I know you’ll enjoy this setup, we impatiently await your review, in the mean time, enjoy!

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by For The Love of Music

Bob, we are all excited that your excited, but give your wife a real gym membership, this almost takes advantage of the situation.

You put together a top shelf system, I know you’ll enjoy this setup, we impatiently await your review, in the mean time, enjoy!

Ed -- she's a 6' farm girl and I'm a measly 5'10" city slicker -- she needn't visit a gym. It's I who needs a membership.

It's 4:15AM and still listening --these A'gostino masterpieces captivate you for more. I need to hit the rack for sure; but, just 1 more I keep telling myself.

Thanks Sir & best to you,

Bob

[Levitator]

Congrats Bob - looks great and I'm sure will sound even better!

[FDPDK]

Huge Congratulation Bob, they look real good , and am sure they sound even better :-)

What an amazing system .

[1KW]

Congratulations Bob, I remember when Serge had those amps., true magic