The American high-end brand, Dan D’Agostino, presents a new ‘ultra high-end’ integrated amplifier in the form of the Progression.
There is high-end and a category that is actually – if only in terms of price – just one step above that class. Let’s call it ultra high-end for our convenience. The new integrated amplifier Dan D’Agostino amplifier we can probably place in that category. The Progression costs $18,000 and is based on modern techniques. It supports streaming, including the well-known music services such as Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer and Spotify. That is, if you still have some money left for the optional digital module. After purchasing the Progression.
Multifunctional power meters
The Dan D’Agostino integrated amplifier has two line inputs and three balanced inputs for analogue audio, including a home cinema pass-through. Balanced pre-outs make it possible to connect one or more subwoofers. The maximum output power this unit can deliver is 200 Watts per channel in 8 Ohms or 400 Watts per channel in 4 Ohms.
There is also a nice trick hidden in the power meters: as soon as you turn the volume control they temporarily change into an indicator for the selected volume. The meter has even more ‘hidden’ functions, namely as indicators for balance, phase and mute. This Dan D’Agostino comes with a Bluetooth remote control that, according to the manufacturer, has a range five times greater than a traditional IR remote control. The Progression can also be controlled via an iOS app.
Finally, the $18,000 mentioned is a ‘starting price’. If you want a phono preamplifier, or the version with the digital module, or both, then the prices will rise quickly.