Listening
Contents
We first listened to the Dion AB300 in the large studio and linked it to our reference set; the Focal Sopra No1 monitor, Metrum Adagio DAC/streamer and the Pass Labs XP-12 preamplifier. In terms of pricing and performance, this is an excellent match.
We disconnect the Bryston 4B3 power amplifier and connect the Dion AB300…. Wow! The first experience is already excellent. The sonic difference with the Bryston is hard to discern and that’s good news for Dion Audio. The 4B3 is our reference power amplifier for good reason. At this playing field in audio, it’s all about nuances and details. The Dions stand out in the ability to project a holographic soundstage and in focusing. Not too much, not too little, it is just right. Differences in recordings, also on the same album, can be heard through the loudspeakers.
The preliminary conclusion is that Dion’s reference amplifier can compete easily with top models from brands such as Bryston.
Studio
In the studio we link the AB300 to a number of passive studio monitors that have the reputation of being difficult to control. Because these are vintage models, it makes little sense to mention them here.
We play mixed-down music and work with music and video editing software like Logic X and Final Cut Pro. We master a live performance of a classical concert. We hear the room where the recording was made well back and are able to make a sound mix that sounds good even on a simpler set. For this review it is good to mention that the Dions are able to control different types of speakers (in terms of technology, size, impedance). The overdimensioning in power and the solid electronics will certainly make a positive contribution to this.
Power house
Well, what else can we say about this power amplifier? If we go back in our audio memories and read the review again, the AA100, the AB300’s full class A sibling, might win it in terms of sound neutrality and ‘balls’. On the other hand, consider the enormous weight, the heat development and the considerable power consumption (it is a hefty class A power amplifier, so count on 500 watts).
The AB300 will be more polyvalent (as the French say), while performing on spot. This power house can compete with the great (amplifier) brands and that is something Dion Audio (and we as a Dutch audio platform) may be proud of. The only thing we miss about this amplifier is a balanced connection (XLR); knowing Miquel Blue this because the amplifier is not truly balanced and then an XLR connection is only a cosmetic intervention that adds nothing in terms of audio performance …
