mommy mommy make it stop...
D'agostino amplifiers: where's the beef?
So I've owned two of the classic monster Krell amplifiers from the distant past, the KSA 50 and later the KSA 250. Both great amplifiers in their time and both collectible for those interested in that kind of stuff. I'm generally a fan of D'agostino as a consequence.
I'm currently shopping for a new solid state amplifier to pair with potentially new speakers (Wilson or YG or Von Schweikert or Magico or Joseph - long story for another day).
So recently while auditioning at my local dealer the system was powered by the current D'agostino M400 mono amplifiers. While the sound was good I couldn't help but notice how TINY the $65K amplifiers were sitting on stands near the speakers. OK they had nice metal work and were shiny but I couldn't help wonder WHY are these things so expensive?! Later at home photo's of the insides of these amps on Google led me to wonder even more!! The power supplies and interior construction in these things are nothing like the monster supplies and parts in the classic Krell's
Plus while the Krell's were expensive in their day (with great sound) the current D'agostino's have absurd pricing, far exceeding inflation.
Are people spending this kind of money for fancy heat sinks? Really?
I'd rather have an old Krell and a new Porsche Boxster or C8 Corvette for the same money.
Any one else have similar impressions?
I'm currently shopping for a new solid state amplifier to pair with potentially new speakers (Wilson or YG or Von Schweikert or Magico or Joseph - long story for another day).
So recently while auditioning at my local dealer the system was powered by the current D'agostino M400 mono amplifiers. While the sound was good I couldn't help but notice how TINY the $65K amplifiers were sitting on stands near the speakers. OK they had nice metal work and were shiny but I couldn't help wonder WHY are these things so expensive?! Later at home photo's of the insides of these amps on Google led me to wonder even more!! The power supplies and interior construction in these things are nothing like the monster supplies and parts in the classic Krell's
Plus while the Krell's were expensive in their day (with great sound) the current D'agostino's have absurd pricing, far exceeding inflation.
Are people spending this kind of money for fancy heat sinks? Really?
I'd rather have an old Krell and a new Porsche Boxster or C8 Corvette for the same money.
Any one else have similar impressions?
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- 77 posts total
If I had such disposable income,you can bet your bippy I would enjoy the finer things in life. I am not a super wealthy person,but I still try to enjoy the finer things that ARE within my reach. If someone can afford $65K amps,why not? Why does this seem to offend people? In life, there are winners,losers,and everything in between. Everyone doesn’t get a participation award. |
Excellent points rocray. The answer is we all have flaws, and this hobby, along with the anonymity of online posting, brings out the inherent nastiness of some. Happiness isn’t about having money and things, but it is in mental attitude, and enjoying whatever you have. I was delighted to see your post made that point already. I own M400s (also a KSA-250 in the 90’s), not from being rich, but from working all my life and saving, and making certain decisions (if the OP thinks they lack heft, he should try lifting one!). Honestly, I never cared for their appearance; it was the sound. The milled chassis and copper heatsinks are functional! But if I truly had money, I’d take a look at those beefy Relentless amps that take a crane to position. There’s always something beyond our means, for most of us. Also, Dan D’Agostino and his organization are fine people. |
I have about $25k in my system and that seems to be at the low end to a lot of forum members here but sounds crazy to most of my family and friends.... In life it’s all about priorities, most don’t blink an eye when spending that kind of money on a Harley right? I always loved Dan D’Ag components and if somehow I can afford to slip into a used one I can afford you bet I’ll run not walk to buy it! This is a two part interview with Dan D’Agostino. He seems very humble and down to earth! Just one of the guys type of genius, I don’t detect and type of snobbery in at all! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZdgRWg8OrQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyrWxKuPYRs |
- 77 posts total