D'Agostino Progression monoblocks replacing my Theta Prometheus monoblocks

I am very happy with the D'Agostino Progression monoblocks. I am not the first to mention how dynamic these amps are. This was evident listening to the CD Red Violin. Track 20 has some very loud orchestral peaks on the track. It was amazing to hear these amps reproduce effortlessly the dynamics on it. It was loud but yet I was able to hear every instrument clearly for the very first time. My ears will give out before reaching the full potential! It is the headroom you notice. I have noticed also that these amplifiers are very revealing of poor recordings. The ARC Ref 250 SE monoblocks I had on loan made the normally "poor sounding" discs listenable because of the tubes in my Ref 10 and the tubes in the amps. This is not necessarily right but expected with an all tube system. With the Progression monoblocks my well known recorded redbook discs sound fantastic with small little details not heard before in the recordings being heard now! With SACD listening to them now is definitely better and confirming the reason for having them to begin with! Listening to both male and female vocals they are smooth and natural with a touch of air on both. The better the recording the more is revealed. I am waiting for both of my Transparent power cords to be reterminated to 20A.  

And then it is no longer an amp, it is a radio transmitter.

Yeah I think Cyrill is pushing it a bit high, a couple of mhz should do it, this way the class-d’s low order filter can do it’s job properly and not leave any residue of the switching frequency left in the audio band.

Like the Stereophile external bench filter they now use when they test Class-D’s square waves, it leaves no saw tooth switching frequency ringing on the tops of the square wave.
Trouble is that filter can only take a watt or so before it would blow. For it to work with today’s Class-d’s for the listener it would have to handle the full power of the amp, impossible.

Cheers George

isn't that was Spectral is requiring Mit Cabling.. into the mhz range

"Here is Solutions Cyrill Hammer take on it also.
"if you want to have your product performing at the cutting edge it is not possible with today’s known switching technologies. In order to come close to the performance of the best linear design we would need high-current semiconductors that provide switching frequencies of several MHz or even GHz." "

And then it is no longer an amp, it is a radio transmitter.

Y'all have some fun,
Robert

I was curious whether the linear power supply in the Theta version "cured" the problem I had with the sound of the Hypex/Ncore Class D amp modules powered by their SMPS. Based on the comments, I guess not. I do not blame Theta or David Reich for not being able to pull off a trick that no one else has been able to accomplish with the Ncore modules.

The linear supply was never going to fix the problems with Class-D

The problem with class-d for now is that the massive switching frequency is too low (approx 700khz) for the filters to filter them out effectively without effecting the audio band in phase shifts and or even early roll off, in some cases. In the future when technology catches up to allow double or triple the switching frequency speed then Class-D will become a force to be reckoned with.

Here is Solutions Cyrill Hammer take on it also.
"if you want to have your product performing at the cutting edge it is not possible with today’s known switching technologies. In order to come close to the performance of the best linear design we would need high-current semiconductors that provide switching frequencies of several MHz or even GHz."

Cheers George

Even if you thought Theta gear is "over-hyped," the Prometheus is unlike former Theta gear because of the use of Bruno Putzeys NC1200 amp modules.  I was curious whether the linear power supply in the Theta version "cured" the problem I had with the sound of the Hypex/Ncore Class D amp modules powered by their SMPS.  Based on the comments, I guess not.  I do not blame Theta or David Reich for not being able to pull off a trick that no one else has been able to accomplish with the Ncore modules.  I know I am much happier with my conventional Class A amps.  I do own another amp that is a David Reich design, a McCormack DNA-2 LAE with SMc Signature upgrades.  I like the sound of that amp better than the Ncore monos too.

Not surprised, I always thought Theta gear was over-hyped.  

After changing from the Theta Prometheus (which is a really great sounding amp) I have had a pair of ARC Ref 250 SE monoblocks, and Momentum monos for a back to back comparison. All three were with the same ARC Ref 10 preamp.

Couldn’t get 3 more opposite amp topologies.

I'm surprised the Momentum monoblocks didn't push your buttons. I know the  Progression is a step up in power, but the topology will be similar to the Momentum, and should have had enough power for you.   

Cheers George

Which cables are you using?

George, After changing from the Theta Prometheus (which is a really great sounding amp) I have had a pair of ARC Ref 250 SE monoblocks, and Momentum monos for a back to back comparison. All three were with the same ARC Ref 10 preamp.

statman
  D'Agostino Progression monoblocks replacing my Theta Prometheus monoblocks

Be interested in what you hear, as when you get them you'll be hearing great linear amps in the Progression monos, compared to what you were used to in the Theta which are great Class-D. Hope that's all you change at first to get a good idea of what you hear between the two..

The Wilson Max 3 are a bit of a pig to drive in the bass, I expect the Progression to do well here, and maybe sound a bit more analogue (richer) through the mids and transparent in the tops. Which has been my observations when comparing the two of similar status amps. 
https://www.stereophile.com/images/archivesart/909WM3fig1.jpg

Cheers George   

Nailed it!

Mitch2 I am wondering why you even asked the question as you have had a similar experience.

Our shop, tested serveral of Mr Putsys designs from Hypex to Ncore, and they all left us flat, impressive speed, dynamics and bass, not magical in the midrange and was uninvolving to listen to.

Conventional amps are so much more musical. 

The Progression is a musical amplifer which is why statman, changed I am sure.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ

I am curious what you like about the sound of the D'Agostino amps compared to your Ncore based Theta Prometheus amps?  I sold NC1200 amps after owning them for over a year so I could go back to a pair of conventional SS Class A amps.  My experience with Ncore most closely resembles what is described in the Mono & Stereo review of the NC1200 Mola Mola Kaluga amps.
The Progression amps look incredible.  I hope you like your new system, it should sound fantastic.

You will soon be very very happy.