2. amps-preamps
  3. 160603-20253

I really wanted to dislike D'Agostino

I do a lot of trash talking here so I wanted to say something positive.  I find it especially hard to find things to like in gear that seems priced too high for the actual performance, and am happy to steer listeners to more affordable and often better sounding gear. For many reasons,I really wanted to dislike D'Agostino. This included previous listening to Dan era Krell, espeically with B&W speakers, was just never that good.  Perfectly, clinically sounding electronics.  The Audio Research (again vintage not modern) of Solid State.

When I first saw D'Agostino, I thought to myself that gear that looks that good can't sound very good.  Large bare copper, and big nods to watch making aesthetics were just too calculated to hook and reel me in.   Evoking both horology and espresso making at it's finest.

I have to say that my listening experience with modern Wilson speakers was a totally and completely different experience from what I expected.  Sweet, clean, musical, deep, extended.  I'd happily sit and listen to that for a very very long time.

Honestly to my ears the sound of the modern D'Agostino was so far and distant from the Krells I had heard so long ago it was a huge relief and surprise.  Nicely done.  I'm sorry I doubted the brand at all. 
erik_squires

Showing 9 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires OP
15,937 posts
 
George,
This is Audiogon, and that means 2 things as far as you are concerned: 

  1. I do not give a damn about your approval
  2. I do not have to be sly about a damn thing
I can be just as big a fan boy or anti fanboy as I want to.  A privilege you have abused more than anyone.   Thanks for  using your main account this time though, shows profound personal growth.

Best,
Erik
erik_squires OP
15,937 posts
 
George,

I hope you are getting all the help and support you need in these difficult times.


Best,


Erik
erik_squires OP
15,937 posts
 
You didn't like the sound of krell because you never heard it with the right preamp. I couldn't even listen to my krell amp with solid state preamps, at least the ones in my price range, but with a tube preamp it sounds great.

I have to admit I have only heard full Krell stacks, and that this could very well be possible.

I have heard other tube pre/ss amp combos which were stellar, especially with ESL speakers. 
erik_squires OP
15,937 posts
 
Hi @Shannere

Thanks for bringing up false equivalences.


I did not ask Coda fans to stop promoting coda.


I do however consider it polite and good behavior to keep a thread on topic. I also consider it polite and good behavior to take a significantly disruptive non sequitur to a new thread, a practice I have modeled several times. I also generally refrain from promoting products I like unless a thread calls for it, such as "Help me pick... "


I hope those who promote Coda products are made of the same mettle.


Your fake apology is rejected.

Best,

Erik


erik_squires OP
15,937 posts
 
May I ask all the Coda fanboys to take that discussion to a Coda thread?
Thank you.


erik_squires OP
15,937 posts
 
BTW:  I never said Krell was poor.  I didn't like the sound.  Not the same thing.
erik_squires OP
15,937 posts
 
Strange there are opinions here that Dan era Krell was poor and D’Agostino Dan is great.
It’s the same man!

I was talking about the sound of the electronics, not his cologne. It is not unreasonable to expect an electronics designer’s tastes, objectives, methods and materials change over decades.

In case it was not clear enough, I have no idea what post Dan Krell sounds like.

Best,
E


erik_squires OP
15,937 posts
 
I love vintage krell. Not analytical at all to my ears. It sounds best with tube preamps.


Maybe that's exactly the part I was missing.
erik_squires OP
15,937 posts
 
I'm sure my impression of CODA amps is now quite dated. If I'm ever in the market I will.
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