Esoteric US Hi-Fi manufacturer Dan D’Agostino has finally unveiled a pre-amplifier to partner its Relentless Mono power amplifier, first released in 2018. Pricing is suitably stratospheric. A complete two channel Dan D’Agostino Relentless music system, comprising two monoblock amps and the new pre-amp will set you back the best part of £400,000.
Purchased separately, the Relentless pre-amplifier is priced at £165,000, and is available in silver, black, or custom painted finishes.
Made in Arizona, USA, the design spans three separate chassis: a dedicated audio chassis for each channel and a separate power supply centred between the two to keep the power supply feeds as short as possible.
A complete two channel Dan D’Agostino Relentless music system will set you back the best part of £400,000…
The bespoke coupling mechanism for the three-piece Relentless preamp
The three units lock through special mechanisms in the mounting feet of each piece. This novel link isolates the audio signal completely, physically and electrically from the power and digital control sections.
Physical isolation offers additional room to maximize both power and audio circuitry. This monaural chassis structure also separates the two audio channels from each other, to ensure the ultimate channel separation.
Positioned between the two audio channels, the power supply makes use of extensive electrical and magnetic shielding.
Build quality and componentry are uncompromising – the supplied spec sheet talks up isolated analogue and digital circuits, optically coupling for analogue, hermetically sealed relays and gold-plated this and that.
Dan D’Agostino, co-founder and chief engineer, describes the Relentless preamp as the ‘crowning jewel of my career.’
The volume controls fronting the two audio chassis are constructed using 14 separate metal components for the smoothest response. The volume settings can be displayed via the swiss watch inspired volume wands or numerically, from 0 to 99.
The Relentless Monoblock has been patiently awaiting a pre-amp partner
A two source/two zone design, the Relentless preamplifier can simultaneously control the switching and volume of two sources in two separate rooms or zones. This could be two analogue sources or when equipped with the streaming digital module, one digital source and one analogue source. In a one room system, either control adjusts the volume.
The only inputs are balanced XLR, but if you need more, there’s the option of an optional Digital Streaming Module. This digital enhancement adds connectivity for legacy sources, including digital optical and coaxial inputs, USB functionality, and Ethernet. The DSM can handle PCM signals up to 32 bit/384 KHz and DSD signals up to DSD256 (11.2MHz).
The accompanying apps offers Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify native. MQA decoding is also standard, with Roon Music management is also available.
The Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems Relentless system is available from absolutesounds.com.
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The Luxe Review 
Esoteric US Hi-Fi manufacturer Dan D’Agostino has finally unveiled a pre-amplifier to partner its Relentless Mono power amplifier, first released in 2018. Pricing is suitably stratospheric. A complete two channel Dan D’Agostino Relentless music system, comprising two monoblock amps and the new pre-amp will set you back the best part of £400,000.
Purchased separately, the Relentless pre-amplifier is priced at £165,000, and is available in silver, black, or custom painted finishes.
Made in Arizona, USA, the design spans three separate chassis: a dedicated audio chassis for each channel and a separate power supply centred between the two to keep the power supply feeds as short as possible.
The three units lock through special mechanisms in the mounting feet of each piece. This novel link isolates the audio signal completely, physically and electrically from the power and digital control sections.
Physical isolation offers additional room to maximize both power and audio circuitry. This monaural chassis structure also separates the two audio channels from each other, to ensure the ultimate channel separation.
Positioned between the two audio channels, the power supply makes use of extensive electrical and magnetic shielding.
Build quality and componentry are uncompromising – the supplied spec sheet talks up isolated analogue and digital circuits, optically coupling for analogue, hermetically sealed relays and gold-plated this and that.
Dan D’Agostino, co-founder and chief engineer, describes the Relentless preamp as the ‘crowning jewel of my career.’
The volume controls fronting the two audio chassis are constructed using 14 separate metal components for the smoothest response. The volume settings can be displayed via the swiss watch inspired volume wands or numerically, from 0 to 99.
A two source/two zone design, the Relentless preamplifier can simultaneously control the switching and volume of two sources in two separate rooms or zones. This could be two analogue sources or when equipped with the streaming digital module, one digital source and one analogue source. In a one room system, either control adjusts the volume.
The only inputs are balanced XLR, but if you need more, there’s the option of an optional Digital Streaming Module. This digital enhancement adds connectivity for legacy sources, including digital optical and coaxial inputs, USB functionality, and Ethernet. The DSM can handle PCM signals up to 32 bit/384 KHz and DSD signals up to DSD256 (11.2MHz).
The accompanying apps offers Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify native. MQA decoding is also standard, with Roon Music management is also available.
The Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems Relentless system is available from absolutesounds.com.
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Sony has taken a design diversion with the latest update to its 1000X noise cancelling Bluetooth headphone series. The WH-1000XM5 cans feature a sleek new look with a stepless headband slider. Unlike their predecessors, there are no hinges and they’re not collapsible. The ear cushion shape is also slightly rounder, ostensibly to better block externalContinue Reading
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High-end Hi-Fi outfit Bowers & Wilkins and luxury supercar maker McLaren Automotive have announced a strategic long-term multi-year partnership that sees Bowers & Wilkins become McLaren’s Official Audio Partner. The pair are no strangers. Bowers & Wilkins has been responsible for the development of the high-performance audio systems found in the marque’s supercars and hypercarsContinue Reading
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Harman Kardon aims to tempt buyers looking for a premium soundbar with its new MultiBeam 1100. Part of the brand’s technologically advanced Citation audio range, the single-piece Dolby Atmos sound system is suitable for larger screens (65-inches) and features 11 channels of sound. The result, it says, is a more immersive home entertainment listening experienceContinue Reading
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