D'Agostino vs. Ayre

Hi khrys,

I love, love, love the D'Agostino S-250. It has Plenty of power, as the power meters have never surpassed about 20 watts in my system. And its hugely musical. I do want to eventually swap in a VTL S-400 II, but the system as presently configured is so alluring that I've pretty much given up equipment upgrades and have been concentrating on the music. 

I've driven the S-250 to great results, both directly with my Berkeley Alpha Reference 2 DAC, and a slightly modified Audio Research Reference 6 preamp.

I have not yet heard the Wilson Alexia 2s. But I do plan to be at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest this coming weekend in Denver. And I see at least one pair of Alexia 2s on the bill...
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Great review Mr. Tools, could you please clarify slightly modified Ref 6 comment.

I've found the Audio Research Reference 6 to communicate an unsurpassed level of presence and three-dimensionality while remaining tonally neutral. Class A all the way -- with only some reservations in the high frequencies: a slight lack of richness and sparkle, most easily heard with piano.

I've found several tweaks, when used together, enhance the high frequencies of the Reference 6: first, a Synergistic Research Black Quantum fuse; and second, a Sain Line Systems Pure Current power cord. Those two tweaks on the power-supply side get you 80% there. As a final note, I swapped in a set of matched, cryogenically treated, low-noise 6H30 tubes from Upscale Audio and an NOS Winged "C" 6550C power tube. Now, class A ++, with no reservations.

A new Blue Synergistic fuse is on the way.

Had a nice chance to compare the two top of the line offerings recently.  It was surprising how different they are in terms of presentation.  If anyone is interested, I wrote up a full report on my virtual system page.

Interesting comparison, bar81.  I, too, consider the Ayre Twenty series top-notch. I would not consider them inferior to D'Agostino or Audio Research electronics. Just different. My thoughts have both been documented in this thread, and in another called Ayre vs. Audio Research. My system sounded truly wonderful with all Ayre electronics. And it sounds absolutely magical now, with Audio Research and D'Agostino electronics.