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
erik_squires OP
16,428 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
16,428 posts
 
BTW:  I never said Krell was poor.  I didn't like the sound.  Not the same thing.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,320 posts
 
At least Coda makes some products that are bordering on the affordable.
laaudionut
286 posts
 
Coda cheerleader here as well. Back in the day I had the Model 11(should never have sold it), and now the Model 16 has dutifully replaced my Pass mono blocks. A must audition!
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