No, it is certainly not a bargain, the new preliminary stage from Dan D’Agostino. But it comes up with uncompromising technology and sophisticated circuit design – and also with impressive technical data such as a completely linear frequency response from 0.1 Hz to 120 kHz according to the data sheet.
Dan D’Agostino Relentless Preamp: What’s on offer?
The preliminary stage consists of three separate housings. The first houses the power supply and control section – and the other two house the electronics for the left and right channels. So we’re talking about monoblocks as a preliminary stage – respect.
The power supply unit is arranged between the two audio channels and equipped with comprehensive magnetic and electrical shielding. Circuits are also installed that filter HF interference from the AC power supply and compensate for asymmetrical waveforms and DC components in the mains current.
The actual preamplifier electronics come with a new, discreet one Differential FET input stage, which can supply an input voltage of 30 volts and has an input impedance of more than 1 mega-ohm. The five inputs are exclusively symmetrical in XLR. The signal is amplified by proprietary current mirrors with multiple outputs, four-layer circuit boards are intended to significantly reduce distortion and interference radiation.
It is also unusual that the Relentless can control two different sources in two separate rooms or zones at the same time. In this so-called Two-zone operation the upper level control regulates the volume in zone 1 and the lower that in zone 2. An optionally available and “Roon-Ready” Streaming module can be charged by cable or via WLAN and also has digital inputs (optical / coaxial, USB-A) for connecting additional digital sources.
The 60 kilogram bundle is available in silver and black – and costs 170,000 euros. The streaming module is for more 20,000 euros to be purchased separately.
