Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems has begun shipping the Progression Integrated Amplifier (from £18,500). Built on a modular platform, the Progression Integrated is designed to fulfil “every need of today’s music listener and audiophile”. The analogue base unit provides two single-ended inputs and three balanced inputs, including a home theatre pass-through. Balanced preamplifier outputs mean one or more subwoofers can be controlled and Bluetooth remote control connectivity, first used in the Progression and Momentum HD Preamplifiers, is included as part of the base package. Bluetooth connectivity eliminates line of sight issues and extends the usable range by 5x versus conventional IR remote controls.
The heart and soul of the Progression Integrated is formed of fundamental DDMAS technologies, including discrete, balanced, direct-coupled circuitry married to a substantial output stage delivering 200W per channel into 8 Ohms and 400W into 4 Ohms. A unique toroidal winding technology, first employed in the Momentum M400 amplifier, delivers greater power output from a conventionally sized transformer, enabling the Progression Integrated to be a surprisingly compact for its capability. The foundation of the Progression Integrated is a traditional line-stage integrated amplifier suitable for all analogue sources except turntables. If a turntable is part of the current system or added in the future, an optional moving coil phono stage module can be included at the time of production or inserted at a later date.
For those listeners keen to incorporate digital playback within the same unit, an optional digital module, adding a fully differential hi-res DAC and a full suite of capability, is also available. Eliminating external connections, gain stages and additional components offers distinct sonic advantages. Coaxial, optical and USB inputs join ethernet and wireless connectivity for in-house networking and internet streaming. As part of the digital module technologies, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer and Spotify streaming subscription services are available, MQA decoding is standard. Customized apps for iOS devices provide easy control of music collections, streaming content and unit control. Roon Music management is also available as an alternative music management program.
From the outside, the Progression Integrated is pure Dan D’Agostino. Substantial power output requires proper cooling for optimal operation and long-term reliability and the Progression Integrated is equipped with heat sinks reminiscent of the flagship Relentless Monoblock Amplifier. Two analogue meters, inspired by Swiss watch faces, function as signal level meters during music playback. When volume is adjusted, the meter needles change to volume setting indicators; after adjustments are made, the meters revert back to signal level operation. The meters also function as balance, phase and mute indicators.
Finished in either anodised silver or black aluminium, the Progression Integrated Amplifier – like all Dan D’Agostino components – is hand built by our staff of music lovers and technicians in our Cave Creek, Arizona facility. The Progression Integrated Amplifier is available now with a UK RRP of £18,500 for the analogue base model, £20,750 for the analogue model with optional phono stage, £24,000 for the analogue model with optional digital module, and £26,250 for the unit equipped with the optional phono stage and digital module. The optional modules may also be added at a later date.