Experiencing the Dan D’Agostino Progression Amplifier at HiFi Creations

Posted by Tan

Have you been looking to audition Dan D’Agostino amplifiers in Malaysia but never could? Now you have a dedicated place to go to.

Hifi Creations is now a dealer for the prestigious brand. To mark this addition to their portfolio, owner Victor Pheh has assembled a reference-level system with the Dan D’Agostino Progression power amplifier as its centrepiece.

At 350w per side and with its output power doubling all the way down to 2 ohms (@1400w), the Progression S350 is a beast of an amplifier, but it comes with a jewel-like construction, the build quality was exquisite with all rounded-edges, and the beautiful display meter in front simply adds to the overall high-end vibe of the piece.

Victor invited me to visit his new showroom set-up, I spent an afternoon listening and enjoying the newly curated system. The demo system consisted of the following top of the range components from the brands HiFi Creations carries:

• Streamer: Pink Faun 2.16 Ultra (RM 160,000)
• DAC/Preamp: Playback Designs MPD-8 (RM 135,000)
• Power Amplifier: Dan D’Agostino Progression S350 (RM 145,000)
• Loudspeakers: Qualio IQ30 Semi-Open Baffle (RM 70,000)

In the current configuration, the Playback Designs DAC drove the Dan D’Agostino power amplifier directly without a dedicated standalone preamplifier. Victor said that a matching Dan D’Agostino preamplifier will be brought in in the near future to complete the system. 

While evaluating an unfamiliar combination of components presented a challenge for me in identifying the contribution of individual component, the collective performance of this setup was immediately apparent. The presentation was remarkably large, open, and unconstrained. This expansive soundstage, I believe, can be attributed to the inherent characteristics of the Qualio loudspeakers' open baffle design, combined with the substantial power and control exerted on them by the Dan D’Agostino amplifier.

The system excelled in rendering an airy, atmospheric top end. The Progression S350 amplifier demonstrated a vice-like grip over the loudspeakers. Complex dynamic passages never flustered the system, which handled large-scale orchestral crescendos with absolute composure.

During the audition, Victor utilized a wide selection of piano recordings to show off the system's capabilities. Piano is widely regarded as one of the most difficult instruments for a HiFi system to reproduce accurately. Achieving a convincing piano presentation requires an exceptionally even tonal balance across the entire frequency spectrum to ensure the instrument sounds cohesive from the lowest to the highest registers, such that the notes are produced from the same piano. Additionally, a system must possess high resolution to untangle complex harmonic structures, and also be able to handle the wide dynamic range necessary to transition effortlessly from subtle pianissimo to explosive fortissimo passages.

The HiFi Creations system successfully met these demands, rendering piano notes with impressive realism and technical accuracy. Victor was obviously very pleased with this set-up’s performance in this regard, and I very much agreed.

The Progression S350 proved highly capable across multiple musical genres. It delivered the speed and impact required for high-octane tracks, yet easily turned around to deliver the intimacy and nuance of y female vocals.

The overriding impression of the Dan D’Agostino Progression S350 was one of boldness, expansive soundstaging and powerful dynamics. It avoided a sterile, analytical presentation in favor of a tonally rich and engaging character that prevented listener boredom. While it was more than competent at handling delicate details, the amplifier is at its most confident when delivering scale, authority, and musical presence.

Victor has set up a top notch demo system with the Dan D’Agostino Progress power amp at its core.  Interested in a Dan D’Agostino experience? Call Victor 012-296 2799 and arrange an audition at HiFi Creations.

AV Design Introduces JBL Summit Series to Malaysian Market

Posted By Tan

AV Designs recently launched the new JBL Summit Series in Malaysia.

The launch event showcased three high-end loudspeaker models designed to cater to premium audiophile systems. There were two floorstanding models, named the MAKALU and the PUMORI, alongside a compact bookshelf option designated as the AMA.

More design details of the JBL Summit Series can be found on its website here : https://www.jbl.com/summit.html

Their list prices are as follows:

JBL Summit AMA – RM72,000/pair

JBL Summit PULMORI – RM 118,000/pair

JBL Summit MAKALU – RM 168,000/pair

First impression - the Summit Series immediately impressed with its build quality. All three models utilize heavily braced, beautifully finished cabinets. The wood veneer variants were a key highlight, featuring a deep gloss finish that rivalled or even surpassed many flagship loudspeakers out there.

The beautifully glossy venner on the Summit Series, my photo does not do it justice

With the listening session going on in earnest, the floorstanding JBL Summit Makalu matched with a Mark Levinson amp immediately wowed us with its dynamic range and scale. The speakers delivered a wide frequency range and extensive low-frequency extension. Even the AMA bookshelf model maintained the Series’ big sound and deep bass capabilities despite its smaller enclosure size. The entire lineup is engineered to project a large soundstage and a substantial presence, depending on the size of your listening room, they would fill it up with pulsating and exciting music.

The sonic signature of the JBL Summit Series is such that they are totally at ease with transient-heavy and impactful material. They are particularly exceptional with rock and highly dynamic music genres, where speed and attack are critical.

However, the design has also balanced this high-energy presentation with midrange fidelity. When reproducing simpler arrangements such as a vocal track, the speakers remained capable, delivering clear and realistic voice and imaging.

The JBL Summit Series is now available through AV Designs, call 03-6241 1237 to arrange an audition.

JBL L100 Classic 80th Anniversary Limited Edition Loudspeakers Available for Audition Now

 Posted by Tan

AV Designs have teamed-up with Atlas Sound and Vision to showcase and demo the JBL L100 Classic 80th Anniversary Limited Edition together with the entire JBL Classic Series product line-up at Atlas Sound and Vision’s new showroom in The Gardens Mall (Lot T241, Level 3). 

The JBL Classic series (Retro-styled design) includes:-

• SA550 integrated amplifier

• CD350 CD player

• MP350 network streamer

• TT350 turntable

• Classic loudspeakers: L100, L82 and L52

System will be on demo from now until first week September.

Calling all JBL fans and audiophiles —head over to Atlas Sound and Vision now to savour the ultimate JBL experience!