Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems announces two additions to the Relentless Series
An Epic upgrade to the flagship Relentless Mono Amplifier and the new Relentless Epic 800 Watt mono amplifier to be unveiled at High End Munich 2022, May 19-22, 2022 – The MOC, Room A 3.1, D111
MUNICH, GERMANY, MAY 19, 2022 — Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems introduced the Relentless Epic and Epic 800 Mono Amplifier at the High End Munich Show. Four years after setting the measure for amplifier excellence, the Relentless Mono Amplifier has undergone an upgrade – the Epic. Combining new circuit sections and components, the Relentless Epic Amplifier resets the standard in power amplifier performance. In an active system, the Relentless Epic 800 makes its world premiere paired with the Relentless Preamplifier. Coupling the new Epic circuit topologies to an 800 Watt/8 Ohm power rating, the Relentless Epic 800 extends D’Agostino Reference sound quality to a smaller package.
Every major section of the Relentless Epic Mono Amplifiers- power supply, input, driver, and output stages – have all been enhanced in this advancement. A new power management topology further isolates the power supply from the entirety of the audio circuitry providing extra protection from the noise the massive power transformers can generate.
The Relentless Epic and Epic 800 employ an all-new, fully complementary topology based around a precision input stage that maintains an essentially perfect balance between the positive and negative components of the signal. Any distortion artifacts that appear on one half of the signal will also appear on the other half, and thus cancel each other. Gain circuits operate in the current domain, assuring the amplifiers’ performance does not fluctuate regardless of the speaker demand. In the Relentless Epic and Epic 800 amplifiers, new input stage devices deliver a 300% increase in current as compared to the previous devices. These wider bandwidth, higher power components extend low and high frequency performance with reduced distortion in both frequency extremes. Global negative feedback is not employed, nor is it required as the amplifiers’ open-loop linearity eliminates the need for this performance-robbing technique.
Crucial to the new circuit are the bipolar transistors powering the front end of the amplifier. Activating the driver stage is a new bias stability circuit providing a nearly 50% increase in operating bias. Increasing Class A operation directly correlates to better sound quality. With this new circuit topology and the unique Copper/Aluminum heatsinks, thermal issues are irrelevant in the Relentless Epic and Epic 800 amplifiers. The new bias scheme ensures bias consistency, preventing excessive temperatures even under the greatest demand. Additional regulation circuitry prevents any AC power anomalies from upsetting the amplifiers’ input circuitry.
“With the Relentless Mono Amplifier, we focused on creating an amplifier without any limits”, said company co-founder and chief engineer Dan D’Agostino. D’Agostino continued, “The time since its introduction has allowed us to take the Relentless platform to another level. The original Relentless Mono Amplifier incorporates these changes as the Relentless Epic and we simultaneously developed the Relentless Epic 800 Mono amplifier. The Relentless Epic 800 incorporates the same circuit platform as its bigger brother with a lower power output. Mind you, the Relentless Epic 800 is virtually unlimited when it comes to power delivery and is only outdone by the Relentless Epic itself. I have always found that high powered amplifiers make for the most musical playback at low volume levels while having the capability of delivering the most striking dynamic contrasts no matter how demanding the speaker load may be.”
A critical element of any amplifier output topology is the driver section. In the new Relentless Epic and Epic 800 amplifiers, the driver transistor has been upgraded to a new device that handles 33% more power per device. Additionally, the driver transistor count has doubled thus minimizing demand on each individual device and lowering overall amplifier output impedance without resorting to global negative feedback. Individual transistors are used for the positive and negative signal elements in an inter-digitated complementary arrangement. This nearly doubles the current drive necessary to maximize the enhanced output stage that follows.
The output stage features the same new transistor as in the driver section for sonic and technical consistency. Individual complementary pairs undergo our transistor matching protocol to ensure that gain linearity is virtually identical from 50mA to 5A. Additionally, every one of the 112 (Relentless Epic) or 84 (Relentless Epic 800) output transistors used is measured and only devices that match the required performance specifications are included in the production of Relentless Epic and Epic 800 amplifiers. The high-output transistors used in the Relentless Epic and Epic 800 are among the fastest available. These high-powered transistors mount with two stainless steel fasteners—a rarity among flat-package transistors—for maximum thermal transfer to the copper heat sinks. A capacitor/resistor network connected to the base of each transistor guarantees stability even at high frequencies and with low-impedance speakers. As with all D’Agostino models, the Relentless Epic and Epic 800 amplifiers feature discrete, direct-coupled balanced circuitry – the most accurate circuit platform possible.
The Relentless Epic 800 benefits from all the circuit updates employed in the Relentless Epic amplifier but in a smaller package. With its nearly four-kilowatt transformer and 400,000 mF capacitance power supply feeding 84 output devices, the Relentless Epic 800 easily delivers 800 watts into 8 ohms—and when connected to a 220-volt outlet, it doubles its output to 1,600 watts into 4 ohms and 3,200 watts into 2 ohms.
The core of the Relentless Epic Amplifiers’ power supply is a transformer that uses multiple sections running in concert, all potted and encased in a metal shield. This design reduces transformer noise to near zero and protects the audio circuitry from the transformer’s magnetic field. A special holder mechanically grounds each capacitor eliminating vibrations. A slow-start circuit activates the power supply in stages, eliminating concerns about capacitive in-rush tripping household circuit breakers.
D’Agostino’s exclusive Super Rail concept makes maximum use of the incredible resources of this power supply. Super Rail employs higher voltage rails in the sections prior to the output stage, effectively “turbocharging” the amplifier and exploiting the full capability of the output voltage rails—which improves dynamics, lowers distortion, and tightens the amplifiers’ electrical grip on the speaker.
The Relentless Epic and Epic 800 Amplifiers’ unique heat sink combines copper and aluminum in a thermal engine that wicks away heat from the connected devices. The elaborate elliptical design expands on the venturi heat sink first explored in the Momentum series and makes certain that the Relentless Epic amplifiers run safely and reliably even when delivering its full rated power. Thermal, short circuit, and DC protection are included in a non-invasive but comprehensive defense against any external system faults.
The entire chassis of the Relentless Epic and Epic 800 amplifiers are machined from solid aluminum, for superior shielding, thermal stability and vibration damping. High-precision milling allows the entire chassis to fit together solidly with no visible fasteners.
The new Relentless Epic Mono Amplifier uses the same chassis as the original Relentless Amplifier. Every Relentless Amplifier can be upgraded to the Relentless Epic level. All electrical enhancements are included in the upgrade while the original metalwork is retained.
The Relentless Epic Monoblock amplifier will begin shipping in June 2022 at $349,500 USD per pair and upgrades to the original will be $49,500/pr. The Relentless Epic 800 will begin shipping in Q4 of 2022 at $194,500/pr. Standard finishes include silver or black.
Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems、Relentlessシリーズに2つの追加製品を発表。
フラッグシップモデルRelentless Mono AmplifierのEpicアップグレードと、新しいRelentless Epic 800 Wattモノアンプを2022年5月19～22日に開催されるHigh End Munich 2022 – The MOC, Room A 3.1, D111で発表予定
A reference level DAC that includes a reference level CD Player (2) 32-bit/8-channel professional grade DACs 7 digital inputs Balanced & unbalanced analog outputs in both solid-state & vacuum tube configurations
Two-in-One: A Reference Level DAC and a Reference Level CD Player.
Bring all your digital music to life in your home audio system with the MCD12000 SACD/CD Player. While classified as a CD player, it is better to think of the MCD12000 as a reference level Digital-to-Analog convertor (DAC) that includes reference level SACD/CD playback capabilities. Music played through any of the MCD12000’s digital inputs or from compact discs is processed by professional grade 8-channel DACs designed for premium audiophile performance and recording studios. The MCD12000 is the perfect DAC and SACD/CD Player to use with the reference level C12000 Preamplifier.
At the heart of the MCD12000 are two ESS SABRE PRO ES9038PRO 32-bit/8-channel DACs, with one DAC dedicated to the left audio channel, and the other DAC dedicated to the right audio channel. Each DAC uses ESS’ patented HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator to deliver an unprecedented performance level that will satisfy the needs of the most demanding digital audio applications. Each ES9038PRO is configured in Octal-Balanced Mono mode where the DAC’s eight outputs are used to drive the analog audio, resulting in outstanding sound quality. Separate digital and analog power supplies keep the power and audio signals free from cross contamination, while a specially constructed R-Core power transformer minimizes noise radiation.
There are seven digital inputs on the MCD12000: two coax, two optical, plus one USB (Type B) for computer based audio, one AES/EBU, and one MCT input which can be used with any of our existing MCT SACD/CD Transports that you may already have. The coax and optical inputs support up to 24-bit/192kHz. The USB input supports up to 32-bit/384kHz, as well as DSD512 and DXD384kHz.
McIntosh MCD12000 SACD/CD Player
The MCD12000 offers both balanced and unbalanced fixed analog outputs in both solid-state and vacuum tube configurations. This abundance of output options gives you the flexibility to decide which to use based on the music selection, the audio components in the rest of your home audio system, and your personal sound preferences. A pair of 60dB output meters show the signal level that’s being delivered from the analog outputs of each channel. While the volume is controlled by your preamplifier, integrated amplifier, or other control device, the meters on the MCD12000 will respond to the music being played through it and move back and forth accordingly.
McIntosh MCD12000 SACD/CD Player
All outputs are driven by discrete amplifiers or a blend of vacuum tubes and discrete amplifiers. For vacuum tube output, one 12AT7 tube and one 12AX7A tube are assigned to each the left and right audio channel. Solid-state output is via a discrete balanced op-amp. A digital coax and optical output are included for added flexibility to connect the MCD12000 to the rest of your home audio system.
McIntosh MCD12000 SACD/CD Player
In addition to commercial SACDs and CDs, the MCD12000 can also play music from user generated CDs or DVD Data Discs. Numerous file formats can be played from these discs including AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD (up to DSD128), FLAC, MP3, WAV, and WMA. A twin laser optical pickup assures optimal reading of all common disc types. The disc transport has a precision die-cast aluminum tray that provides smooth and quiet disc handling, while an advanced digital servo provides fast, quiet and accurate operation. The disc’s audio data is read at twice the normal rate ensuring better disc tracking and error correction processing. Power Control and data ports allow for seamless Integration with other McIntosh system components.
The Digital-to-Analog convertor (DAC) in the MCD12000 has received Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs, which can be especially useful if you have an extensive library of digital music. As a Roon Tested partner, McIntosh has provided equipment to Roon for testing with a variety of different operating systems and computers, and shared information about its design and capabilities. The MCD12000 is wrapped in classic McIntosh styling. The bottom part of its chassis is made from stainless steel that is polished to a mirror finish; the top part is made from hairline brushed black Titanium stainless steel that matches the C12000 and brings an enhanced degree of richness and refinement to your home audio system. The front features our timeless black glass panel, illuminated logo, knobs, push button controls, and custom machined brushed aluminum handles that match the C12000. On the top is a glass panel listing performance specs and a block diagram of the audio signal path. A remote control is included. Contact your local dealer to learn more.
AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS Number of Channels 2 Fixed Output Level 2.0Vrms Unbalanced 4.0Vrms Balanced Variable Output Level N/A Output Impedance 600 ohms Unbalanced and Balanced Frequency Response 4Hz to 40kHz, +0.5, -2dB (SACD) 4Hz to 20kHz, ±0.5dB (CD) Signal To Noise Ratio 110dB (A-weighted) Dynamic Range Better than 100dB Total Harmonic Distortion 0.003% @ 1000Hz Channel Separation Better than 98dB (1,000Hz) Headphone Output Impedance N/A
DIGITAL AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Type Professional Grade 8-channel, 32-bit PCM/DSD, Quad Balanced, 1 DAC per channel (2 DACs total) Coaxial Sample Rate 16, 24-bit/192kHz Optical Sample Rate 16, 24-bit/192kHz USB Sample Rate 16, 24, 32-bit/384kHz DXD: DXD352.8kHz, DXD384kHz DSD: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512 Digital Coaxial Input 0.5V p-p/75 ohms Digital Optical Input -15dbm to -21dbm Digital Output Sample Rate Up to 24-bit/192kHz Digital Optical Output -15dbm to -21dbm Digital Coaxial Output 0.5V p-p/75 ohms Digital Output Jitter N/A Digital XLR Output N/A Digital MCT Output N/A
CONNECTIVITY Balanced Fixed Output 2 (1 for Solid State, 1 for Vacuum Tube) Unbalanced Fixed Output 2 (1 for Solid State, 1 for Vacuum Tube) Balanced Variable Output 0 Unbalanced Variable Output 0 Digital Coaxial Input 2 Digital MCT Input 1 Digital Optical Input 2 Digital USB Input 1 (rear) Digital USB Input Type Type B Digital Coaxial Output 1 Digital MCT Output 0 Digital Optical Output 1 Digital XLR Output 0 Headphone Output 0
CONTROL Power Control Input 1 Power Control Output 1 Rear Panel Data Input 1 Rear Panel IR Sensor Input 1 RS232 Control Input 1
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS Disc Formats SACD, CD, CD-R/RW and DVD-R; popular file formats such as AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD (up to DSD128), FLAC, MP3, WAV (up to 24-bit/192kHz) and WMA Disc Capacity 1 Laser Type Twin Beam Laser Beam Wavelength 650nm (SACD) 790nm (CD) Laser Power CLASS IIa/CLASS I Standby Power Requirement <0.5 watt
WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) 17-1/2″ (44.45cm) x 7-5/8″ (19.4cm) x 19″ (48.3cm) Note: When the Disc Tray is opened, the panel clearance required in front of mounting panel is 6-3/4″ (17.2cm). Unit Weight 32.5 lbs (14.7 kg) Shipping Weight 48 lbs (21.8 kg)
Distortion is the enemy
Our award-winning cables reduce distortion by shielding your signal from unwanted frequencies, but your mains supply is a source of distortion itself.
Jorma Power is the serious end of protection for your high end system and Jorma Power Filter Reference is here to deal with this.
Clean sound Our first power product, Jorma Power Filter Reference cleans up your supply, removing noise and direct current to protect your hifi system. Without this, sound can be harsh, boomy and inconsistent.
No more, no less The DC-blocker prevents boomy bass and mechanical hum from large transformers, leaving bass that is tight and dynamic.
Top performance High frequency ripple cancellation substantially lowers noise floor and sibilance in any HiFi device meaning your cymbals ring with clarity.
Zero interference Three separate filtered zones allow your entire system to be shielded from mains irregularities and interference between mutual hifi components.
Rock solid protection
The construction is mechanically robust, heavy-weight and sturdy. This prevents acoustic interference from entering mains circuitry.
C1.2 (inc. 1x HD Digital Input Card) €32,850 or $36,000 C1.2 Mono (inc. 1x HD Digital Input Card) €70,350 or $77,000 C1/C1 Mono upgrade to C1.2 €4,000 or $4,000
Additional Input/Output Options Ethernet Input HD Card €5,800 or $6,000 USB Input Card €2,750 or $3,000 Analog Input Card (1pr RCA, 1pr XLR) €2,350 or $2,500 SYNC-IO card €1,350 or $1,500
Availability: 1st September 2022
Following the introduction of the D1.5 CD/SACD player/transport, CH Precision is proud to announce the release of the partnering DAC, the new C1.2. As impressive as the D1.5 has already proved, the C1.2 represents an even bigger advance in musical performance.
Key features:
Four-fold increase in processing power.
Revised and refined proprietary PEtER algorithm also introduces fixed-point processing.
New sophisticated power-management software reduces system noise levels.
All-new MEMS-based, thermally compensated and shunt regulated master clock.
Discrete, local regulation of DSP and FGPA chips.
Fully MQA compliant for disc and file replay.
Improved, by-passable hybrid digital/analog volume control.
Retaining the elegant form factor and unprecedented functionality, versatility and configurability of its predecessor the C1, the C1.2 nevertheless represents a root-and-branch update/re-engineering of the digital signal path, lifting musical performance to entirely new levels. The massive increase in processing power has allowed us to significantly evolve the PEtER spline filter algorithm, introducing fixed point processing. An all-new MEMS-based master clock has increased clock accuracy and reduced timing error, while massively increased local regulation along with sophisticated power-management has significantly reduced the digital noise floor. Input compatibility has been fully updated and now includes full MQA compliance for both disc and file replay.
That step up in musical performance and capability is accompanied by the same user configurable input topology (so that owners can buy only the inputs they need), the same expandable system capability (allowing owners to add external power supplies, a T1 Time reference master clock or even upgrade
the C1.2 to true three-box, dual-monaural DAC form) and even the capacity to accept/switch analog inputs, making the C1.2 a true System Controller.
No DAC left behind!
Best of all – and true to our upgradable/expandable design ethos – existing C1s can be fully upgraded to the C1.2 standard for the difference in price between the new and the older model, ensuring that the investment made by our end-users is both protected and updated, maintaining current, cutting edge digital performance without cost penalty.
Availability: 1st September 2022
Prices
C1.2 (inc. 1x HD Digital Input Card) €32,850 or $36,000
C1.2 Mono (inc. 1x HD Digital Input Card) €70,350 or $77,000
C1/C1 Mono upgrade to C1.2 €4,000 or $4,000
Additional Input/Output Options
Ethernet Input HD Card €5,800 or $6,000
USB Input Card €2,750 or $3,000
Analog Input Card (1pr RCA, 1pr XLR) €2,350 or $2,500
SYNC-IO card €1,350 or $1,500
The C1 to C1.2 upgrade is a distributor or factory installed kit.
Attending the High End Show in Munich – May 19th – 22nd 2022?
You can hear our new digital products – the C1.2 DAC/Controller, the D1.5 CD/SACD Player/Transport and the remarkable 10 Series amplifiers in Atrium 4.1 room F118.
