D'Agostino Pendulum integrated amplifier made from Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems, the company belonging to the man who was founder, CEO and chief designer of KRELL until 2009. They mostly manufacture megabucks electronics like preamps, power amps and integrated amps, which sell for up to $385,000. But the Pendulum is their new most affordable amp at $18,000 base, or $22,500 as reviewed, with both options and capable of 120W per channel. Does it deliver on its pomise?
This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/product/everest-x/
00:00 D'agostino Pendulum Integrated
01:29 Overview
3:37 Reference Equipment
14:13 Sound Quality
07:42 Specs & Design
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What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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New Vandersteen L5 Audio Control Center Preview: 7 Major Audio Problems Series
As you may recall, we have outlined seven major problems with audio believability. A link is in the description for details. One of these items is the problem of recording standards. Today, we look at a new electronics product from Vandersteen that is designed to address this issue. Let’s see what Richard and team have done.
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AGD SOLO Monoblock Limited Edition amplifier review
With a price per pair coming in at $23.5k (USD), for me they’ll remain a memory for now, but when my hi-fi budget grows, I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on these beauties. However, if you currently find yourself looking for equipment in this price range, you’re gonna wanna stick around while I share what I heard while listening to the AGD SOLO Monoblock amps.
This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/product/everest-x/
00:00 SOLO Monoblock Limited Edition amplifier
01:29 Overview
03:54 Sound Quality
10:11 Summary
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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Pearl Acoustics Model 1 Speaker Review
After hearing the Model 1's at this year's AXPONA, in combination with their minimalist design, Adrian Alexander decided to investigate these further. Are they possibly going to be Adrian's new reference speaker? Tune in to find out!
This video is sponsored by: https://www.wattson.audio/
The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/
00:00 Pearl Acoustics Model 1
01:56 Overview
02:47 What's in the box?
04:07 Sound Quality
07:41 Is it for you?
09:08 Customer Service
10:40 Conclusion
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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New Audio Research S-100 amplifier and LS-3 preamp: Best Amplifiers Under $10k Series
The venerable firm Audio Research has recently undergone a big transition in ownership, strategy and product offerings. We covered this extensively in a visit to their Minnesota headquarters in advance of the release of 6 new products this summer. Today, I’ll be reviewing two of those products, the LS-3 solid-state preamp/DAC and the S-100 solid-state power amp. We’ve covered the new D-80 tube power amp, and will be covering the LS-2 tube preamp and the S-200 solid-state power amp soon.
This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/pages/introducing-perlisten
00:00 The Audio Research S-100 & LS-3
1:01 Overview
4:24 Sound Quality S-100
09:34 Sound Quality LS-3
12:45 Operational Caveats & Comments
14:15 Summary
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
Tom's reference system:
Aurender N20 Streamer/Server
Roon Nucleus server
Mac Mini (M2) server
Wiim Pro server/DAC
Bluesound Node server/DAC
Topping D70 Pro DAC
dCS Lina DAC/Master clock
Berkeley Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 with Alpha USB Series 2 input module
MSB Premier DAC
J Sikora Initial Max turntable
Technics SL-1210G turntable
Kuzma 4Point 9” arm
J Sikora KV12 tone arm
DS Audio 003 cartridge
Benz Gullwing SLR cartridge
Hana Umami Blue cartridge
Hegel V10 phono preamp
Musical Surroundings Phonomena III phono preamp
DS Audio 003 optical cartridge energizer
PS Audio BHK 600 mono power amps
MBL N51 integrated amp
Audio Research 160S power amp
Magico A5 speakers
Perlisten S7t speakers
Wireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cables
Shunyata Omega digital cables
Shunyata Venom power cables and director
Audioquest Niagara 3000 power conditioner (for analog)
Audioquest Niagra 7000 power conditioning
Rediacoustic diffusers and absorbers
Rediacoustic bass traps
PSI Audio AVAA active traps
Salamander racks
Solidsteel Turntable rack
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
The Absolute Sound is the world’s preeminent source of expert reviews, features, and commentary on high-performance audio and music. Since 1973, TAS has set the standard for quality audio and music journalism, helping to shape the industry and guiding audio enthusiasts and music lovers to components and recordings that faithfully reproduce the sounds one might hear in a good concert hall.
The Absolute Sound is a monthly print and digital magazine, an online destination for those interested in better sound, and a community of audiophiles and music lovers.
For a Brief History of The Absolute Sound:
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/fifty-years-of-the-absolute-sound/
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