HIGHEND 2024 – Testing the most expensive subwoofer, meeting Dan D'Agostino!

The Krell Master reference amplifier was the ballast available that day. 1000 watts into 8 ohms which doubled to 16000 watts into 0.5 ohms. Pure Class A, for a lot of money. Today, called the Dan D'Agostino Relentless Equalizer, we look at the most expensive amp at the show and meet the legendary Dan D'Agostino

Look back

When, 20 years ago, I used a Chinese amplifier (Classic 6.6) and a pair of Magnepan MG12 speakers, you would sometimes daydream and think, “I'll get a Krell one day. Then you'll never lack for power and finesse.” I have since had the privilege of owning two Krell amplifiers, the latest being the Krell Evolution 402e which was one of the last amplifiers that Dan himself was responsible for during his time at Krell. A wonderful piece of music that had the R3 Arreté singing with precision and power, a wonderful soundstage and a richness of detail.

Dan D'Agostino – Legend

Krell has built a legendary business and protagonist Dan D'Agostino is responsible for that achievement. He founded and ran Krell for many years but was forced out in 2009 by new owners. For several years, he has been running his own brand, which is the same as his name. it's called Dan D'Agostino Master of Sound Systems Where highly exclusive speakers are manufactured is of great interest at HIGHEND 2024 in countless listening rooms.

It's not every day you meet a living legend, so I had to shake my paw and take a photo!

(If I look unusually pleased, it's probably because I'm probably a little impressed)

Dan D'Agostino's relentless, epic amp!

It's been 20 years and a lot has happened in Dan's world. At the show, they're showing off the Relentless 800, which delivers 800 watts per channel, into 8 ohms. But it's actually just the little brother to their flagship speaker called the Epic 1600 Mono. A beast that blows the jaws of the Krell Master Reference Amplifier in terms of power with 1500 watts RMS specified into 8 ohms (measuring 1605 watts), 3000 watts into 4 ohms and 6000 watts RMS into 2 ohms. Each single piece can draw a maximum of 11320 watts at 1 ohm.

Dan D'Agostino Relentless Epic 1600 subwoofer for SEK 3,400,000 per pair

Dan D'Agostino's Relentless Subwoofer for SEK 2,099,000

D'Agostino Relentless 800 for SEK 1,399,000 per pair

D'Agostino Relentless 800

heavy weight

When the song “16 Tons” is played, it matches well with the monoblock, which can also be measured in tones. That is, their weight is 258 kilograms, or more than a quarter of a ton. piece.

The video above also shows the Dan D´Agostino Relentless 800 in action.

Photos and video: Henrik Berntsson