-
Media gallery Media gallery -
Media gallery Media gallery -
Media gallery Media gallery
Have a question?
Notified by email when this product becomes available
- Description
- Specification
- Review
- Installation
- Returns
Dan D'Agostino
Progression M550 Monoaural
There is no mistaking the D’Agostino family styling of the second generation Progression M550 Mono Amplifier. Immediately grabbing one’s attention is the new heat sink design. Drawn directly from the flagship Relentless Mono Amplifier, each heatsink is milled from a single, 48.5-pound (22-kilogram) aluminum billet slab. This highly efficient elliptical form dramatically improves the cooling ability of the design and assures that the Progression M550 Mono Amplifier runs safely and reliably even when delivering its full-rated power. Reflected in the model name, the Progression M550 Mono Amplifier delivers 550/1,100/2,220 watts into 8/4/2 ohms.
The Progression M550 includes major revisions to the input topology. Distortion, signal/noise ratio, channel separation, and bandwidth measurements have all improved. New transistors handle six times the power of the previous components and a new DC coupling circuity has improved low frequency performance and extended the bandwidth of the amplifiers. Pairing this advanced front end to the enhanced output stage has improved the dynamic impact, detail retrieval, and spatial integrity of the amplifier’s playback. The audio signal path throughout is discrete, balanced, and direct coupled. Advanced protection techniques shield the amplifier and associated components from any unexpected anomaly.
Exploring New Dimensions
A new power device provides the foundation for an upgraded output stage. This new transistor, first used in the Relentless Mono Amplifier, extends high frequency response, increases power handling by a factor of four and features tighter tolerance gain matching between complementary NPN/PNP pairs. A wider safe operating area and superior gain linearity provides greater thermal stability throughout the amplifiers’ power delivery. Coupling the new output device to the high efficiency heat sink design affords an increase in operating bias. The higher bias specification has increased the Class A operating range of the Progressiokn M550 to 70 watts. The result is improved instrument timbre and tonal reproduction for a great percentage of listening.
Maintained from the original amplifier is the Super Rail topology, a simple concept but complex in execution. Every amplifier employs a voltage rail, actually two, a positive one and its companion negative partner. Voltage rails support the delivery of power to the speaker. The music signal swings between these two rails but due to natural loss, the musical signal never reaches the output rails’ full capability. A Super Rail overcomes this limitation. Borrowing the idea of a turbo in a car engine, the Super Rail employs higher voltage rails in the sections prior to the output stage. This voltage "boost" allows the musical signal to exploit the full capability of the output voltage rails. Extending the musical signal swing closer to the output rails maximizes the performance of the output circuitry design itself. Nearly ideal output stage operation results with improved dynamics, lower distortion, and a fierce grip of the speaker. The output topology employs 48 power transistors anchored by a 2,000 VA power supply transformer and nearly 100,000 microfarads of power supply storage capacitance.
Legendary Purity
The anodized Aluminum faceplate includes the iconic look of the company’s power meters. The Progression M550 Mono Amplifier 180° meter needle is driven by a high-speed ballistic circuit improving the meter’s responsiveness. The Progression M550 Mono Amplifier features a 180° needle arc meter design driven by a high-speed ballistic circuit that enhances the meter’s responsiveness. The longer needle arc covers the amplifier’s entire output range.
With innovative circuitry and virtually unlimited power output, the Progression M550 Mono Amplifiers deliver intimate musical details, three-dimensional sound staging, and startling dynamics not possible from less capable designs.
Frequency Response | 1 Hz to 80 kHz, -1 dB / 20Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.01 dB |
Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 105 dB - unweighted / 75 dB - A weighted |
Finish | Silver or Black with Custom Finishes Available Upon Request |
Total Harmonic Distortion | 550W @ 8Ω .015% @ 1 kHz |
Input Impedance | 100 KΩ |
Output Impedance | 0.1Ω |
Power | 550 watts @ 8Ω 1,100 watts @ 4Ω 2,200 watts @ 2Ω |
Distortion | |
Inputs | 1 balanced XLR |
Dimensions | 17.875 x 9.0 x 23.0 in / 45.4 x 23.0 x 58.4 cm |
Weight | 115 lb / 52.2 kg |
"...but the call of the Progressions was so strong that, on multiple occasions, hours of listening went by without my remembering to use the pen I held in my hand. A great amp will do that to you."
- Jason Serinus, Stereophile
"...I have a distinct impression that these amps sound 'almost' as good as the big guns. In some respects they may even sound better."
- Alan Sircom, Hi Fi+
Sometimes we want to listen to our brand new audio setup without having to worry about dragging B&W up two flights of stairs - that's where we come in! Not only are our team experts in high quality AV equipment, they're also professional bodybuilders* who can deliver and install your new toys quickly and efficiently.
Our in-house team can service those in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. Give us a call to get an obligation-free quote today!
*the term 'professional bodybuilders' is used here loosely...
Our refund policy operates in a 30-day window - after this time we are unable to accept the product and cannot issue a refund. Don't worry, our products are hand picked from thousands of luxury brands to ensure you are only offered the best of the best so we doubt you'll need to consider this policy at all. If you are concerned about making the wrong decision when it comes to your purchase, please feel free to talk with our team of experts who can advise you on equipment based on your personal music taste, aesthetics, and the layout of your listening room. Still not convinced? Discuss the possibility of a loan (trial period) with our experts and hear the difference yourself.
Recommended products
Recently viewed product
Keep up to date
Be the first to know about new collections and exclusive offers.