Is The Dan D Agostino Momentum S250 MXV Better Than The Mcintosh 901 Monoblocks?

Today I connect my Dan D Agostino momentum S250 MXV stereo power amplifiers to my Sonus Faber SE17 and then give you my REAL TIME commentary as far as my initial impressions. You can not miss this one!
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#mcintosh
#poweramplifier
#hifi
#audio
#loudspeaker

[@jaysaudiolab]

If you like this type of content - PLEASE LET ME KNOW BY SUBSCRIBING AND LIKING THIS VIDEO. This is the only way for me to know !

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Prefer WBT-0610CU pin style 😎

[@radinan]

Yep, this is the right formula Jay: plugging, explaining and showing what you're doing then a little bit of music then an immediate reaction, I felt like I was inside the lab with you, this type of content makes me feel closer to you and your never ending quest. Keep them coming bro.

[@daveuk1324]

100% agree!

[@razaagha7598]

Exactly

[@wertherclaymonicorosa960]

Yes Jay, the presentation of the setup was as excellent as it could be, useful for people not used to setup this level of equipment. Looking forward your next impressions

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad it was helpful!

[@oohtob6685]

Really like this content going from plugging in to playing music. 👍

[@flyergowest]

I like this episode. Seeing you do this and explaining the process is great. I’m in a condo so I don’t have speakers but I find this interesting even though I use headphones.

[@geir8849]

This video was so fun, and I feel you will get more impressed when they warm up. Not really open yet.

[@yondahwav1212]

This is great work Jay.

[@SUFCDave51]

Looking forward to your final assessment after run in.

[@chrischristov3914]

Very enjoyable and really interesting content. Can’t wait for the conclusion. Please keep doing this great work! Respect!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks, will do!

[@tictocdoc6958]

Great content. One of the most important things is the comparisons. I suspect many people abandoned the hifi magazines in favor of of KZbinr's is because early on the youtube opinions were honest and not yet influenced or diluted by corporate influence. Then, over time, that clawed its way into youtube. I'm so glad that you still share your honest comparisons as to which you like best. I saw it in this video(mcintosh over d'agostino) and with your best amp under 30 grand(luxman over gryphon). I'm sure it can be awkward when you see representatives of such companies at audio shows, but it really is putting your viewers first. It's great to see you and ocd mikey not giving in to the game of each new product is the best you have ever heard. There is very little value in that. If everything is the best, then nothing is the best.

[@daveuk1324]

Agree!

[@hiresaudiocosta873]

I always find interesting tracks that you play when I watch your channel. The bass on this particular track seems so clean and taught.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks a lot!

[@snomofilms]

One of your best videos, Jay. Keep em comin!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks! Will do!

[@razaagha7598]

Agreed

[@kristofvadnai7468]

More videos like this for sure

[@topkho]

Love this video, very nice to see everything and give raw, real impressions!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 congrats

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks so much!!

[@skip1835]

I really like the "straight to the point" presentation format - sure, we all get it - the amps are not settled in, but very cool nonetheless to get a quick report on the initial impressions along with a small taste of the sound & music you're playing to formulate your comments - thanks Jay

[@daveuk1324]

Agree!

[@daveuk1324]

@Jay - thanks for useful, informative, interesting content that is relevant to us audiophiles. From connection to playback with a some initial commentary. Looking forward to your follow up deep dive review of the DAGs. I hit the like button for the first time in ages. Nice job. Keep it up!

[@stevewithrow]

Best vid do far Jay! Absolute enjoyed it! Keep up the great work, my friend!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks! Will do!

[@donmassad6650]

Jay, this is great content. We like seeing the mechanics of a system set up. Great job.

[@jaysaudiolab]

More to come!

[@socratesliriano9852]

Yes. Love this content!

[@EltonMinduri]

Thanks for showing us! That's great!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad you liked it!

[@mr.universal5053]

Great content Jay! Cool that you show us more of the equipment setup, thumbs up :)

[@jaysaudiolab]

More to come!

[@Dougrca]

Yes , Like the new content approach

[@JingoLoBa57]

What a mishmash of components. CH Precision to D’Aggy’s, with new cables, interconnects, and speaker cables. Synergy experiments. With so many options it’s a loose experience. How many are burned in? The treble is quite digital in reproduction.

[@ridirefain6606]

Good stuff. This is Jay at his best.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you

[@brentcollins9727]

Thanks Jay!!!

[@josenebrus8183]

Another wonderful video Jay👊👊👊 I wasn't surprised that the McIntosh sounds more to your liking Jay, the D'Agostino's are wonderful amps, but hey, I didn't expect much as they are like 🥶🥶 thanks again Jay for a very awesome review 💯👌 🎉

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks 👍

[@Random-kq4pz]

Very nice video Jay!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you very much!

[@adsph]

Thanks for sharing Jay. Interesting things.

[@jaysaudiolab]

You bet

[@walterpen371]

Excellent presentation Jay. As far as all interconnect connections, I've experienced the best solid and confident connections with XLR and BNC. Although with BNC there's still designing them too close together. Thanks for sharing valuable info.

[@VideoArchiveGuy]

Happy to see the Shunyata jumpers are that flexible.

[@willofomphalosgroomslll]

Very informative thanks Jay…💯✅

[@jaysaudiolab]

You bet

[@sidvicious3129]

Thanks for the sound demo and the explanation and visuals on how to connect the amp to the speakers. No one else is doing this. I hit the like button. When is your new turntable coming?

[@jaysaudiolab]

My pleasure!

[@danchua-by6cb]

Hi Jay. Thank you for doing this. I am looking forward to your take on the AR Ref6SE in the lab soon!

[@jaysaudiolab]

You bet!

[@StanThePigeon]

Love the video! Definitely keep them more intuitive! Sonus and mc are a great pairing.

[@jaysaudiolab]

More to come!

[@tejkarangehlot4741]

Jay never played boring music.. always something very good.. & as well as very informative videos .. going great jay.. keep going on 😊

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks a ton

[@richardroundtree2022]

Thank you Jay, keep up this kind of videos.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks, will do!

[@davebarrow9954]

I really liked this video Jay. I also like these speakers more than the Wilsons. obviously, as you said, a cold start on an amp is not indicative of its true potential. I'll be watching. 👍

[@mikeemmett2394]

Hi Jay, I really didn't expect you would experience a mind blowing sound from the Agostino's with the Mc's so far forward in the room, they are literally sitting in front of the speakers.. I would expect the negative affect of this to be almost the equivalent of having a solid chrome & glass coffee table sitting centre and forward of the speakers. Whatever magic those amps are producing (even cold) those Mc's sitting ahead of the speakers are killing it. If I mentioned early reflections, that would be an understatement. 😊

[@shield-maiden]

nice video more of that please 🙂

[@jaysaudiolab]

Will do!

[@torbenhenriksen6257]

Hallo here from Denmark 🇩🇰 great to see your using biamping for your speakers, it is definitely the way to go. My experience with my snell xa reference is just a hole bit different when it comes to amplifiers. Instead of spending 130000 dollars on two monoblocks, you could get significant better sound for a lot less if you try my recipe 😊. I'm using crown xls 2502 on the button of my snell 1x2400watt 4ohn bridge, and velodyne dd18 subwoofers for the button. I think you should try crown xls 2502 on the button and the mid bass of your speakers. It would give you a hole different grip on the bass, a very useful gain control, and about 127000 dollars left for the amplifier for the mid/tweeter section of the speakers.

[@francisdelacruz6439]

Nice video.

[@Derffee]

Yep, really enjoy this

[@Derffee]

So you’re using a pair of stereo power amps one channel for bass and the other channel for high frequency is this correct?

[@courtneyswaby3178]

It was entertaining and revealing how the others live awesome. 😊

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrChaggy123]

I love your new video content. I followed you from the beginning but it was getting to much of the same, but the new videos you make are great. I wish I had a system like that🎉. Thanks for god videos

[@jaysaudiolab]

Noted!

[@brianfernandes2382]

Love the content because It's aspirational.! I doubt that I will ever get remotely near to where you are at this level of equipment. I'm still dreaming of a Nad M33 & Wharfdale Lintons. Your cheapest cable is probably worth more lol. Out of interest, what did you start out with?

[@jaysaudiolab]

Don’t stop dreaming - I never did

[@tuathadedanann195]

I would love to see if you can identify the change of jumper in a double blind listening test. Tri-amping is the way to go.

[@anurags19]

the jumper cable shud be spades or banana - does it make a difference in SQ some gure once told me Banana (Mid) and Spade (Low)

[@johnhovanec6240]

Hi jay,your wife is doing a awesome job as always 👏

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks 👍

[@steverose7122]

very good video

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@bluev2srt]

What is this song I have heard many videos with it playing?

[@KT88gs]

I havent got a clue what you are doing but it relaxes me,kind of ASMR video

[@jaysaudiolab]

😴

[@GPintoFerrao]

Thank you very much for the sharing. Let me put a question for reflection. I haven't seen any external crossover to control the two sets of amplification. Have you used it or not? If not, have you already thought using an external crossover device for a better control of the amplification sets? Thanks?

[@jaysaudiolab]

No need for it when using the same amplifiers

[@betaomega04]

I think some of us might be curious to hear how you approach analyzing different pieces of gear.

[@anurags19]

good jumper cables - thats what was missing in my system (aida 2+boulder2160) - was using the jumper provided by SF. one question Mr. Jay, jumper cable shud be betw MID HIGH + LOW or betw LOW+DEEP LOW? i have 2 speaker cables connected to SF and stock jumper betw MID HIGH+LOW but u in this video are using jumper cable betw DEEP LOW+LOW pro bono advise will be appreciated

[@jaysaudiolab]

Please refer to the speaker manual

[@ugottalovett6519]

Question, Jay. As you are using two stereo amplifiers are you using them in Mono Mode or are you cross-wiring them via cables, right channel to lows in one amp and right channel to highs on the other amp?

[@jaysaudiolab]

Stereo

[@peter3728]

your cable line doesnt make jumpers?

[@Larwiz]

Nice change of pace Jay. Now at some point, can you give us a music clip comparison video with the Mac monos and the D'agastino going back to back?

[@jaysaudiolab]

I am staying away from doing music videos that compare components because they are terrible for me. I don’t gain any subscribers or likes. I can’t be working if there is no support. 😢

[@Larwiz]

@@jaysaudiolab I understand where you're coming from. However, the music clips give us some audible reference of the differences that you may find yourself describing. There is definitely value in those clips. I can't imagine that it would be that tedious to do a 1 track A/B comparison. Hope you reconsider.

[@pablolubbert9739]

Surprised to see that your couch at main listening position has a head rest which blocks all sound reflections from the back wall.

[@Xiaoguan8845]

For that level of equipment, they should all sound beautiful. All you need to check is the synergy. Why should you left the amp on the floor?

[@user-jn7xc6cz6z]

Do you like tanning speakers Jay?

[@JamesBrown-jy5sy]

I LOVE sound clips in a video instead of just commentary. This is my favorite video from you.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@stratenboek]

Prefer the WBT jumpers over those Shunyata things all the time....

[@Stephenwongdirectimaging]

Dan D is my top pick

[@glenncurry3041]

What active crossover are you using? The Mc has it built in.

[@jaysaudiolab]

None - you don’t need one because I’m using the same brand of amps

[@glenncurry3041]

@@jaysaudiolab You reduce the demands on the Mid/High amp by stopping the low end from hitting it. Thus better sound from that amp. Just as high frequencies can blur the lows. Plus the drivers and cross over will not be forced to operate and/or absorb energies they can not properly respond to. You can even bypass a lot of passive crossover by doing it in the active section before the amps. Why feed high frequency energy to a woofer that can not respond to it and still has to dissipate the heat from it. Do yourself a favor and try one. Why would you stop short being the voice of doing it right regardless?

[@michelsimard1984]

I would have choose also 1 stereo amp for the bass and 1 stereo amp for the mid/high after using an electronic Xover splitting the 2 audio ranges

[@glenncurry3041]

@@michelsimard1984 Absolutely!

[@Justwantahover]

I think that runniing them in might help. I bought a CD transport and it didn't sound very good until a week, then it pissed on my oldschool Panasonic DVD player. 😅

[@Romulus980]

Jay that is the best decision, burn in both amps,,,

[@barrypatterson1154]

Loved the content Jay, very informative. I’ve heard Dan D Agostino amps, fully broken in at the same dealer that carries McIntosh and in my opinion the McIntosh amps simply sound better. The Agostino amps are way over priced.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks for sharing!

[@phatjbl]

Yeah Jay for mega dollar speakers better jumpers should have been supplied. Cables matter even more in higher end systems like yours. The Dan D amps are pretty but I like beefier boxes like your Gryphons and even the Mac Amps. I get that Dan is now making gear that has a higher partner acceptability factor and mirrors his love of high end watches. His Krell KAS amps are more my taste. Heard these whipping into the Duntech Sovereign back in the early 1990s at my first hifi show. I like meters eq active crossovers and big drivers. Hifi is loosing its fun factor in many ways. But I love companies like Dart Zeal who have a pleasure control rather than volume. Also I like preamps with Bass and Treble control. It's all personal taste I realise. I agree with power conditioning and better cords too.

[@geminijinxies7258]

Banana plugs for jumpers and speaker cables is just better. I would always use that if I were you. Also remember that even very short cables like jumpers are direction sensitive.

[@saltzine]

:: they sound great enough (from what i can tell) id still prefer listening and looking at them as gorgeous as they are

[@robertmeyer7664]

Jay you should work with stores in your area so you can show case your use equipment. Mcintosh its quite good for what it is . Krell it might be better on the upper line.

[@torbenhenriksen6257]

Another way to get better sound, is to use a crown xls 2502 on each the 15 inch woofer, and ad on a minidsp ddrc-24 dirac live to be able to eq the woofer for room gain...., and then use the mcintosh for mid bass and top, this will also make the mcintosh significant better, because it doesn't have to play the 15 inch woofer

[@pennfootball71]

i am surprised your cable line does not have jumpers

[@pizzaearthpancakesandother2549]

Congrats on your audio journey bro but I like the Rockport better. They just sound BETTER than the Sonuses. Sorry Big Jay just need to give it to you 💯

[@peronnikbeijer213]

Why not bi-amp the mid to the highs, instead of mid to the low's?

[@jaysaudiolab]

This is how Sonus Faber recommends it to be done

[@morganmoren4467]

Jay: I think the amp gets mutch better then they have run 24 hours.More layback/detail/3D/relax sound :).

[@jaysaudiolab]

I’m working on it

[@louisperlman8030]

It’s definitely going to be interesting once the Momentum’s warm up. This is definitely not for the A/B blind testing crowd 😂

[@helgar791]

Now let's get a pair of Magico's in there and see if the Mac's hold up under that load as well as the Momentum's.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Please watch the channel - you would have an answer to this

[@davidmasters1242]

If I had to purchase D'Aggy's then a single MVX250 would be it, the rest you can keep, just a more polished krell.

[@tattednyctrkman8119]

If u like the Mcs 901s over Dan D and the ARC Ref 750s is definitely better then the Mcs 901s. Then u have your winner. 👍💪👊. Apparently Jay never auditioned the ARC ref 750s. It’s TIME !!!

[@ChicagoRob2]

It’s been ARC for me for the past 40 years.

[@tattednyctrkman8119]

@@ChicagoRob2 Definitely. I own the ARC Ref 750s. Ref 6SE. Ref cd9.

[@Carvitup1]

👍

[@user-vr3sq1kq6i]

Yes- the D Agostino Momentum S250 MXV is extremely better than the Mc

[@fatphoca5009]

That scratching sound as you tried to find the XLR socket makes me cringe!

[@gadymarcus2362]

Bella/Linda.💘✡️✡️✡️✡️✡️✡️

[@razaagha7598]

But i gotta say jay i wanted to like the mc's but for my ears the dan's were a better sound, i prefer the audio research tube sound though over mc's any day

[@razaagha7598]

Also loved this and your last couple of videos please keep this style up instead of the hide and wait ones prefer the all out ones and explanations

[@endrizo]

12:18 face in mirror surface

[@fullranger3435]

I think the DAgs will a have a hard time. Too much and high quality "real estate" to beat, from the other side. Beautiful, ok, but, can they tame those beasts of loudspeakers? They' re so...too elegant?

[@AmazonasBiotop]

Hmm.. Just from a subjective ascetic view point. Those amps Agustino first of LOOKS as high quality. With great material choices. And very nice and evolving craftsmanship with high details and finishing. Just as a fine Grand Seiko case finishing.. :) But.. They ALSO from that angle what down on the floor with their proportions of width length and height. That the height relatively to the other proportions look so inexpressive like someone is hunching down and look up and saying (not proudly) "excuse me". And with those round shapes also contributed to that non masculine design language.. As a comparison to the gryphon that stand tall, strong and proud. By shouting "look at me I am a alpha amplifier!". 😂 The Agustino amp probably look much better at a work bench height I guess. It is in my opinion a shame that the design language drag down such great craftsmanship and material choices. 😓

[@RobertSmith-rm1zd]

i really enjoy the chanell but i think more music playing would go along way with your subscribers

[@jaysaudiolab]

Nope that’s not true. Nobody cares for it. You can’t tell how something sounds through KZbin.

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Needles jump w bass loads Shunyata for power cables 😮 Kimber Select for audio signal

[@nirodha35]

Jumpers that failed😂?

[@igaldins]

People like to say McIntosh is overrated and overpriced. I don’t think so. There is no other solid state that sounds like McIntosh. I really like my McIntosh, specifically with a good power cable.

[@Coneman3]

Wattage of amps is less important than size of transformer.

[@chebrubin]

Jay does Not give a Fxck he is going to bi-amp / bi-wire his Sonus Farber(s). Wilson Audio wake up asxhxles and cut 4 binding posts a speaker. Only Jay would compare apples to apples crossover used with the McIntosh mono block testing to hear the Dan D Agostino amplifiers. Jay you need to bring back the Krell name to its former glory! Banana Jumpers never touch the spades.

[@pennfootball71]

dAgostino Momentum S250 is really not the best best stuff I heard... i am not surprised the Mcintosh is better. I wish we could get you some Burmester amps.

[@user-jn7xc6cz6z]

Tannoy

[@thomassannito3528]

All the equipment is beautiful, l don't want to take away from the D'agostino amps,they probably have more current than the Macs but those meters are lazy and not accurate.At that price not acceptable. The Mcintosh meters are faster and better. And yes lm a Mcintosh owner. The videos are great and l like Jay

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

You don't know what you're talking about.

[@errolcuffe3856]

The McIntosh sounds better out of the box..

[@renebrunner1529]

Buy Dan today and loose 50% tomorrow

[@Coneman3]

I heard they are not as good as many think.

[@Maex911]

@@Coneman3 definetaly not

[@Coneman3]

@@renebrunner1529 overpriced

[@Maex911]

@@Coneman3 yes and high potential to loose money

[@Coneman3]

A very experienced guy in Hifi told me he bettered D’Agostino amps in a customers setup by a big margin- better sound and way cheaper - they were valve amps. Customer didn’t believe dealer but tried the change and never went back. I heard of similar experiences with speakers. DON’T JUDGE HIFI BY ITS PRICE. Yes, quality always has its price, but I think more so these days than ever, there are lots of massively overpriced items.

[@hectorfernandez5684]

Back on time Mark Levinson leads. Now I’m out of the game