Dan D'Agostino's new power amp: Relentless by both name and nature

Dan D’Agostino has just launched a new reference power amplifier. The Relentless – named after the designer’s constant striving to increase performance - is a 1500-watt monobloc design that continues to double its power output as load impedance halves.

Great care has been taken to ensure the Relentless doesn’t run too hot. It’s kept cool by copper and aluminium heat sinking that is specially shaped to improve the flow of hot air.

Inside the power amp you’ll find a 5.5kW power supply that feeds a 100 output devices. At the supply’s heart is a transformer that uses multiple sections, all potted, and enclosed in a metal shield to minimise noise and potential interference. That transformer feeds into a custom-designed rectifier circuit and then into a huge 60,000µF of smoothing capacitance.

D’Agostino has taken much care in designing an all-new input stage that is low distortion, and amplification stages that are unaffected by the demands of the speaker. That’s especially impressive as the Relentless avoids global negative feedback in its circuit design.

At the front you’ll find an extra-large version of the brand’s trademark signal meter. It measures 20-cm in diameter and adjusts its pointer movement to account for differing input levels.

A single Relentless monobloc weighs in at 220kg and will begin shipping in June. Price? Just the £275,000 per pair.

MORE:

Focal expands Utopia III Evo flagship speaker range

PMC launches £45k loudspeaker design

SME unveils £15k Synergy turntable

Finkteam launches Borg floorstander at High End 2018

New Audeze LCD-4z are easy-to-drive high-end headphones

Ketan Bharadia
Technical Editor

Ketan Bharadia is the Technical Editor of What Hi-Fi? He has been reviewing hi-fi, TV and home cinema equipment for almost three decades and has covered thousands of products over that time. Ketan works across the What Hi-Fi? brand including the website and magazine. His background is based in electronic and mechanical engineering.

Latest in Stereo Amplifiers
Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier in silver
Audiolab upgrades its five-star 6000A amplifier with a new DAC chip, enhanced circuitry and HDMI ARC
WiiM Vibelink Amp stereo amplifier
WiiM's Vibelink Amp stereo amplifier officially launches – with ultra-competitive pricing
Gryphon Audio Diablo 333 integrated amplifier
Gryphon Audio Diablo 333
Roksan Atessa Streaming Amplifier in black finish on wooden rack
Roksan’s stylish Attessa Streaming Amplifier is rocking a cool £300 off thanks to this juicy deal
Audio Research Reference 330M floating on a black background
Audio Research’s new flagship monoblock power amp is a serious high-end powerhouse
WiiM Vibelink Amp and WiiM Ultra
The WiiM Vibelink Amp is WiiM's first integrated amp with no streaming elements
Latest in News
Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier in silver
Audiolab upgrades its five-star 6000A amplifier with a new DAC chip, enhanced circuitry and HDMI ARC
Qobuz
Qobuz reveals average payout per stream – and claims it is higher than rivals
Sonos Beam Gen 2
Quick! This five-star Sonos Dolby Atmos soundbar has dropped close to its lowest price
The Google Pixel 9a being held horizontally at waist-height so only the back is visible.
The Google Pixel 9a launches at £100 less than the iPhone 16e with a better screen
A woman flicking through stacks of vinyl records in a Rough Trade shop.
Vinyl records and music streaming both hit landmark highs – but the one growing faster in revenue may surprise you
Vertere DG X turntable in black finish
Vertere's gorgeous DG X turntable features significant updates for a more refined performance overall