Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems has announced the launch of the Pendulum Integrated Amplifier – the company’s most versatile and accessibly priced integrated amp, housed in a chassis that epitomises the D’Agostino aesthetic.
The Pendulum Integrated Amplifier caters to the discerning needs of music enthusiasts and audiophiles alike, says the maker. Its analogue platform boasts one single-ended input and three balanced inputs, including a theatre pass-through feature. With balanced preamplifier outputs facilitating seamless integration of subwoofer(s), the Pendulum offers maximum versatility. Optional phono and digital modules extend its integrated functionality to accommodate turntables and digital streaming.
Circuitry Highlights
A re-engineered application of the JFET input circuit topology introduced in the Momentum C2 Preamplifier forms the cornerstone of the Pendulum’s design. This new input stage is coupled to core D’Agostino technologies – an all-balanced, direct-coupled, complementary signal path ensures optimal signal integrity and sonic purity. The Pendulum is said to achieve remarkable levels of performance and musicality in a component of such compact dimensions.
Housed in Delrin, the Pendulum’s remote control is a Bluetooth-enabled device, rechargeable via USB, boasting an ergonomic design and featuring an LCD screen. Offering bi-directional functionality, the remote control mirrors the information on the Pendulum’s front panel onto its own display screen, including input, volume and song metadata.
Optional Digital Streaming Module (DSM) and Phono Stage
The Pendulum offers a suite of digital capabilities via its optional digital module, ensuring integration with a wide range of audio sources and systems. Among its standout features is a robust connectivity suite, including optical and both RJ-45 and Wi-Fi network connections.
Offering versatility, the Pendulum marks a significant milestone as the first D’Agostino component to incorporate an HDMI input. This addition features eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) functionality, facilitating integration into audio systems that include a television. Whether enjoying music or video, users can experience high-performance audio quality with ease.
Tailored iOS apps facilitate control of music collections, streaming content and unit functions. Native integration with subscription streaming services like Tidal, Qobuz and Spotify is supported within the app, with additional compatibility for Tidal Connect. Furthermore, with appropriately encoded files, standard MQA decoding is enabled. For users preferring alternative music management, Roon Ready certification will also be available.
Capable of handling the highest resolution sources available, the Pendulum decodes PCM signals up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD signals up to DSD256 (11.2MHz) natively. Recognising the crucial role of the analogue section in digital music performance, internal balanced connections ensure optimal signal transfer to the circuitry stage, leveraging the full potential of the Pendulum’s power and analogue circuitry.
With 60dB of gain and multiple loading settings, the optional phono stage accommodates the vast spectrum of low output moving coil cartridges beloved by today’s vinyl enthusiasts.
“The Pendulum Integrated Amplifier marks a significant leap in performance, feature set and affordability within our product line-up. It presents our customers with an opportunity to experience a fully featured offering from D’Agostino at a more accessible price point,” remarks Bill McKiegan, President of Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems.
Power Supply Highlights
Adhering to a longstanding D’Agostino design principle, the Pendulum features a custom toroidal transformer rated at 750VA, complemented by a 25,000 μF capacitor bank. This custom transformer, engineered for its efficiency, enables the amplifier to deliver robust power output within a remarkably compact build, defying the limitations of conventional transformers of similar size. With this power foundation, the Pendulum delivers 120W into 8 ohms and 240W into 4 ohms. Moreover, its internal circuitry adeptly filters RF noise from the AC power line and addresses issues such as asymmetric power waveforms and DC on the AC mains.
Modern Twist on a Classic Look
The Pendulum features an LCD display crafted to mirror the elegance of Swiss watch-inspired analogue meters found across the D’Agostino product range. Serving primarily as a volume indicator, this sophisticated display also provides real-time updates on unit status, functions and metadata sourced from digital music sources.
The Dan D’Agostino Pendulum Integrated Amplifier is now shipping, with a UK RRP of £18,000 inc. VAT. The optional digital module and phono stage cost £2,850 and £1,150 respectively. Standard finishes include silver or black, with custom painted finishes available upon request.
Absolute Sounds is the sole UK distributor of products from Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems.