High Performance Elevated
The second-generation Progression M550 Monoblock Amplifier features the heatsink design from the flagship Relentless Series. Milled from a single,48.5-pound (22 kg) aluminum billet slab, this highly efficient elliptical form dramatically improves cooling ability and assures reliable operation even when delivering full-rated power, an impressive 550 watts into 8 ohms. Output doubles to 1,100 watts into 4 ohms and 2,200 watts into 2 ohms.
An evolution of the original Progression Series, the audio signal path of the Progression M550 is discrete, balanced, and direct coupled. Major revisions to input topology improve distortion, signal-to-noise ratio, channel separation, and bandwidth. New transistors handle six times the power, and new DC-coupling circuity improves low-frequency performance. An enhanced output stage increases dynamic impact, detail retrieval, and spatial integrity.
Exploring New Dimensions
The upgraded output stage employs a new transistor type, used in the Relentless Series amplifiers, that extends high frequency response, increases power handling by a factor of four, and features tighter tolerance gain matching between complementary pairs. Coupling the new output device to the high-efficiency heatsink allows a higher operating bias that increases the Class A operating range to 70 watts. The result is improved instrumental timbre and tonal reproduction.
Power And Performance
The Progression M550 Amplifier employs Super Rail topology, a simple concept, but complex in execution. Every amplifier employs positive and negative voltage rails that support the delivery of power to the speaker. The music signal swings between these two rails, but due to natural loss, the signal never reaches the output rails’ full capability. A Super Rail overcomes this limitation by boosting voltage in the sections prior to the output stage. Nearly ideal output stage operation results, with improved dynamics, lower distortion, and a fierce grip of the speaker. The output topology employs48 power transistors anchored by a 2,000 VA power supply transformer and nearly 100,000 μF of power-supply storage capacitance.
With virtually unlimited power output, the ProgressionM550 Monoblock Amplifier delivers intimate musical details, three-dimensional sound staging, and startling dynamics not possible from less capable designs.
