Thread: D'Agostino Momentum Pre-Amp Mini Review

I have been fortunate to have one of Dan D’Agostino’s just released Momentum pre-amplifiers in my system for a week now. My dealer graciously allowed me take home this brand new, never opened unit and see if it would sound as good as the demo I attended at the Paragon event last November.

Set-up
Many of you know my current set-up consists of Wilson Alexandria X2 Series 2 speakers, Momentum mono block amps, Meridian 808.3 acting as a CD player, endpoint for my MDMS (aka SooLoss), Dac for my SonoS , MS-300 and pre-amp for my connected Pro-Ject Phono Box RS. Speaker cable is Transparent Opus, interconnects are Transparent Reference MM2 and power cables are Reference Powerlink MM2x. Each amp has it own dedicated 20 amp circuit while all sources share another dedicated 20 amp circuit.

I disconnected the Transparent Reference LowZ interconnect from the Meridian to the amps and connected that to the Momentum pre-amp then I entered the set-up menu on the Meridian and switched the output from variable to fixed . I then inserted the Momentum pre-amp using my Reference HiZ interconnect between the pre-amp and amps. Since I only had a one meter interconnect I had to place the pre-amp in close proximity to the amps. Unfortunately I did not have a dedicated outlet available for the pre-map so it shared the line with non-dedicated lines in my room.

I guess I was too excited to get going and forgot to take a photo of the unit before I removed it from its flight case. The first photo below shows the inside of the case. The second photo shows the repackaged unit ready for return. case1.jpg case2.jpg

As many of you are aware this is a two-piece unit with the dedicated aluminum stand that also functions as the power supply. The next two photos show the top and back of the power supply. The included cable connects the two units together. power.jpg power2.jpg

If you like the casework of the Momentum amps you will probably like the looks of the pre-amp. In my opinion the final design is much nicer than photos I had seen of early prototypes . All of the Momentum series are rectangular in shape. The amps were designed with the shorter side facing towards the front. Like the unit I saw in November the final version of the pre-amp has the long side of the rectangle facing forwards. If I remember Dan’s comments correctly this allowed him to optimize the signal path and so that the front controls would not appear crowded. See photo 5 Frttop.jpg

Continued in POST #3

I had to break this into two posts as I believe I exceeded the photo size limit in one post.

I have now removed the redundant portions of the two posts.

Continued from Post 1

All inputs connections on the rear of the pre-amp are XLR, no single ended. There are six input and 2 output. Inputs can be selected directly from either the front panel or supplied remote. A colored light in the middle of the each button illuminates to identify which source is currently active. The remote control has buttons to select each of the inputs, one to swap phase, one to select turn tone controls on/off, one to mute/un-mute the system, one each for volume up and down , one to adjust balance, and the last to power on/off the pre-amp. The remote is show in the 6th photo. Remote.jpg

I haven’t played with the tone controls at all. When you select the Tone control button on the remote, the two controls on the amps right front panel light up along with the tone button on the left side. See photo 7. Tone.jpg

I haven’t yet figured out if there is a way to have the volume remain at the last level I had set after you power down the unit. When you power it back on it stays at zero until you raise it with the remote.

Listening Sessions
I have virtually no patience so once I connected everything up the music started. No extended break-in before I settled down to start playing familiar tracks.

As I noted in earlier posts this might be the first time I remember hearing any piece of gear actually breaking in as I listened. Remember this was a brand new unit. The first tracks sounded a slight bit lean. I can only assume the caps were energizing and song by song I could hear voices getting smoother, the upper mid registers filling out and the bass deepening. Within the first hour I knew this was something special.

One of the first tracks I played was Tom Jones cover of “Tower of Song”. It starts out with just s couple of repeated guitar notes before Jones’s voice comes in clear as a bell. The backing instruments build across the soundstage as the track progresses each located in it own space.

One of the next tracks was Chris Jones “No Sanctuary Here” The bass notes had added body that I do not remember hearing on this well recorded song before.

When I was comparing Chuck’s Meridian 808.3 to my MCD-1100 one of the tracks Chuck suggested that might identify differences was Trace Adkins “I Can’t Outrun You” I can’t say I am a big fan of his music but I love this track. His deep voice seems to start way down in his gut. Backed by just piano and a string instrument the growl of his voice in the last couple of lines in amazing.

We all know how well recorded “Live“ by Alison Krauss & Union Station is. I played the familiar “New Favorite” track that I often use to demo gear. I found her vocals to be a bit less strident than I may have heard in the past. The soundstage spread beyond each speaker to the walls. Each instrument (dobra, stand-up bass, drums, and guitar) isolated in it own space.

The next track I tried was from the 2 Cellos sophomore effort “In2ition” titled “Benedictus”. The tonality and passion of the 2 Cellos(Sulic & Huser) playing against one another on this track is mesmerizing. (I know this is not classical cello, rather Popera)

I then tried some tracks with a bit more pace and complexity such as Denis Matsuev with the Marinsky Orchestra playing Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3, III. Finalle Alla Breve. Matsuev’s piano is separated nicely from the orchestra. At times the strings float above the piano. When listening closely the piano and orchestra seemingly emit from a silent background.

I could go on about how Tracy Chapman’s debut album sounds so new and well recorded. Richard Hawley voice and guitar., the newfound body to the bass in Mumford & Sons “Ghosts That We Knew”, the clarity of KD Lang’s voice on “Hymns of the 49th Parallel”, Saint Tangs drum music on “Soul of The Great” from the Usher Sampler, how long the initial piano note lingers on Gary Girouards “Opus”, or the play between the piano and guitar on John Hinson’s “Hello Thursday”, or …………….

Conclusions
I have never been a huge proponent of pre-amps. In the past I have felt that the flexibility they provided were often offset the lack of immediacy and attack. I did not miss the C-1000,. I tried a Krell Phantom and liked what I heard but did not miss it when I returned the unit. When I auditioned a Doshi tube pre I enjoyed the additional depth in soundstage but like with every other tube piece I lose interest quickly. It is similar to speakers, there are a lot of speakers I can enjoy and appreciate but only a few I could live with.

Bottom line. My system has never sounded better. I don’t want to stop listening each day. It is quite possible that I am going to have a hard time enjoying my system without the Momentum pre-amp in the loop. I guess I will know once I return the unit on Wednesday. The clarity, the additional weight to piano notes, the width and depth of the soundstage, the added musicality for strings and bass and the synergy between the power amps and the pre-amp. Shear bliss.

PS: As I was sitting here adding the photos and trying to edit the text, I have been listening to my system sans the Momentum Pre-Amp. :tears: :tears: It still sounds great but the body and soul seems to be missing. Hmm. maybe Joe won't like his.

Jim - thanks for such a great review of a wonderful preamp. It's obvious that Dan D'Agostino is firing on all cylinders with some spectacular gear. The synergy in your system must be incredible. The postive affect the preamp had on the Live recording speaks volumes.

Jim,

I can not thank you enough for writing this review. OMG! The photos are great and can only imagine how wonderful it sounds. I have a good feeling about mine.

My Momentum stereo amp is a superb piece. I believe adding the preamp takes the combo to a whole new level. At least you have something to look forward to when funds allow.

Thanks Jim!

Nice review Jim. I must be the only one who didn't know the stand housed the external Power supply...that is very slick and trick beyond words.

Originally Posted by mdkim

Nice review Jim. I must be the only one who didn't know the stand housed the external Power supply...that is very slick and trick beyond words.

Michael
I agree. What is very cool on both the amps and pre-amp, you see no screws on any of the visible surfaces. They look as if they will last forever.

Jim

Great review Jim. I agree that the power supply is very cool. Like Joe said, you'll have something to look forward to.

Originally Posted by dlb2

Great review Jim. I agree that the power supply is very cool. Like Joe said, you'll have something to look forward to.

Doug
Thanks.

I don't want anyone to think that I deserve sympathy because I cannot pull the trigger on a $32k pre-amp. (lmao) I am more than fortunate that to have the gear I already enjoy.

Originally Posted by still-one

Doug
Thanks.

I don't want anyone to think that I deserve sympathy because I cannot pull the trigger on a $32k pre-amp. (lmao) I am more than fortunate that to have the gear I already enjoy.

Maybe we can pass the hat :p

Originally Posted by joeinid

Maybe we can pass the hat :p

Joe
If I spend much more time in my two channel room I won't have to worry about money, by wife will be taking half of everything. Hey, wait a minute, I might come out ahead there.

Originally Posted by still-one

Joe
If I spend much more time in my two channel room I won't have to worry about money, by wife will be taking half of everything. Hey, wait a minute, I might come out ahead there.

Ha! That's more that you have now.

When my Mom's wallet was stolen, my Dad never reported it. The thief was spending less than her, so he kept quiet.

Originally Posted by joeinid

When my Mom's wallet was stolen, my Dad never reported it. The thief was spending less than her, so he kept quiet.

Joe will be here all week folks, don't forget to tip your waitress!!!

Originally Posted by dlb2

Joe will be here all week folks, don't forget to tip your waitress!!!

HeHeHe

Originally Posted by joeinid

Ha! That's more that you have now.

When my Mom's wallet was stolen, my Dad never reported it. The thief was spending less than her, so he kept quiet.

Too, too funny Joe.

Darn....I didn't need to read this tread...If you know what I mean...

Jim...great review on the D'Ag Pre. No worries. That puppy will be in your listening room down the road. Sometimes savoring the moment right before you have it is just as nice. And like you say, it's not like you're slumming right now with the Meridian 808.3 playing preamp along with digital hub and decoding duties.

Thank you Jim for the great review! I have been drooling over the D'Agostino monoblocks ever since they were first introduced at CES. I am glad I know a couple people who have them hooked up to get my fix.

It was fun playing around with the prototype of the preamp you reviewed here last CES (was not able to hear it since it was only on static display). Liked the mechanics of it, and the feel of the dial. Sounds like they are great addition to the D'Agostino line up

Jim, right on!

BTW, in the thread's title there are two misspellings:
1. D'Agostino, and not D'Agonstino
2. Momentum, and not Momemtum

---- ---- ...In your sig, they are both properly spelled.

Originally Posted by NorthStar

Jim, right on!

BTW, in the thread's title there are two misspellings:
1. D'Agostino, and not D'Agonstino
2. Momentum, and not Momemtum

---- ---- ...In your sig, they are both properly spelled.

Bob
Thank you for noticing my error. I was able to correct the secondary title. I will re-read the post to make sure I did not repeat the spelling mistakes.

Note: I was unable to correct the main title after all. Maybe a Moderator could fix that. Sorry

I will also remove the redundant parts of the two posts. I was unable to attach all pictures to one post. Probably a size issue.

Originally Posted by Lildebs

Thank you Jim for the great review! I have been drooling over the D'Agostino monoblocks ever since they were first introduced at CES. I am glad I know a couple people who have them hooked up to get my fix.

It was fun playing around with the prototype of the preamp you reviewed here last CES (was not able to hear it since it was only on static display). Liked the mechanics of it, and the feel of the dial. Sounds like they are great addition to the D'Agostino line up

Debby, Thank You. I think Dan's vision for the Momentum Line for sound, industrial design, user interface and engineering and been nicely executed.

I truly believe that both the amps and pre-amp should be included in any discussion or list of current "Best Products". At this level it often comes down to personal preferences.

Three words...Very Very Cool

I tried looking them up and found the site - but who sells them commercially? Thanks

Originally Posted by still-one

Bob
Thank you for noticing my error. I was able to correct the secondary title. I will re-read the post to make sure I did not repeat the spelling mistakes.

Note: I was unable to correct the main title after all. Maybe a Moderator could fix that. Sorry

I will also remove the redundant parts of the two posts. I was unable to attach all pictures to one post. Probably a size issue.

Done!

Sorry it took so long. I was afraid to mess with it. I may the title but I'm taking baby steps.

Originally Posted by ohbythebay

Three words...Very Very Cool

I tried looking them up and found the site - but who sells them commercially? Thanks

I purchased my amps and was loaned the pre-amp from Paragon Sight and Sound in Ann Arbor, Michigan. PM me if you would like their phone number or contact information.

There are currently not that many dealers.

Originally Posted by joeinid

Done!

Sorry it took so long. I was afraid to mess with it. I may the title but I'm taking baby steps.

Thanks to Joe and Bob for making me look better.

Hey, team work!

Originally Posted by still-one

Thanks to Joe and Bob for making me look better.

Jim,

You definitely make US look better! Thank you.

I can't wait to hear what all the fuss is about.

Originally Posted by SRT-10 VIPER

Jim you are making me want to get an in home demo from Larry.

Chuck
I am sure he is waiting for your return to take your order.

Jim

I received my Dag Preamp about a week ago, and i will definitely say that it is the best preamp I have had in my system. It has replaced the ARC Ref 40 that I was using with a ARC Ref 75.

A little history: In late January I got a Dag Momentum Stereo and it really improved everything over the Ref 75 that I was using mainly. The Ref 75 is a very special amp, but the Dag is really on a different level. And it should be for the extra money it costs. No real surprises there. What did surprise me though, is that I liked the Ayre KXR equal to the Ref 40 (different but equal) when used with the Dag even though I liked the Ref 40 quite a bit better when used with the Ref 75 and even the Ayre MXRs. So I had high hopes for the Dag preamp after seeing it at CES in January, I decided to order one.

It has not disappointed at all.

Originally Posted by the professor

I received my Dag Preamp about a week ago, and i will definitely say that it is the best preamp I have had in my system. It has replaced the ARC Ref 40 that I was using with a ARC Ref 75.

A little history: In late January I got a Dag Momentum Stereo and it really improved everything over the Ref 75 that I was using mainly. The Ref 75 is a very special amp, but the Dag is really on a different level. And it should be for the extra money it costs. No real surprises there. What did surprise me though, is that I liked the Ayre KXR equal to the Ref 40 (different but equal) when used with the Dag even though I liked the Ref 40 quite a bit better when used with the Ref 75 and even the Ayre MXRs. So I had high hopes for the Dag preamp after seeing it at CES in January, I decided to order one.

It has not disappointed at all.

It really is an amazing piece. I will have one after I re-fill the audio kitty.

Originally Posted by still-one

It really is an amazing piece. I will have one after I re-fill the audio kitty.

Jim - have you given any more consideration for this beauty?

Mike
I am still considering the unit and just trying to figure out how to allocate my audio funds. After hearing the DCS Vivaldi pieces at RMAF the DAC and transport have me interested. Unfortunately they do not integrate as well as the 808v3 with SooLoos.

At the recent Night of Fine Sounds Event at Paragon in Ann Arbor I spoke with Dan D'Agostino again about the synergy of the mono blocks and the pre-amp and this got the juices boiling again. Not sure what next year will bring as far as audio surprises.

Originally Posted by still-one

Mike
I am still considering the unit and just trying to figure out how to allocate my audio funds. After hearing the DCS Vivaldi pieces at RMAF the DAC and transport have me interested. Unfortunately they do not integrate as well as the 808v3 with SooLoos.

At the recent Night of Fine Sounds Event at Paragon in Ann Arbor I spoke with Dan D'Agostino again about the synergy of the mono blocks and the pre-amp and this got the juices boiling again. Not sure what next year will bring as far as audio surprises.

A great preamp will last a lot longer than a great DAC. A great DAC today will be outdated in no short order. A great preamp will always be a great preamp. Just saying.....

There are so many great DACS in the $5000-10,000 range, that I'm just not sure spending more isn't going to be hit by the big wall of diminishing returns and more importantly, rapid depreciation.

I would think that a Meitner MA-1 or MSB Analogue DAC or DCS Debussy with a D'Agostino preamp would yield more and longer term benefits.

But I do see the appeal of the DCS. Right now, it's the top digital playback system and after hearing it at RMAF and Goodwins, I can see why you really like it.

Originally Posted by Mike

A great preamp will last a lot longer than a great DAC. A great DAC today will be outdated in no short order. A great preamp will always be a great preamp. Just saying.....

There are so many great DACS in the $5000-10,000 range, that I'm just not sure spending more isn't going to be hit by the big wall of diminishing returns and more importantly, rapid depreciation.

I would think that a Meitner MA-1 or MSB Analogue DAC or DCS Debussy with a D'Agostino preamp would yield more and longer term benefits.

But I do see the appeal of the DCS. Right now, it's the top digital playback system and after hearing it at RMAF and Goodwins, I can see why you really like it.

Mike
The MSB and DeBussy have nothing on my Meridian other than they can handle DSD and "currently" there is no interesting music for that format. If they continue to release the SOS and not new content then the lack of DSD capability is not a factor for me.

You raise an interesting point about the SOS. I hope Sony gets off their butts and releases new albums in DSD for direct download.

$32K for a preamp is definitely outside of my budget (for a whole system, in fact), but at least it looks like a statement piece. The attention to detail on the design is of major appeal and one of the things that leads to that drool factor in out of reach components. If you are going to spend that kind of money on anything it damn well better look and feel expensive and not just like another black box (aka Lamm gear).

Now, back to our regularly scheduled program, as I go out and buy another lottery ticket. Hey, ya never know.

Originally Posted by BobM

$32K for a preamp is definitely outside of my budget (for a whole system, in fact), but at least it looks like a statement piece. The attention to detail on the design is of major appeal and one of the things that leads to that drool factor in out of reach components. If you are going to spend that kind of money on anything it damn well better look and feel expensive and not just like another black box (aka Lamm gear).

Now, back to our regularly scheduled program, as I go out and buy another lottery ticket. Hey, ya never know.

Yes, I concur. That was my thinking when I sold my ARC REF 10. If I was moving to something else, it had to sound and look better. It does!

Originally Posted by Mike

You raise an interesting point about the SOS. I hope Sony gets off their butts and releases new albums in DSD for direct download.

Mike
I am waiting to see what does with their catalog for DSD releases. I am hoping that newer artists and releases are included.

It is hard to believe that it has been almost 18 months since I had one of Dan's first pre-amps to audition in my system. I decided to borrow one of Paragon's units and try it again. There have been a lot of changes to my set-up since the last time I heard it here.

I must say I was kidding myself thinking that I wasn't leaving something on the table with my Ayre unit. Dan's pre and mono blocks work so well together. I am sure upgrading the Ayre to the Twenty version would narrow or possibly eliminate the gap but for that money I would do with the Momentum pre.

Now if only someone would make an offer on my Ayre in the selling thread.

The Dag preamp for you is destiny. Good luck with the Ayre sale.

Jim - Thanks for the update. I hope you get an offer for the Ayre soon!

Originally Posted by sharkmouth

Jim, you surprised me with the Ayre & as you had already purchased it I chose not to say a thing. Then again, it's a journey full of valleys & peaks, sometimes those valleys are full of gold.

The Ayre unit was an excellent piece and I could have lived with it for some time had I not tried the Momentum pre back in my set-up.