D'Agostino Preamp review

[the professor]

Excerpt ---

How has Dan D'Agostino done it? I can't answer the question in technical terms, and as I write this I haven't yet seen John Atkinson's measurements, but here's the recipe for what I heard: Take an ultraquiet backdrop. Then, without making the sound too soft or too etchy, add just the right balance of liquidity and delicacy, to produce natural transient attacks, a generous, almost tube-like sustain, and take-your-breath-away decays that produce the sensation of floating on a cloud. Combine that with precise, three-dimensional imaging—particularly in terms of front-to-back-of-hall image delineation—expansive soundstaging, explosive dynamics, and exceptional transparency, and you have the Momentum's "sound."

Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems Momentum line preamplifier | Stereophile.com

 

[joeinid]

Thanks Jock!

Do you know if the tone controls have a zero point now or is it still the same? I loved the preamp but it did have its quirks.

 

[still-one]

Thanks Jock!

Do you know if the tone controls have a zero point now or is it still the same? I loved the preamp but it did have its quirks.

No change. As you know they are either in or out of the circuit.

 

[the professor]

Yes. But after Still-one's response, I guess I'm not sure. What I do know, as I was converting my stereo amps to mono amps in the spring, I also sent in my preamp to be checked out etc and when it came back - I now have zero positions on my tone controls.

You can take them out of the circuit, but for example, if you only want a bass reduction you can put the tone controls into the circuit and put the setting on the highs at 0.

Thanks Jock!

Do you know if the tone controls have a zero point now or is it still the same? I loved the preamp but it did have its quirks.

 

[still-one]

Yes. But after Still-one's response, I guess I'm not sure. What I do know, as I was converting my stereo amps to mono amps in the spring, I also sent in my preamp to be checked out etc and when it came back - I now have zero positions on my tone controls.

You can take them out of the circuit, but for example, if you only want a bass reduction you can put the tone controls into the circuit and put the setting on the highs at 0.

Jock
My apology if I responded too quickly. At the last event I was at with Dan he indicated that he couldn't change since there were no 13 position controls available. That was before your spring check-up.

Jim

 

[the professor]

No apology needed. I just never asked if this was changed on the new preamps going out or if this was something that you could change or ???????. I had discussed this 6 months earlier and said I would happy with a +5 instead of +6 to get a 0 position installed. And I honestly don't know what the new range is. I'll try to remember to check when I get home tonight.

I had the 2nd preamp that left the factory when they first came out and they had changed several things since then and they were just giving me the great service that do and updating it. They are a great company to work with.

 

[Mike]

Great article. The Dag pre is definitely one of the best on the market. Best for looks for sure! Glad they finally have '0' tone control now.

 

[XV-1]

Great article. The Dag pre is definitely one of the best on the market. Best for looks for sure! Glad they finally have '0' tone control now.

+3

Hip hip hooray

Not having a zero mark was plain stupid, great to hear Dan has listened.

If only he would add a tape loop

 

[joeinid]

If the quirks were fixed, I'd consider getting another one. It did sound really good, especially with other manufacturers amps.

 

[still-one]

I stopped by Paragon today and while I was there I did confirm that the newer pre-amps they have in stock do have a 0 position on the tone controls. I am assuming this was a running change. Although it did not matter to me I know that this bothered several individuals.

 

[the professor]

Cool

Thanks

 

[joeinid]

:yahoo1:

:exciting:

Thanks Jim!

I stopped by Paragon today and while I was there I did confirm that the newer pre-amps they have in stock do have a 0 position on the tone controls. I am assuming this was a running change. Although it did not matter to me I know that this bothered several individuals.

 

[sharkmouth]

winner winner chicken dinner I'd still try to wrap your ears around the Ypsilon.

 

[joeinid]

Mark aka MDP used to be the turtle, now I am. Still confused but I'll look at it.

winner winner chicken dinner I'd still try to wrap your ears around the Ypsilon.