Momentum Preamp audition
 

I had been thinking that my next step should be upgrading my phonostqge, and almost succumbed to impulse buying - I lusted after the Zesto Andros Deluxe at RMAF this year. I finally took a step back and am now considering whether a Momentum pre to match my S250 might have more of an impact. I’m currently running a Linn Klimax DSM as both streamer and pre. It’s a great digital source, but I’m suspecting a real pre might have a significant impact.

Last week when I heard the Momentum pre with Relentless amps, my wife came along. She looked at the pre and said something like “that’s cool, can you get it in black like your amp?”

So now I have a date (December 6) for the dealer to bring his floor model to my house for a few hours to hear it with my system before I make a final decision.

I'm predicting that you'll love the Momentum Pre. In my systems a pre has always seemed to make a huge difference. Can't wait to hear your impressions!

George

Congrats Tony!! I hope you like it, it is certainly a fantastic looking piece of gear.

Momentum Preamp audition
 

Tony, I’m not sure what would have more of an impact, but the Momentum Pre is a good mate with the your amp - I’m a believer in mating like components - looking forward to how you hear it.

IMO, the preamp generates 60% - 65% of what you will hear -this means priority to the preamp over the amps.

Adding to this is performance of the upstream source and I am now swinging back into the camp of adding a tube source feeding a solid state preamp, with caveats of review of qualified models, believing this will greatly contribute to a more natural sound.

I think you are going to like what you hear when you mate the two Momentum products. Enjoy your session.

That thing is definitely not going back! Looking forward to the review, Tony!

Tony - When I put the Dag preamp in my system in place of the McIntosh C2300 it was a night and day difference. I’m also a big proponent of matching amplifier with preamp and boy did it bring everything together in my system. I think you’re gonna be quite amazed when you put it in there. Br prepared! :music:

- Buck

Ha Tony, I think you will enjoy what you hear, and um... you have a good wife! :D

Thanks for the feedback guys. Jim and Buck, I especially appreciate your opinions, since I know you both have full Momentum setups.

Can’t wait.

I was fairly shocked at how much difference the preamp made in my system, not only was it much quieter than my C2300, everything just meshed better. For some reason I've always had in my head that the amplifier is going to make the difference in the chain but with all of my systems in the past, it's the preamplifier that has had the largest effect on sound quality.

- Buck

Well, as you guys predicted, the preamp did, in fact, make a substantial difference in imaging, overall transparency, and bass definition. Can’t wait for my new pre to arrive.

So I assume the order was placed? :D

- Buck

Yup, in black, delivery mid to late January.:banana:

Congrats Tony, the Momemtums look unbelievable in black, you’re gonna love it! The transparency with the pre and the S250 is to die for.

- Buck

Congrats Tony!

Congrats Tony!! Looking forward to your thoughts on it after you have owned it a few months

Good choice, Enjoy!

Looks fantastic in black. Happy listening, Tony

Great choice.

Congratulations Tony.

Very nice, congratulations.

I’m reading this old thread and trying not to get too excited.

Just paid for a Momentum HD - which Is a good match for my Momentum S250.

Hoping to see “night and day” difference from my C2300-

Should arrive on Christmas Eve!!!

Crazy to spend “nice car money” on a component—-hope it’s worth it.

Congrats! I’ve thought about the same but for now using my MSB pre amp which is still very good…

This "hobby" can get expensive. :thumbsup: :D

I upgraded from the C1100 to Momentum HD and the difference was not subtle.
Congrats !!

Momentum Preamp audition
 

I’m excited to hear it for myself!

@delmac, how would you describe the differences in sound with your upgrade from the c1100?

What a nice Christmas present. Congrats and please share your experience with it after you've had a few days on it.

Sounds good!

Yeah it pretty much smokes all my previous Christmas presents to date.

Congratulations, you’re going to love it.

What type of interconnect are you planning from the HD pre to your amp?

Thank you.

I currently have a full loom of wireworld eclipse 8.

I’ve debated going higher up the chain as I’ve always preferred a warmer sound, so copper has been my “go-to”.

Where do I begin..for one soundstage is more defined and focused, I always had a bit of mid bass hump I couldn’t get ride of and now it’s gone. Bass is tighter, and the highs are so clean, clear and crisp it’s amazing. I’m actually shocked how much this did to my system.

I found the same moving away from a Mac set up, which I loved, to D’Agostino. It’s like a layer is removed and the sound revealed…I don’t yet have a Dag pre amp but I’m enjoying my S250!

You guys are killing me :)

My preamp was delayed by UPS. Should arrive today!!!

If it does, I know what I’ll be doing this afternoon ——

So funny my S250 arrived today a day early. Went to hook up but won’t take banana plug. So what do you do ? Call Ivan to the rescue. He happened to have WW spades and overnighting to me. Whew …

Has UPS found and delivered your unit yet?

Arrived today! Now for some listening!!!

And...?

:lurk: