Dan D'Agostino's Momentum Monoblocks

[psjl]

Originally Posted by TommyC

I wonder if Dan will come out with a matching preamp soon.

Here are some pics and comments of the soon-to-be-released Dan D'Agostino Momentum Preamplifier from the folks at Stereophile who attended RMAF 2011 (14-16 Oct). I personally like the volume control ring around the meter:

Stephen Mejias wrote (Stereophile - posted on 19-Oct-2011):
"D’Agostino’s “super analog” line preamplifier should be available by December. A phono stage is in the works, and the 200Wpc stereo amp ($25,000) shares the distinct chassis of the monoblock, but will have a separate meter for each channel. Cool stuff. (Awesome heatsinks.)"



John Atkinson wrote (Stereophile - posted on 20-Oct-2011):
"Stephen Mejias has already reported on the sound in the room shared by Wilson, Transparent, and Dan D'Agostino. I was equally impressed, agreeing with Millennia Media's John La Grou that one of Peter McGrath's classical recordings, Mahler's Symphony 5 performed by the New World Symphony under Michael Tilson-Thomas and captured with Joe Grado's omnidirectional microphones, was as good as it can get when it comes to two-channel representations of an orchestra. (John manufactures the very-low-noise mike preamps I use for my Stereophile recordings.) But I really just wanted to show another picture of the forthcoming Dan D'Agostino Momentum line preamplifier, with Dan's wife Petra lending me her hand for scale, as she rotates the volume control ring around the meter."

[TOGA]

It shows that it's quite difficult to add preamp functions onto power amp's luxurious body.

[psjl]

Originally Posted by TOGA

It shows that it's quite difficult to add preamp functions onto power amp's luxurious body.

As far as aesthetics go (judging from the pics), I liked the overall clean & simple yet elegant look as well as the volume control ring implementation, but was hoping to see a display showing the volume level and maybe also the current input, instead of the same meter that the D.D. Momentum monoblocks already have.

As was the case for the D.D. Momentum monoblocks, I'm pretty sure that the preamp will look even better in person than what the pics show.

Here are some additional pics and comments from Chris Connaker at RMAF 2011 (14-16 Oct) of the D.D. Momentum preamp:

Chris Connaker wrote (ComputerAudiophile.com - posted on 20-Oct-2011):
"Dan D'Agostino had his new preamp on static display. The dial moved so elegantly and smooth. This thing is like a fine watch. Note the input labeled Server on the close-up image of the preamp. Nice touch Dan :~)"

[piolaxo]

Yes, strange that the meter has the same scale as the amp. There was a nice opportunity there.

[Still-One]

I actually like what they did keeping the product design consistent.

[Bretdago]

There will be a different meter face and scale for the Preamp. It wasnt ready for the RMAF Show... The finished preamp package will be really special.

[psjl]

Originally Posted by Bretdago

There will be a different meter face and scale for the Preamp. It wasnt ready for the RMAF Show... The finished preamp package will be really special.

Bret,

Welcome , and thanks for letting us know about the meter face.

So far, I have not seen any pics showing the rear of the D.D. Momentum preamp, but I am curious though about the 'Server' input button.

My original understanding was that a 'traditional' preamp followed by a 'lifestyle' preamp with Asynchronous USB/internet radio would be released. However, when I last spoke with Dan, he did indeed confirm that the 'traditional' (super analog) preamp would be released shortly, but that the Asynchronous USB/internet radio features would be implemented in the upcoming integrated amp, and not in a 'lifestyle' preamp.

That being said, a Press Release (dated 7-Jan-11) by D.D. Master Audio Systems indicated that the upcoming preamp would have all of the above included - ie. there is to be only 1 preamp offering that includes all of the above. The Press Release is attached below:
Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems - Press Release 4 - 'D’Agostino LLC releases initial specs o.pdf

Would love to hear from you regarding the above, and apologies in advance for sounding a bit confused/muddled up!

Many thanks,

Philip

[Amfibius]

I heard these over the weekend. D'Agostino himself was here attending the Melbourne hifi show. These amps were paired with KEF Blades and a Gryphon CD player. The sound was stunning!

[Bretdago]

Originally Posted by psjl

Bret,

Welcome , and thanks for letting us know about the meter face.

So far, I have not seen any pics showing the rear of the D.D. Momentum preamp, but I am curious though about the 'Server' input button.

My original understanding was that a 'traditional' preamp followed by a 'lifestyle' preamp with Asynchronous USB/internet radio would be released. However, when I last spoke with Dan, he did indeed confirm that the 'traditional' (super analog) preamp would be released shortly, but that the Asynchronous USB/internet radio features would be implemented in the upcoming integrated amp, and not in a 'lifestyle' preamp.

That being said, a Press Release (dated 7-Jan-11) by D.D. Master Audio Systems indicated that the upcoming preamp would have all of the above included - ie. there is to be only 1 preamp offering that includes all of the above. The Press Release is attached below:
<img src="http://www.audioaficionado.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13088"/>

Would love to hear from you regarding the above, and apologies in advance for sounding a bit confused/muddled up!

Many thanks,

Philip

1st preamplifier to be traditional very high performance 2-channel. All inputs are analog. 2nd preamplifier to include many additional features and conceived as a lifestyle product. Features are still pending but analog, digital and web flexiblity is in the works for this product.

[TOGA]

I wish the ring volume diameter should be the same as Momentum amps to keep same proportion. and it doesn't need huge heat dissipation, so the expensive copper side panels
will make it more costly purely for cosmetic reason.

TOGA

Oh there is a link that shows the rear of this preamp can I post a link ? is it against the rule at AA ? But here it is

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