New Momentum HD Preamp

[Bar81]

Looks like Dan finally got around to updating his Momentum preamp, including aligning the aesthetics with the M400s:









Basic info: https://www.dagogo.com/17993-2/

I always found the pre slow and syrupy so this piqued my interest:

Taking advantage of the increased power supply capability, the output stages are now operating at a 36% percent higher voltage. “The increased output voltage has opened up the dynamics on both the micro and macro levels.” D’Agostino continued. “The speed of the dynamic contrasts jump out on a visceral level.”

[still-one]

Darn, it looks like I know where the funds in my audio "kitty" are headed next.

[Ritmo]

Interesting! I hope Dan and Bill will be at Axpona. Would like to discuss this new offering (upgrade program).

[still-one]

I contacted my dealer this morning. Now I just have to decide whether to update my current pre or purchase a new one with the design which would better my M400's.

[Alpinist]

I contacted my dealer this morning. Now I just have to decide whether to update my current pre or purchase a new one with the design which would better my M400's.

Jim,

It would be pretty cool to have a new matching Momentum preamp to your black Momentum monoblocks.

Ken

[laynesaddiction]

My wife and I spoke with Bill and Adrian last week at a local "Music Matters" event and indeed there will be an upgrade program. While we usually don't purchase anything without an audition, last year at Munich when talking with Dan, he was so confident in the benefits of this upgrade and since we trust his words given he knows our system and preferences and he has not let us down ever in the past; we are already on the list to get the upgrade.

We are very much looking forward to getting this.

[Ritmo]

I contacted my dealer this morning. Now I just have to decide whether to update my current pre or purchase a new one with the design which would better my M400's.

Jim - I’ve reached out as well. My plan would be to upgrade. Thx!

[the professor]

I can't imagine how good this new one is. The old one was fantastic and if the difference is anything close to the M300 to M400 difference was - wholly ef!!!!!!!!!!!

What a deal to be able to upgrade for $7,500

[UltraFast69]

New at $40K shipping sometime March 2019.

Yep, $7500 to upgrade the PreAmp to the level of a $40K PreAmp, and it is also the same amount to upgrade the 300’s in each’s, in the case of Monos.

I’m sure it’s well worth it for the sake of sound, but I am happy at the moment and will hang tight.

One note I appreciated is they indicated the “Momentum HD Preamplifier builds on the award winning platform” so I don’t feel like I own a non worthy piece in my current line up.


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[Bar81]

So did anyone upgrade?

[Ritmo]

I’m on the wait list for the upgrade.

[Mike]

I’m on the wait list for the upgrade.

If it’s as big as the amp upgrade, look out!


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[laynesaddiction]

I’m on the wait list for the upgrade.

I am also on the wait list for the upgrade.

[still-one]

I had a nice conversation with Dan last evening at a Paragon Event. We talked for some time about the modifications he has made to create the new HD pre-amp I was probably a bit ambivalent even though I have placed my deposit but now I am fired up to get it into my system. One point he clarified is that those who have their units updated will also have RF remote capabilities. So remember to package your remote with the unit when it is time for the update.

He indicated that the update requires new boards(s) which will be different from those going into newly manufactured units. A delay in ordering those boards has created the delay we are experiencing. It is not like I am suffering without the update.

[laynesaddiction]

I had a nice conversation with Dan last evening at a Paragon Event. We talked for some time about the modifications he has made to create the new HD pre-amp I was probably a bit ambivalent even though I have placed my deposit but now I am fired up to get it into my system. One point he clarified is that those who have their units updated will also have RF remote capabilities. So remember to package your remote with the unit when it is time for the update.

He indicated that the update requires new boards(s) which will be different from those going into newly manufactured units. A delay in ordering those boards has created the delay we are experiencing. It is not like I am suffering without the update.

Jim,

Thanks for the update as I didn't know the reason for the delay. Even since we talked with Dan last year about this update we were stoked given what he was telling us. Indeed, we also can't wait to get this done and in our system.

Thanks gain for the data as to why there is a delay.

[XV-1]

I had a nice conversation with Dan last evening at a Paragon Event. We talked for some time about the modifications he has made to create the new HD pre-amp I was probably a bit ambivalent even though I have placed my deposit but now I am fired up to get it into my system. One point he clarified is that those who have their units updated will also have RF remote capabilities. So remember to package your remote with the unit when it is time for the update.

He indicated that the update requires new boards(s) which will be different from those going into newly manufactured units. A delay in ordering those boards has created the delay we are experiencing. It is not like I am suffering without the update.

Does that mean an upgraded Dan pre to HD will sound different to a new Dan HD? better or worse in sound?

[still-one]

Does that mean an upgraded Dan pre to HD will sound different to a new Dan HD? better or worse in sound?

As far as I could tell from the discussion there should no difference between a updated unit and a entirely new unit save for the slight change in exterior cosmetics. The internal changes are not just a one for one swap outs of parts. My guess is the FET's replacing some op amps along with all of the other modifications make a new board mandatory. I considered trading in my unit towards a brand new one but more for the cosmetic changes than any possible SQ variations.

[Mike]

Love the D’Ag Momentum amps/preamp. Congrats on the HD upgrades guys.

[still-one]

Just a side note. Dan looks great. He has lost 65 pounds and looks healthier than ever. I should have grabbed a photo.

[laynesaddiction]

Well, I received a call yesterday from our local dealer and they are coming today to pick up our Momentum Pre-amp to ship back to D'Agostino for the upgrade.

So, the upgrade queue must be moving. Good news: Upgrade is finally here. Bad news: No Dan Pre-amp in the interim.

[still-one]

Well, I received a call yesterday from our local dealer and they are coming today to pick up our Momentum Pre-amp to ship back to D'Agostino for the upgrade.

So, the upgrade queue must be moving. Good news: Upgrade is finally here. Bad news: No Dan Pre-amp in the interim.

Good news. I expect to hear something soon.

Instead of borrowing a pre from my dealer I think I will just connect my dCS DAC direct for the time being. Will you be going MSB direct or borrowing a pre?

[laynesaddiction]

Good news. I expect to hear something soon.

Instead of borrowing a pre from my dealer I think I will just connect my dCS DAC direct for the time being. Will you be going MSB direct or borrowing a pre?

Jim,

We will go straight/direct as you are planning to.

Thanks.

[UltraFast69]

Jim,

We will go straight/direct as you are planning to.

Thanks.

All day long I would do that, it’s temporary and will give you both perspective


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[still-one]

I disconnected by pre-amp last evening in preparation for dropping at my dealers for the shipping to Dan's shop for the upgrade. As planned I connected my Vivaldi DAC direct to the amps and have been listening that way for several hours now. I must say I am surprised at how good it sounds. My initial thoughts are that I could live with this set-up indefinably. I wonder if that changes the more I listen.

[UltraFast69]

It’s not unheard of, saves over $30K but limits other sources and perhaps loses some DD synergy?


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[still-one]

You point is well made. Even though I seldom require the analog section of the pre-amp it is nice to know its there.

[still-one]

Well today I decided to skip the upgrade on my Momentum pre-amp and just trade it towards a new Black HD unit. My dealer is ordering me a unit and I will listen happily with my Vivaldi direct to my M-400's until it arrives.

[Mike]

Well today I decided to skip the upgrade on my Momentum pre-amp and just trade it towards a new Black HD unit. My dealer is ordering me a unit and I will listen happily with my Vivaldi direct to my M-400's until it arrives.

Congrats. Gorgeous stuff.


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[laynesaddiction]

Well today I decided to skip the upgrade on my Momentum pre-amp and just trade it towards a new Black HD unit. My dealer is ordering me a unit and I will listen happily with my Vivaldi direct to my M-400's until it arrives.

Congratulations. What made you decide to get an HD model instead of upgrading? New color? Cosmetics of the HD to match M400? I hope they get your new HD out quickly and congratulations again.

[UltraFast69]

Dollars wise, it seems to make more sense. Excited to hear and see the setup when all done!

[still-one]

Congratulations. What made you decide to get an HD model instead of upgrading? New color? Cosmetics of the HD to match M400? I hope they get your new HD out quickly and congratulations again.

Yes to all. I like that my units will again be the same color and the updated styling where the copper on the face plate rolls up to the top of the unit better matches the latest M-400's. I am in no big hurry since I am really enjoying the sound of the Vivaldi direct to the M-400's.

[still-one]

Dollars wise, it seems to make more sense. Excited to hear and see the setup when all done!

Yes, I think we have worked out a price where I feel the new unit makes sense when compared to cost just for a the update. I could easily live without the current pre if I didn't want flexibility.

[still-one]

Congrats. Gorgeous stuff.


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Mike I now have a better understanding why several of your customers enjoy running their MSB Selects and Reference units direct to the amps. There are positives and negatives when inserting a pre-amp into our setups.

[Ritmo]

Congrats Jim! Beautiful pre.

[still-one]

Congrats Jim! Beautiful pre.

Thanks Mike.

[Ritmo]

My pre goes out on Monday for the HD upgrade. I’m told 5 day turnaround.

Lots of listening ahead the next couple of days since I’ll be without a system for a little bit.

[still-one]

My pre goes out on Monday for the HD upgrade. I’m told 5 day turnaround.

Lots of listening ahead the next couple of days since I’ll be without a system for a little bit.

Mike
Glad you will get yours back that soon. It looks like it is going to take longer to have my new unit built than getting one updated.

[Ritmo]

Very busy at D’Agostino!

[Mike]

Awesome company with awesome stuff. Congrats on the upgrades guys.



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[still-one]

Rumor has it my new unit will hit the dealer tomorrow!!!

[Ritmo]

Jim - After 5 days with my upgraded HD, I can tell you that you will be very happy. Looks like a great weekend ahead for you!

[still-one]

I now have the new unit in my home. I hope to get it set-up in my system before I head to the game tomorrow. First listening should come Sunday and maybe a couple of photos.

[XV-1]

should stop reading these threads - I want one!! at least to listen to first.

does anyone use the tone controls much?

[UltraFast69]

My pre goes out on Monday for the HD upgrade. I’m told 5 day turnaround.

Lots of listening ahead the next couple of days since I’ll be without a system for a little bit.

Plus shipping, it would approximately be a 3 week deal, right?


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[UltraFast69]

I now have the new unit in my home. I hope to get it set-up in my system before I head to the game tomorrow. First listening should come Sunday and maybe a couple of photos.

Man, you have patience - if it were me, I would have that unpacked and setup with 30 minutes, maybe less


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[UltraFast69]

should stop reading these threads - I want one!! at least to listen to first.

does anyone use the tone controls much?

That’s the crappy part of the hobby.

I am just before the HD and a tone control guy, and have always used tone controls in audio just because.


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[XV-1]

That’s the crappy part of the hobby.

I am just before the HD and a tone control guy, and have always used tone controls in audio just because.


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How are the tone controls on the Dag pre amp? they work at adding a little upper frequency spark or reduce the bass a little?

I use a Deqx hdp-4 for eq in my tape loop and use when I feel the need to. no tape lop on the Dag pre amps, which to me a potential issue.

[still-one]

How are the tone controls on the Dag pre amp? they work at adding a little upper frequency spark or reduce the bass a little?

I use a Deqx hdp-4 for eq in my tape loop and use when I feel the need to. no tape lop on the Dag pre amps, which to me a potential issue.

Tape loop? That’s a term I haven’t thought about since the early 80’s.

[XV-1]

Tape loop? That’s a term I haven’t thought about since the early 80’s.

It's the perfect way to use eq without it always being in the signal if you are not using it.

I know cj and Pass have them on their pre amps.

[Ritmo]

Plus shipping, it would approximately be a 3 week deal, right?


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It was about 2.5 weeks - including shipping.