- At High End 2024, the US high-end HiFi manufacturer Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems LLC presented the new D'Agostino Momentum C2 preamplifier.
In May 2024, the US-based high-end HiFi manufacturer Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems LLC. surprised the industry with a very special product launch at the High End 2024 in Munich. The company presented the latest solution in the Dan D’Agostino Momentum Series for the first time, a preamplifier that promises to have very special features: the D’Agostino Momentum C2 Preamplifier.
Although the US-based High-end HiFi manufacturer actually presented the D’Agostino Momentum C4 Preamplifier in Munich, it has since decided to make a few changes to the name.
D’Agostino Momentum C4 Preamplifier becomes D’Agostino Momentum C2 Preamplifier
The new preamplifier was originally presented as the D’Agostino Momentum C4 Preamplifier, but the company ultimately decided to choose a different name, namely the D’Agostino Momentum C2 Preamplifier.
The reason for this is that this new preamplifier has so many new features that it should be referred to as Concept 2, and that is exactly what the new name stands for.
All the virtues you would expect from the D’Agostino Momentum Series
The D’Agostino Momentum C2 Preamplifier is equipped with all the virtues that characterise the solutions of the D’Agostino Momentum Series as a whole, it is handcrafted in Cave Creek in the US state of Arizona and, according to the manufacturer, is even superior to the D’Agostino Momentum HD Preamplifier.
“The D’Agostino Momentum C2 Preamplifier represents a significant leap forward for our Momentum platform. With the insights gained from our pioneering work on the Relentless Preamplifier, the Momentum C2 topology achieves a level of transparency that is unparalleled in the preamplification of its bigger brother.”
Dan D’Agostino, co-founder and chief engineer of Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems LLC.
Perfection in sound and technological innovation
The new D’Agostino Momentum C2 preamplifier has been developed from scratch, according to company founder Dan D’Agostino at the presentation at High End 2024 in Munich.
Not only has the company drawn on decades of experience, but it has also incorporated the latest technological innovations to achieve a completely new level of quality, as the legendary developer puts it.
D’Agostino Complementary Four Circuit Topology
The basis of the new D’Agostino Momentum C2 preamplifier is the revolutionary so-called D’Agostino Complementary Four Circuit Topology, simply abbreviated as C4, which, as described in the introduction, was initially also reflected in the name of the preamplifier. This direct reference is now missing, but that is probably not really decisive.
What is much more important is that this unique input stage circuit is said to set a new standard for performance and precision and to provide the basis for an incomparably clear and unadulterated sound experience, as the manufacturer promises.
Building on the heritage of the Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD preamplifier, the new Dan D’Agostino Momentum C2 topology relies on an array of four JFET transistors in a complementary, differential push-pull configuration that drastically increases input impedance and reduces noise, ensuring exceptional performance and stability in any system configuration.
External power supply
To ensure the best possible signal processing, free from sound-impairing influences, and the highest possible performance, the power supply for this preamplifier is external, with the actual preamplifier virtually enthroned on top of this power supply. The connection is made via a special plug-in connection.
Flexible configuration
The new preamplifier from the Dan D’Agostino Momentum Series naturally offers a range of connections to act as a flexible interface. Not only does it have an unbalanced analogue input in the form of a pair of RCA sockets, but it also has three balanced inputs in the form of XLR connectors. On the output side, this solution offers a pair of XLR connectors for balanced signal transmission to the power amplifier.
It should also be mentioned that the user can intervene using the tone control if desired, and a headphone amplifier is also available that is based on an independent circuit.
Optional digital streaming module DSM
The D’Agostino Momentum C2 preamplifier can be upgraded with a digital streaming module if desired. The digital extension offers connection options for a wide range of sources, with a USB-A port for direct connection to a PC or Mac, S/PDIF coaxial and S/PDIF optical, and an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet interface for network integration, as well as WiFi, so that streaming is also possible. A special D’Agostino DSM app for Apple iOS provides access to Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz and other services. The signal processing allows data in Linear PCM with up to 32 bits and 384 kHz as well as DSD up to DSD512 and also content encoded in lossy MQA is supported. The DSM is also specified for TIDAL Connect and is said to be Roon Ready.
As is long since customary with solutions from Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems LLC, the new D’Agostino Momentum C2 preamplifier also offers a particularly elegant control system, both via numerous controls directly on the front of the device and via the associated bi-directional remote control, which presents itself as a masterpiece of precision engineering. Like the preamplifier’s housing, this is also made of aluminium and copper using CNC technology, and features an LCD screen that corresponds to the display on the front of the preamplifier and takes over this one-to-one.
Finally, it should be mentioned that the new D’Agostino Momentum C2 Preamplifier has dimensions of 43,2 x 22,6 x 38,6 cm and weighs 33,1 kg. It is available in either silver or black.
Prices and availability
At High End 2024, Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems LLC. did not want to commit to when the new preamplifier would be finalised and thus available, but they expected it to be around July 2024. Now it is clear that they have almost reached this goal, because the new D’Agostino Momentum C2 Preamplifier is now available for US$ 50.000,- The optional Digital Streaming Module lists for US$ 10.000,-
Getting to the point
A preamplifier that could outperform the Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD Preamplifier is said to be available with the new D’Agostino Momentum C2 Preamplifier, as promised by the US-based High-end HiFi manufacturer Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems LLC. at the presentation of this solution from the D’Agostino Momentum Series at High End 2024 in Munich. The D’Agostino Momentum C2 preamplifier is now available from specialist retailers.
| PRODUCT | D’Agostino Momentum C2 Preamplifier |
|---|---|
| Price | D’Agostino Momentum C2 Preamplifier US$ 50.000,- Digital Streaming Module US$ 10.000,- |
| Brand | DAN D’AGOSTINO |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems LLC. |
| Distribution Austria | Audio Tuning Vertriebs GmbH |
| Distribution Germany | Audio Reference GmbH |
| Distribution Switzerland | Audio Reference GmbH |
| More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG |
