Dan Dagostino MOMENTUM HD PREAMPLIFIER Master Audio system Owner’s Manual

Dan Dagostino MOMENTUM HD PREAMPLIFIER Master Audio system Owner’s Manual

Thank you very much for purchasing the Momentum HD Preamplifier. The Momentum HD shares its name with the original Momentum Preamplifier, but that is about all it shares. The new Momentum HD Preamplifier is a very special component, incorporating advancements in the power supply, audio circuitry, and control sections to make it the very finest preamplifier I have ever designed.

We started with a new, higher-current transformer. This larger transformer powers new audio output circuitry delivering greater dynamic contrasts. A completely new FET-style front-end stage with an input impedance in excess of 1MOhm helps reveal greater fine-grain detail and projects a fully developed soundstage.

On the operational side, we have redesigned the tone and volume control circuitry for increased range and precision, including 40% more individual volume steps. Starting at the 10 o’clock position on the volume control, each momentary push and release of the remote control changes the setting by ½ dB steps, making it easy to precisely achieve the desired volume setting.

A new Bluetooth-enabled remote control eliminates line-of-sight limitations that plague standard infrared remote technology. We have also redesigned the copper elements of the casework to complement the look of our Momentum M400 and S250 amplifiers.

As with all of our products, the Momentum HD Preamplifier builds on decades of experience designing and manufacturing high-performance audio products. It incorporates a unique blend of the very best and most advanced parts, with the same labor-intensive, through-hole construction we used in the very early days of my  career. This is the only way to make a preamplifier that meets my standards and that will last for decades to come

My staff of dedicated craftsmen and technicians work diligently to guarantee that every Momentum HD Preamplifier tests and meets the stringent specifications I have set for electrical, mechanical, and finish criteria. And we do this in our brand-new facility in Cave Creek, Arizona

I need to offer a warning: the dynamic capability of the new Momentum HD Preamplifier is beyond what is normally experienced with other preamplifiers or source units with volume controls. Be careful playing your favorite large- scale music selections for the first time.

The unlocked dynamics can be system damaging if some care is not exercised. From there, please enjoy your music with its newly exposed dynamic contrasts.

I hope you enjoy the elegant design and impeccable craftsmanship of the Momentum HD Preamplifier as much as the unmatched performance and refinement it delivers from your system. In short, I hope you find that your Momentum HD Preamplifier gives you the best sound quality you’ve ever experienced in your home.

Sincerely,
Dan and the Team from Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems

LEGAL NOTIFICATIONS

Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems is a registered trademark of Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC. The information in this owner’s manual is subject to change without notice. Current Version 1.0 of this manual was produced by the Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC engineering, sales and marketing departments.

The information in this manual is the sole property of Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC. Any reproduction in whole or part without the expressed written permission of Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC is prohibited. No material herein may be transmitted in any way including either electronic or mechanical methods for any purpose without the expressed written permission of Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC.

CAUTION: NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. Do not open the amplifier’s chassis or remove any of its screws. Contact Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC or your dealer if you have service needs.

WARNING: Do not expose this preamplifier to moisture or excessive humidity, and do not use it outdoors. Fire hazard may result.

The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is intended
to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electrical shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.

PACKAGE CONTENTS

If any of the following items are missing, please contact your dealer:

• 1 Momentum HD Preamplifier

• 1 Momentum Preamplifier power supply
  (Both encased in protective static-cling vinyl.
  Please keep for future shipping)

• 1 remote control

• 4 cone feet

• 1 AC power cord

• 1 antenna

• 1 power supply cable

• 1 owner’s manual

• 1 pair of white lifting gloves

• 1 microfiber cleaning cloth

UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION

Unpacking the Momentum HD Preamplifier from the Pelican case
While the preamplifier is still in its case, please move it to a location near the place where it will be installed. Remove all jewelry including watches, rings and belts from your person to avoid damage to the exterior of the preamplifier during the removal and installation. Gloves are provided.

The finish of the Momentum HD Preamplifier is extremely delicate. To maintain the preamplifier’s pristine surface, we suggest wearing the supplied white gloves when handling the preamp to avoid abrasion, fingerprints caused by oils from the skin, etc. Please refer to Operation:
Maintenance for instructions on cleaning.

Installation requirements

The Momentum’s dense metal chassis makes it much heavier than the average preamplifier, so make sure the surface that will support the Momentum HD Preamplifier can safely hold its weight.

Adequate ventilation must be provided for the preamplifier. There should be at least 3 inches of clearance on each side of the preamplifier and 3 inches of clearance at the top, and the bottom vents must not be obstructed by thick carpet, dust, etc. We recommend that the preamplifier be installed in an open equipment rack to ensure proper ventilation. The preamplifier may be installed in a closed cabinet or in an equipment closet, but the cabinet or closet must be designed with substantial ventilation at top and bottom; active ventilation (i.e., powered fans) is preferred. Do not place the preamplifier directly on a carpeted floor.

Do not plug the Momentum HD Preamplifier or any other Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems product into a power strip or power conditioner.

The Momentum HD Preamplifier is designed with special cone feet that screw into the bottom of the preamplifier chassis and match up with indentations on the top of the power supply. The bottom of the power supply has soft feet designed to isolate the preamplifier assembly from vibration. (These feet will not stain or mar the surface underneath them.)

To attach the cone feet, use two people to turn the preamplifier chassis upside down and place it on a soft but secure surface—a few towels draped over a sturdy table, for example. Screw the feet all the way into the threaded holes on the bottom of the chassis. Now place the power supply in the place where you want to install the Momentum HD Preamplifier. Use two people to turn the preamplifier back over again. Place it carefully atop the power supply chassis, lining up the points of the cone feet with the indentations on the top of the power supply.

FRONT PANEL

1. Source selector buttons
2. Volume setting indicator
3. Volume control knob
4. Bass control
5. Treble control
6. Standby/Power On button
7. Tone bypass button

REAR PANEL & POWER SUPPLY

1. Left-channel XLR input jacks
2. Left-channel XLR output jacks
3. 12-volt trigger outputs
4. RS-232 control connector
5. Bluetooth antenna
6. Right-channel XLR input jacks
7. Main power switch
8. Fuse holder
9. IEC power cord connector
10. Power supply DC output
11. Right-channel XLR output jacks
12. Preamp DC input

REMOTE CONTROL

The remote control provided with the Momentum preamplifier offers the following functions:

1. Server input selector
2. Balance button
3. Radio input selector
4. DAC input selector
5. Phase button
6. Power on/off button
7. Tone controls bypass/on button
8. Phono input selector
9. Theater bypass button
10. Mute button
11. Dock input selector
12. Volume up button
13. Volume down button

MAKING CONNECTIONS TO THE MOMENTUM HD PREAMPLIFIER

Interconnect cables
We recommend the use of high-quality balanced XLR audio interconnect cables with
the Momentum HD Preamplifier. If you have a source device that does not offer XLR connections, use high-quality XLR-to-RCA adapters.

First connect the source devices (phono preamplifier, CD player, etc.) to the appropriate inputs. Connect each XLR cable (or XLR-to-RCA adapter) to the appropriate XLR jack by pushing the plug into the jack. To release the plug, push on the small tab atop the jack and gently detach the plug. Never grasp interconnect cables by the cable itself—you could damage the cable. Be sure to connect left channel to left channel, right channel to right channel.

Note that the Momentum HD Preamplifier does not incorporate a phono stage; you must add an external phono stage in order to use the Momentum HD Preamplifier with a turntable.
We recommend the Momentum Phonostage for use with the Momentum HD Preamplifier.

Now connect the Momentum HD Preamplifier’s line outputs to your amplifier. Connect each XLR cable to the input by pushing the cable onto the jack. To release the XLR cable, push on the small tab on the top of the plug, then grasp the cable by the plug and gently pull it out.

Power supply connector cable
The Momentum HD Preamplifier is supplied with a special power connector cable that connects the power supply to the preamplifier main chassis. The connectors are surrounded with a collar. To connect them, pull back on the collar, push the connector onto the jack on the power supply or the preamplifier, then release the collar. To disconnect them, slide the collar back to unlock the connector, then pull the connector loose. Be sure to hook up the power supply connector cable before you connect the power supply to the AC outlet.

Remote Control Operation

The Momentum HD Preamplifier remote control uses Bluetooth rather than typical IR operation. Bluetooth offers great improvement in usable range and does not require line of sight for proper operation. Please attach the included Bluetooth antenna to the threaded antenna input on the rear panel.

Remote Pairing

The remote control requires an initial pairing to the Momentum HD Preamplifier. Once paired, the remote control will stay paired to the Momentum HD Preamplifier. Re-pairing will be required when batteries are changed in the remote control.

The pairing process is automatic, but requires a few seconds after a new set of batteries are installed in the remote. Make sure the Momentum HD Preamplifier is plugged into the wall and that the switch on the AC inlet is turned on. The Momentum HD Preamplifier can be on or in standby for this pairing to take place.

If communication is lost between the Momentum HD Preamplifier and the remote control, hold the Server and Radio buttons for 10 seconds. When you release, you will see a blue LED flash on the remote, which indicates a re-set has been done.

AC cord

The Momentum HD Preamplifier is supplied with a high-quality AC cord tipped with a 15-amp IEC connector at the preamplifier end and a three-conductor AC plug at the other end. You may use a different power cord with the Momentum if you wish, as long as it is tipped with a 15-amp IEC connector and a three- conductor AC plug.

After the speaker, interconnect cables, and power supply connector cable are connected, push the IEC connector on the power cord into the IEC jack on the Momentum HD Preamplifier

Do not plug the Momentum HD Preamplifier or any other Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems product into a power strip or power conditioner.

12-volt trigger outputs
These 3.5mm jacks emit a 12-volt DC control signal when the preamplifier is on. You can connect them to any devices that take a 12-volt DC control input, such as an amplifier.

RS-232 input

This DB9-type input allows the Momentum HD Preamplifier to be controlled by home automation systems that use RS-232 protocol. Consult your D’Agostino Master Audio Systems dealer for more information.

OPERATION

Initial power-up of the preamplifier

To power-up the Momentum HD Preamplifier, you need to use two switches. One is located on the back of the power supply; this switch turns the AC power on so the power supply will be active. The other is the Standby button located on the front of the preamplifier.

First, flip the switch on the back of the power supply to the On position. Then press the Standby button on the front of the preamplifier. This will power up the preamplifier and illuminate the volume indicator.

After power is switched on, the Momentum HD Preamplifier requires approximately 30 minutes to reach optimal operating temperature. Although the preamplifier will sound excellent upon initial listening, the sound quality will improve as it warms up to optimal operating temperature.

Basic operation

The Momentum HD Preamplifier offers only a few basic functions: power on/off, volume, source selection, phase and mute. Operation is simple, but here’s a brief description if you need it.

Standby: The Standby button is located on the front panel of the preamplifier. When the preamplifier is in standby (off) mode, the LED in the middle of the button will be lit. Push the button to turn the unit on. When power is on, the LED in the middle of the button will go off and the volume indicator will illuminate. Push the button once more to turn the unit off. The light for the volume indicator will go out and the LED in the middle of the Standby button will light up.

Volume: Turn the ring around the volume indicator clockwise to raise the volume and counterclockwise to lower it, or use the Volume +/- buttons on the remote. The needle indicator will move toward the right as you increase the volume and to the left as you decrease it. We recommend you turn the volume down when you initially power up the system, and raise it only when you are assured that all components in the system are operating properly

Source selection: Simply push the front-panel button or remote button that corresponds with the source you want to hear. The LED in the middle of the front-panel button for the currently active source will light up.

Gain adjustment: The Momentum HD Preamplifier has two gain settings. The standard default gain setting is +7 dB. In this setting, the Theater input gain is 0 dB. For systems that contain low gain source(s) or include an amplifier that has relatively low gain, the Momentum HD Preamplifier has a +20 dB high gain setting. The extra volume provided by the high gain setting may be needed to achieve an acceptable output level. In the high gain setting, the Theater input gain is +7 dB.

To switch to the +16 dB gain setting, turn off the master power switch on the back
of the power supply. Press and hold down the Standby and DAC buttons on the front panel of the preamplifier and turn the master power back to the on position. Release the buttons when the meter illuminates. The unit is now ready for use.

To return to the +8 dB gain setting, turn off the master power switch on the back of the power supply. Press and hold down the Standby and Phono buttons on the front panel of the preamplifier and turn the master power back to the on position. Release the buttons when the meter illuminates. The preamplifier is now returned to the default +8 dB gain setting.

Note: In either gain setting, the meter will display 75 when selected.

Theater: By using the Theater Bypass input, you can interface the Momentum HD
Preamplifier with a multichannel home theater audio system. To use it, connect the left- and right-channel outputs of your surround-sound processor to the Momentum HD Preamplifier’s Theater Bypass input. This input bypasses the preamplifier’s volume control; use your surround-sound processor’s volume control instead. Push the Theater button on the front panel or remote when you want to listen to surround sound. Push any other source button to return the system to stereo mode.

Tone: To activate the tone controls, push the Tone button on the front panel or remote.
The LED in the middle will light up, indicating that the tone controls are active.

Bass and Treble controls: When the LED in the middle of the front-panel Tone button is on, these controls will be active. Turn them clockwise to boost, counterclockwise to cut.
The front panel indicates the level of boost or cut in decibels (dB). When adjusting these controls, we strongly recommend you first disengage the tone controls using the Tone button; make the adjustment; then push the Tone button again to re-engage the controls.
This is because the preamplifier is DC-coupled, with no capacitors in the signal path. This design gives the best sound quality, but it can result in some noise when the treble and bass knobs are turned.

Phase (remote control only): The Phase control inverts the polarity of the entire system.
While the Momentum HD Preamplifier does not invert polarity, many source devices do, and many recordings are produced with inverted polarity. Because you have no way of knowing what the proper phase is, you must set this control by ear. Push the Phase button on the remote control to invert the polarity. The light on the preamplifier’s front dial will turn from green to red when the phase is inverted. Try listening with the phase normal or inverted, and use whichever setting sounds better. If you can’t hear a difference, don’t worry about it. Depending on the recording, the effects of phase inversion are often subtle and sometimes even inaudible

Mute (remote control only): The Mute control simply mutes the volume temporarily. Press it once to mute, and again to restore the volume. When the sound is muted, the light in the volume indicator will flash.

Balance (remote control only): The Balance control lets you shift the stereo balance to right or left. To activate it, press the Balance button on the remote. The volume indicator on the face of the preamplifier will swing to show the current balance setting. Use the Volume +/- buttons on the remote to change the balance setting. If the needle points straight up, the balance is even between left and right. If the needle points to right or left, the balance is shifted to that side.

To return the balance to the center, hold down the Balance button on the remote for
2 seconds. The meter backlight will flash to indicate the reset, and the needle will return to center.

Dark Mode: Dark Mode blanks out the multi-function meters and LEDs after 15 seconds of illumination. The Dark Mode is selected or unselected by holding the Standby button in for several seconds while the unit is in Standby Mode. All front panel lights are disabled unless a change is made on the front panel to any of the controls. During a change, the LEDs are illuminated but will re- extinguish shortly after the changes are made.

MAINTENANCE

The Momentum HD Preamplifier requires no user maintenance other than to keep it clean and ensure that the vents remain unobstructed.

Like a piece of fine furniture, the Momentum HD Preamplifier has a fine, highly polished finish that can be easily damaged. Do not rub or polish the finish, and do not allow objects to come in contact with it. To clean the preamplifier, spray a small amount of distilled water onto the supplied microfiber cloth and gently wipe the preamplifier’s surface along the direction of the metal grain, with light pressure only. Never use a circular motion or heavy pressure, as this can permanently scratch the machined surfaces. Do not rub the surface with the cloth, and do not spray any liquid directly onto the preamplifier.

If dust or other contaminants or objects collect around the vents at the top and bottom of the preamplifier, remove small objects by hand and use a shop vacuum or hand vacuum to remove the dust. Use a brush attachment on the vacuum to avoid scratching the preamplifier’s surface.

If you should need to transport or ship the preamplifier, be sure to use the original packing materials. Allow the preamplifier to cool down for at least one hour before you wrap or package it.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Preamplifier will not power up

If the front meter is not illuminated, follow the procedure outlined below. If one step
succeeds in activating the power, stop there and ignore the other steps.

1. If the LED in the middle of the Standby button on the front of the preamplifier is lit, push the button to turn the preamplifier on.

2. If the LED in the middle of the Standby button is not lit, check to make sure the AC cord is plugged into the wall outlet.

3. Check at the back of the power supply to make sure the 15-amp IEC connector is pushed all the way into the jack on the back of the power supply.

4. Check to make sure the power supply connector cable is firmly connected to the power supply and the preamplifier .

5. Remove the fuse holder at the back, Number 8 in rear panel diagram, of the power supply.
   There are two fuses, one is in the active circuit holder and a spare. Remove the active fuse from the holder and check to see if the fuse is blown. A blown fuse will have a severed conductor inside and you may see burn marks on the fuse. If blown, insert the spare fuse and replace the cover on the rear panel. Only use a fuse of the proper value. Consult your dealer or Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC if the preamplifier still does not have power.

6. Check your household electrical box to make sure the circuit breaker has not been tripped.
   If it has, flip the breaker back on.

7. If the breaker trips again, check the speaker cable connection on your amplifier(s) and the speaker to make sure that the terminals are not shorted, and check the entire length of the cable to ensure there has been no damage to it.

8. If all of these steps fail to return power to the preamplifier, consult your dealer for service.

Front indicator is illuminated but you hear no sound

Follow these steps in order. If one step succeeds in restoring the sound, stop there and ignore the other steps.

1. Check your amplifier(s) and source device to make sure they are both turned on.
2. Check the source device to make sure it is playing, i.e., if it’s a record player, make sure it’s spinning and the tonearm is lowered, or if it’s a CD player, make sure it’s in play mode and not in pause.
3. Make sure the preamplifier is not muted and that the desired source is selected.
4. Check the line-level connections between the source device and the preamplifier, and between the preamplifier and the amplifier(s). Reconnect any cables that may have become disconnected.
5. Check the cables between the amplifier(s) and the speakers to make sure they are properly connected and that the cables have not become damaged.
6. If you have a spare pair of interconnect cables (even inexpensive ones will work temporarily), try using them instead of the interconnect cables between the source device and the preamplifier and between the preamplifier and the amplifier(s). If this restores sound, replace the defective cables.
7. If all of these steps fail to restore sound, consult your dealer for service.

Sound comes from only one channel

Follow these steps in order. If one step succeeds in restoring the sound, stop there and ignore the other steps.

1. Push the Balance button on the remote to see what the setting is. If the needle on the front dial is moved to one side, hold the Balance button on the remote down for 2 seconds. The remote’s backlight will flash and the needle will return to the center.
2. Check the interconnect connections between the source device and the preamplifier, and between the preamplifier and the amplifier(s) to make sure all cables (and XLR to-RCA adapters, if you’re using them) are securely connected.
3. Check speaker cable connections for the malfunctioning channel. Reconnect any cables that may have become disconnected. Inspect the cable to make sure it has not been damaged. If it has been damaged, replace it.
4. If you are using monoblock amplifiers, such as the Momentum M400 amplifier, make sure both amplifiers are turned on.
5. Swap the left-channel interconnect cable from the preamplifier to the amplifier with the right-channel interconnect cable. If the malfunctioning channel now works but the other channel does not, replace the defective interconnect cable with one of the exact same type. You may have to replace both right and left cables to make sure they match.
6. Swap the left-channel interconnect cable from the source device to the preamplifier with the right-channel interconnect cable. If the malfunctioning channel now works but the other channel does not, replace the defective interconnect cable with one of the exact same type. You may have to replace both left and right cables to make sure they match.
7. Try using a different source device. If the alternate source device delivers sound in both channels, it is likely the original source device is defective. Consult the manufacturer of that source device or your dealer for further information.
8. If possible, try using a different amplifier. If the alternate amplifier delivers sound in both channels, it is likely the original amplifier is defective. Consult the manufacturer of the amplifier or your dealer for further information.
9. If all of these steps fail to restore sound, consult your dealer for service.

Preamplifier functions but remote control does not

Follow these steps in order. If one step succeeds in restoring the operation of the remote, stop there and ignore the other steps.

1. Simultaneously press the server and radio buttons on the remote control until the LED flashes blue. This indicates that the remote is now re-paired with the preamplifier.
2. If the re-pairing process does not work, change the batteries by removing the screws securing the back plate of the remote, replace the batteries with fresh ones, and then replace the back plate. Give the remote a few seconds to re-pair to the Momentum HD Preamplifier.
3. Check to make sure the Bluetooth antenna is securely fastened to the back of the Momentum HD Preamplifier.
4. If these steps fail to restore operation of the remote, consult your dealer.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Frequency Response: 20Hz to 100 kHz, ±0 dB

• Distortion (Full output): <0.007%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: -95 dB, unweighted

• Gain: +7 dB or +20 dB, switchable

• Power Consumption at   Standby: <2 watt

• Inputs: 6 balanced XLR stereo

• Outputs: 2 balanced XLR stereo

• Input Impedance: 1MΩ

• Output Impedance: 10Ω

• Dimensions: (WxHxD) 17 x 8 x 16 in / 43.2 x 20.3 x 40.4 cm
  Finish Silver Black
  Custom finishes available upon request

• Weight: (with power supply) 98 lbs / 45 kg

MOMENTUM HD PREAMPLIFIER LIMITED WARRANTY

Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC warrants the Momentum HD Preamplifier against manufacturing defects and defects in materials for five years from the date of purchase or six years from the original date of shipment from Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC to an authorized Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems dealer, subject to the conditions listed below:

1. The warranty covers only new products purchased from an authorized Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC dealer.
2. The warranty is non-transferable and is valid only for the original purchaser.
3. The warranty is valid only if the product has been used according to the  instructions in the owner’s manual. Damage due to accidents or owner abuse or neglect is not covered under this warranty.
4. All service must be performed by an authorized Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems dealer. Damage resulting from service by other parties is not covered under this warranty.
5. All products returned for service must be packaged in the original container and must include a photocopy of the original purchase receipt. If the original container has been lost or discarded, contact Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC for a replacement.
6. If the product must be shipped back to Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC for warranty service, the customer shall pay shipping costs. Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC will pay for return shipping.
7. Before shipping the product to Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC for service, the customer must first obtain a Return Authorization (RA) number by calling Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC. The RA number must be marked clearly on the side of the package.
8. This warranty covers only defects in products made by Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC. It does not cover incidental or consequential damages, or damages to other products resulting from defects in Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC products.
9. U.S. residents: Depending on which state you live in, you may have other rights not elaborated in this document. For further information, contact Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC.
10. Residents of other countries: Your authorized importer or dealer bears the direct responsibility for warranty coverage of this product. Please contact your importer or dealer with requests for service under warranty. Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC will work with your importer or dealer to assure that the terms of the warranty are fulfilled.

For questions on warranty and service matters, contact Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC at: +1.480.575.3069 or service@dandagostino.com

Handmade and built by hand in the USA using USA machinists, vendors and parts procurement.

For more information about Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, please visit: www.dandagostino.com

© 2020 Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, LLC. All rights reserved.

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