Dan D'Agostino Momentum Phonostage Phono Preamplifier with Original Case
DESCRIPTION
Offered here is a pre-owned D'Agostino Momentum Phonostage, complete with its original case and manual — one of the most accomplished and rare phono preamplifiers available on the secondary market. The unit is rated 8/10 on the Audiogon scale, with a couple of minor cosmetic blemishes on the left side of the chassis; electronically and sonically, it is in excellent condition throughout.
The Momentum Phonostage is the product of Dan D'Agostino applying the full weight of his design philosophy to the most demanding task in analog audio: extracting and amplifying the vanishingly small signal produced by a phono cartridge with absolute fidelity. The result is a fully discrete, zero-feedback circuit of extraordinary refinement — one capable of resolving the finest low-level detail from both moving coil and moving magnet cartridges, with a noise floor so low and a sense of ease so complete that it redefines what vinyl playback can sound like at its best.
This unit was an integral part of a reference system of the highest order — anchored by the Wilson Audio Chronosonic XVX loudspeakers with matching subwoofers and wired throughout with Transparent Reference and Opus cabling. That it lived in such company speaks to the seriousness of the system it served, and to the care with which it was operated. It has been used lightly, in a smoke-free, pet-free, climate-controlled environment, and performs exactly as it should.
For the analog devotee building or completing a statement-level system, the Momentum Phonostage is one of a very small number of components that genuinely belong at the summit of the art. Original case and manual included.
Core Specifications:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cartridge compatibility | Moving coil (MC) · Moving magnet (MM) |
| MC gain | 76 dB |
| MM gain | 56 dB |
| MC input impedance | 25 Ω, 50 Ω, 100 Ω, 200 Ω (selectable) |
| MM input impedance | 47 kΩ |
| Input capacitance | 100 pF (MM) |
| RIAA equalization | ±0.1 dB, 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | >80 dB (MC) · >90 dB (MM) |
| Topology | Fully discrete, zero global feedback |
| Output impedance | 100 Ω (balanced) · 200 Ω (unbalanced) |
| Outputs | Balanced XLR · Single-ended RCA |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 17.5" × 6.5" × 18" (444 × 165 × 457 mm) |
| Weight | ~50 lb / 22.7 kg |
| Retail price (new) | ~$32,000 USD |
Details and Testing Notes:
| Cosmetic Condition: |
8/10: Very Good - Flawless front face, other minor imperfections. Left side of chassis has a couple of light blemishes. Please see all photographs. |
| Functional Notes: | Functions as intended and sounds excellent. |
| Voltage: | 120V 50/60Hz |
| Serial #: | 3216 |
| Original Box: | Yes |
| Manual: | Yes |
| Remote: | N/A |
| Power Cord: | Yes |
| Additional Items: | Comes with Transparent Hardwired power cable. |
| Shipping Method: | UPS Ground (Domestic) / FedEx Economy (International)" |
| Shipping Weight: | 90lbs, 27x20x15 |