Dan D'Agostino Momentum User manual

MoMentuM
Integrated
aMplIfIer
owner’s Manual
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“ I stake my reputation on its performance—
and on your satisfaction with it.”
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Thank you very much for purchasing the Momentum integrated amplifier. I’ve
designed many integrated amps, but this is the first I’ve offered under my own name,
so it’s something special to me.
For this integrated amplifier, I wanted to marry the best aspects of the Momentum
stereo amplifier and the Momentum preamplifier in a single chassis, to create a
component that would fit more easily into living environments and listening rooms.
Usually, an integrated amplifier is a compromised combination of a preamp and an
amp. But because this integrated amp is the first with my name on the front, I refused
to compromise. Thus, I used the same circuit concepts pioneered in other Momentum
components. In most cases I even used the exact same circuit boards.
As with the original Momentum products, I used the through-hole construction that
was common back in the early days of my career, but is only rarely used now. Through-
hole is much more expensive and time-consuming than the surface-mount construction
found in most of today’s audio products, but it’s sturdier and it sounds better. And it’s
the only way to make audio products that will last for decades to come.
We built your Momentum integrated amp by hand in our Arizona factory under my
close personal supervision. Before we shipped it to your audio dealer, we tested it to
make sure every circuit in it works perfectly and delivers the performance I designed
into it. You could say there’s a little bit of my soul in this amp!
I’ve created hundreds of products in my career. Even many of my very first products
are still in use and prized as collector’s items. But the Momentum products are the only
ones that carry my signature. I stake my reputation on this amp’s performance, and
on your satisfaction with it. I hope you enjoy every hour you spend with it, and that it
brings you ever deeper into the music you love.
Sincerely,
A note from Dan D’Agostino
FOUNDER, CEO, AND CHIEF DESIGNER OF DAN D’AGOSTINO MASTER AUDIO SYSTEMS
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WARNING: Do not expose this integrated amplifier 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.
CAUTION: NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. Do not open the amplifier’s chassis or
remove any of its screws. Contact D’Agostino LLC or your dealer if you have service needs.
Unpacking the Momentum integrated amplifier from the Pelican case
While the integrated amp 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 integrated amp during the removal and installation. We recommend
UNPACKING AND INstAllAtIoN
Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems is a registered trademark of D’Agostino 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 LLC engineering, sales and marketing departments.
The information in this manual is the sole property of D’Agostino LLC. Any reproduction in whole or
part without the expressed written permission of D’Agostino LLC is prohibited. No material herein may
be transmitted in any way including either electronic or mechanical methods for any purpose without
expressed written permission of D’Agostino LLC.
leGAl NotIfICAtIoNs
PACKAGe CoNteNts
If any of the following items are missing, please contact your dealer:
1 Momentum integrated amplifier
encased in protective static-cling vinyl
1 remote control
1 IR extender module
1 AC power cord
1 DC cable
1 owner’s manual
1 pair of white lifting gloves
1 microfiber cleaning cloth
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that two people lift the Momentum integrated amp. Because it is machined from a solid block of
aluminum, it is much heavier than it looks.
The finish of the Momentum integrated amp is extremely delicate. We suggest wearing the
supplied white gloves when handling the integrated amp to avoid abrasion, fingerprints caused by
oils from the skin, etc. Additionally, the machining process used to create the metal parts for the
Momentum integrated amp is precise, but not perfect; you may see slight flaws and scratches in
the finish, but these are unavoidable and in fact part of the intended look of the amplifier. Please
refer to OPERATION: Maintenance for instructions on cleaning.
Installation requirements
This integrated amp’s dense metal chassis makes it much heavier than most other integrated amps,
so make sure the surface that will support this component can safely hold its weight.
Adequate ventilation must be provided for the integrated amp. There should be at least 3 inches
of clearance on each side 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 integrated amp be installed in an
open equipment rack or on an amplifier stand to ensure proper ventilation. The integrated amp
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 integrated amp directly on a carpeted floor.
Do not plug the Momentum integrated amplifier or any other Dan D’Agostino Master Audio
Systems product into a power strip or power conditioner.
The Momentum integrated amp is designed with special cone feet that screw into the bottom
of the main 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 main chassis assembly from vibration.
(These feet will not stain or mar the surface underneath them.)
To attach the cone feet, first remove the vinyl wrap that covers the integrated amp and protect
the finish. (Save the vinyl wrap in the box to use again if you ever need to ship the amplifier.) Use
two people to turn the integrated amp chassis upside down and place it on a soft but secure
surface—a few towels draped over a sturdy table, for example—and place the vinyl wrap atop the
towels for extra protection. 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
integrated amplifier. Use two people to turn the integrated amp 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.
If you need to return the integrated amplifier for service
If you should need to send the Momentum integrated amp back to us for service, be sure to use
the original box and materials for shipment. Before you ship the amplifier, unplug it from the wall
and let it cool down for 6 hours. To protect the finish during shipping, rewrap the amplifier in the
vinyl covering it came in. Make sure the amp is completely cool and has not been plugged in for 6
hours before you do this. Wrapping the amplifier when it is warm will cause the vinyl to leech into
the amplifier’s surface and will permanently damage the finish.
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fRoNt PANel
ReAR PANel & PoweR sUPPly
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
1. Amplifier DC input (from power supply)
2. Right-channel speaker output
3. Headphone jack
4. XLR input jacks
5. Left-channel speaker output
6.Power supply DC output (to amplifier)
7. IEC power cord connector and fuse holder
8.RS-232 control input
9.3.5mm IR control input
Remote CoNtRol
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
The remote control provided with the Momentum preamplifier offers the following functions:
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Speaker cables
Install the speaker cables first. We recommend the use of high-quality cables terminated with
spade or ring lugs that will fit the Momentum’s binding posts. We advise against the use of pin
connectors, banana plugs or bare-wire connections.
Note that the positive (+) binding post has a red ring and the negative (-) binding post has a black
ring. Double check to confirm that you are connecting your speaker cable’s conductors to the
appropriate binding posts—red to positive, black to negative. If your cables are marked to show
desired signal flow, orient the cable so that the installation conforms to the cable manufacturer’s
instructions.
To install speaker cables tipped with spade lugs or rings, use a binding post wrench to carefully
loosen each speaker binding post. Turn counter-clockwise to loosen. If using spade lugs, insert
each spade lug so that its two tines straddle the binding post, then tighten the binding post nut
with the binding post wrench. If using rings, remove the binding post nut entirely, place the ring
on the binding post, then replace the nut and tighten it securely.
A firm connection, tight enough that the spade lug or ring cannot move, is all that’s needed. Too
much torque could damage the binding posts. Do not use a conventional wrench to tighten the
binding posts.
Interconnect cables
We recommend the use of high-quality balanced XLR audio interconnect cables with the
Momentum integrated amplifier. If you have a source device that does not offer XLR connections,
please contact your D’Agostino Master Audio Systems dealer to acquire the proper XLR-to-
RCA adapters.
First connect the source devices (phono preamp, 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 input, right channel to right channel input.
Note that the Momentum integrated amplifier does not incorporate a phono stage; you will have
to add an external phono stage in order to use the Momentum with a turntable. We recommend
getting a phono stage of the best possible quality in order to get the best from the Momentum.
DC cable for power supply
The Momentum integrated amplifier is supplied with a special DC cable that interfaces the power
supply with the main chassis. To connect the cable, simply align the connector in the jack on the
back panel and push it into place.
Be sure to hook up the DC cable before you connect the power supply to the AC outlet, and
disconnect the AC before you remove the DC cable.
mAKING CoNNeCtIoNs to
the momeNtUm INteGRAteD AmPlIfIeR
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AC cord
The Momentum integrated amplifier power supply is supplied with a high-quality AC cord tipped
with a 15-amp IEC connector at the integrated amp 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 integrated amp.
Do not plug the Momentum integrated amp or any other Dan D’Agostino Master Audio
Systems product into a power strip or power conditioner.
Headphone jack
This 1/4 – inch jack allows easy connection of headphones to the Momentum integrated
amplifier. Headphones with a 1/8 – inch plug may be connected using a 1/8 – inch to ¼ - inch
adapter. To activate the headphones press and hold the button of the input you wish to
listen to and hold it for 10 seconds. This will turn on the headphones and mute the speakers.
To restore sound to the speakers simply repeat the process. This process works with the
remote as well.
IR control input
This is a standard IC5-type 3.5mm input for a remote control signal. This can be used
with the included IR extender module so the remote will work even when the integrated
amp is installed in a cabinet. It will also work with third-party home automation and IR
repeater systems.
To activate this input, turn off the integrated amplifier and disconnect the power cord from
the power supply. Plug in the cable from the extender module or third-party system. Now
plug the power cord back into the power supply and push the Standby button on front of the
integrated amp. The IR receiver on the extender module will now receive commands from
the remote, and the IR receiver on the front of the integrated amp will no longer work. To
reactivate the front sensor, turn off the power on the integrated amp and unplug the power
cord from the power supply, unplug the IR extender cable, then plug the power cord back in
and push the Standby button on the front of the integrated amp.
RS-232 input
This DB9-type input allows the Momentum integrated amplifier to be controlled by home
automation systems that use the RS-232 protocol. Consult your D’Agostino Master Audio Systems
dealer for more information. Current code is available online at www.dandagostino.com
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