Presented in society during the prestigious High-End event held in Munich last May, the Momentum MXV Integrated Amplifier is a superb integrated electronics that offers a musicality of a level never achieved to date in a product of its category. Combining an input section imported from the Momentum HD Preamplifier and an output stage inspired by the Momentum MxV Amplifier stereophonic power amp, this sensational amplifier delivers the sonic virtues that characterize Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems’ elite Momentum Series in a compact format whose configurable modular design allows expanding the base circuitry (destined for line signals) with one for digital streaming and/or a phone. In keeping with the philosophy of the American firm chaired by the legendary Dan D’Agostino, each section is highly specialized with the exact endowment in terms of power supply, control, and audio circuitry, which makes the “full” version of the Momentum MxV Integrated Amplifier behave as a single circuit from input to output, optimizing performance in a way that otherwise would not have been possible.
As it befits the second generation (reflected in the acronym “MxV”) of an already extraordinarily refined implementation, the innovations incorporated into this elitist integrated amplifier are substantial. It is corroborated in the first place by a power amplifier section that defies the restrained dimensions of the device and whose backbone is an ultra-quiet linear transformer 2,000 VA, equipped with a bold winding scheme that enables it to deliver higher output than a conventional one of the same size. Together with a 60,000 uF capacitor bank, this transformer enables the new Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems to continuously supply 2×250 watts into 8 ohms, 2×500 watts into 4 ohms, or 2×1,000 watts over 2 ohms, allowing you to attack with authority any loudspeaker available on the market. Likewise, the internal circuitry filters the radio frequency (RF) noise of the network signal and compensates for possible DC and asymmetrical waveforms present in the network signal. To achieve such ambitious results, the Momentum MxV Integrated Amplifier requires two chassis, one dedicated exclusively to the audio circuitry and another to the power supply subsystem. The two chassis are interconnected via unique mechanisms on the feet supporting them. At the same time, a 30-pin gold-plated connector capable of withstanding currents of 30 amps eliminates the usual wiring in this type of application and the potential anomalies that can be derived from it.
In addition, this unique construction isolates the audio signal from the block that contains the power supply completely, both physically and mechanically. As far as the preamplification circuitry is concerned, it comprises six printed circuit boards, highlighting among them an imaginative input stage based on FET transistors identical to the one used in the Momentum HD Preamplifier. On the other hand, the inclusion of the new MxV circuit topology by Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems achieves, together with the incorporation of additional transistors in the output section (a total of 28 are available), to improve efficiency and reduce heat dissipation, resulting in a richer, more dynamic and introspective sound. The digital streaming module optional is based on a new generation design managed by a dedicated app (iOS D’Agostino DSM) that supports PCM signals up to 32 bits/192 kHz and DSD up to DSD256. For its part, the also optional phono module It is compatible with moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, with a 60 dB gain and various impedance adjustment options between 100 ohms and 47K ohms for the latter. Finally, the Momentum MxV Integrated Amplifier is handcrafted and individually tested by the Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems team at their factory in Arizona, USA.
