Good Pre-Amp to go with Momentum S250
 

I’m really enjoying my time with my “new to me” D’ag S250.

It is making my Aidas sound like I’ve never heard them before. Great combo!

I’m currently using a Mcintosh c2300 preamp, and it all actually sounds very good.

I realize my preamp, and my DAC (d100) are the weak links in my system.

I’ve always liked the tube pre/ solid state amp combo as I prefer a warm sound.

What pre-amp options have you heard that great synergy with D’ag power?

Someday I may spring for a Momentum HD pre, but for now I’m looking for something different.

Anyone?

I have seen some people use the Audio Research Ref6/Ref6SE, and obviously I do love that preamp but I don't have experience with that particular combo. I would love to know how it sounds vs a Momentum HD on a D'Agostino amp.

EMM Labs PRE and DA2 V2 are really good.

Gotta plug the Momentum HD here only because of direct personal experience.....not only that but was able to directly compare the C2300 since that was what I had as well. Suffice to say, the S250 was quite the upgrade from my McIntosh MC402, but there seemed to be something missing. Not only that, I had quite a bit of noise coming from my preamp that was passed on to the S250. My dealer even spoke to Bill McKiegan about the issue and he speculated that it was some sort of mismatch between the tube pre and the S250. My dealer brought over a Progression preamp for a weekend to troubleshoot the problem as well as to compare the sound quality. Well, it wasn't even close, as soon as the preamp went in, it was like looking a a vivid, colorful picture rather than a 2D black and white pic. The extraneous electronic noise and hiss I was getting disappeared immediately and was replaced by a jet black background. I know that the Momentum HD may have to wait awhile for you, but the sooner you get there, the less upgrading and losing money on the secondary market you have to worry about.

- Buck

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I think a buddy has one of those. I should try it out!

Thank you

I really appreciate your reply.

You have direct experience with the C2300 which I currently have, and upgraded from the MC402, which was also my former amp. Looks like I'm following in your footsteps.

I would love to find a used Momentum HD - which I suspect is just right.

Glad to hear it was worth the upgrade-

Well, you did say you might someday try the D'Agostino HD but right now you were thinking of something different.

The HD sounds superb with my S250 and Aidas so while I'm sure there are other great combinations out there I've never felt the least inclination to go another direction.

Good luck with your quest. One of the nice aspects of this hobby is trying different things and learning stuff.

Steve Z