Предусилители — Dan D'Agostino Momentum C2Z

The Momentum C2Z is a two-chassis line preamplifier from Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems, developed as the matching control unit for the Momentum Z monoblock power amplifiers rather than as a replacement for the existing Momentum C2. It keeps the Momentum styling in silver or black and adds a revised output stage aimed at the Z input stage of those amplifiers. The maker lists the earlier C2 at USD 55,000 to 65,000, while C2Z pricing had not yet been published at launch in 2026.

Key specs that matter

Analogue connections cover three pairs of balanced XLR inputs and one pair of unbalanced RCA inputs, and C2Z sends signal out via two balanced XLR pairs and a 6.35 mm headphone socket. Gain is fixed at 11.5 dB. Input impedance is 1 MOhm and output impedance only 0.01 ohm. With the volume at maximum, distortion is quoted below 0.00066 percent. Noise sits more than 110 dB below signal A-weighted and 120 dB unweighted. Frequency response runs from 0.1 Hz to 1 MHz within 1 dB, and is flat to 0 dB between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. The audio chassis measures 43.2 x 22.6 x 38.6 cm, and the complete system weighs 33.1 kg.

Engineering and use context

Signal enters through a discrete dual-complementary differential stage built around four JFETs arranged in a complementary, differential push-pull topology, the four-circuit layout the company uses across its current range. The output stage is also FET-based and can supply much more current than before, so the interface to the Z amplifiers is electrically better matched. Power comes from a separate chassis for isolation, with two dedicated custom toroidal transformers, one for the analogue section and one for the digital section, connected through a 20 A connector. The headphone jack is hidden on the front panel and runs from its own independent amplifier circuit. A precision-machined bi-directional remote with a built-in LCD mirrors the front panel display, and RS-232 is supported for control systems. An optional Digital Streaming Module adds coaxial and optical S/PDIF, USB-B, RJ45 Ethernet and Wi-Fi, with PCM up to 32 bit and 384 kHz, DSD256, native Tidal, Qobuz and Spotify, MQA decoding and Roon Ready certification.

Pairing

The very low output impedance and two balanced output pairs make it straightforward to drive a pair of Momentum Z monoblocks, the amplifiers it was designed for, or to bi-amp with two sets of balanced power amplifiers.

Alternatives

The Dan D'Agostino Momentum C2 is the earlier preamplifier of the same series, still offered alongside the C2Z.