Dan D'Agostino Momentum amplifier- which preamp?


Anyone run Dan's amp (or amps) with linestage pre from other manufacturers?

I tried Dan's gear (integrated and separates) with my Rockport Aviors. Amazing in many ways, but lacked the palpably real presence of "vocalist in the room" that the best tubes provide. Anyone run Dan's amp(s) with a tube preamp?

Thanks, looking for that last (or at least the next last) final system.
aldenberry
First your Aviors are fantastic speakers. I assume you have them properly set up and your room treated if necessary?

I've heard my dealers Aviors with a Nagra Jazz tube pre and a Nagra Classic (ss) amp. Absolutely fantastic. Transparent cabling.

My Rockport Altairs sing with my Robert Koda K10 and Ayre MXR's. Again Transparent cabling.

Not sure what cabling you're using...but this maybe be a key ingredient with your Rockports...
Aldenberry-

another + vote for the ARC Ref5 SE. Make certain that you are using Transparent cables and Power Cords!

Keep me posted & Happy Listening!
You guys are breathing air at a higher altitude than me, but what is the problem with the D'Agostino Pre, apart from price of course?

I have heard the D'Agostino amps on a number of occasions and the best demo I have ever heard was his Pre and Monoblocks with Wilson Alexia speakers and I am not a Wilson fan. People were looking at each other, wide eyed with awed astonishment. I am sure better systems exist, but I haven't heard them and I have heard more expensive ones with Magico speakers and Dartzeel amps, for example, I really did'nt like.
@David12, Dartzeel make lovely amps, though they're not the best match with Magico. Vitus and Soulution in ss, Tenor in hybrid amps & CJ Gat/Art and Absolare in tubes are best match imho ;)
For my part I feel compelled to go with the herd on this one David, having demo'd various combinations of full on D'Agostino to mixed Pre and Power, my personal preference settled on ARC Pre into D'Ago Momentum Power.