D'Agostino Momentum amp melts down


The latest issue of Stereophile tests the Momentum amplifier and amp number 1 melts down during the precondition test. Atkinson is afraid to subject amp number 2 to the same test and only runs it for 1/2 as long as the standard test.

Parasound, Bryston, and others pass this test but the Momentum can't? Then they act like it's no big deal like it melted down. So, if that's the case, why perform the test?

The manufacturer response doesn't remark on the melt down. I would think Dan would be duly embarrassed but what the heck, those copper heat sinks sure look great.

Would a prospective buyer (not me) be hesitant to power an inefficient speaker to loud levels with this amp?

rhljazz
I thought that was hilarious...understandable thermal issue, but people love this amp SO MUCH they stand up for it! I've read several reviews if the thing (and its stereo "el cheapo" 20 something grand version) and was surprised Stereophile got to it so late...but still...I absolutely take wholehearted pleasure in this amp shutdown issue, and further pleasure in the fact that anybody justifies or defends the embarassing shut down...really...55 grand! These amps should not only never ever do anything but look and sound fabulous, they should venturi their heat into little clouds of golden wonderfulness that water your house plants and make children happy all over the world.
Any thermal problem on a $55000. amp would make it unacceptable to me . Or $5500 for that matter .
If anyone wants to send me their "defective" D'Ag Momentum amps, I be happy to take them off your hands.

:)
Most amps fail the test. Bryston amps are not musical to my ears. I'd bet the farm that the Momentum sounds wonderful, but a used FPB 600 would most likely embarass it! Dan's best work has already been done:)