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

Showing 2 responses by rhljazz

Rhljazz, what exactly is your agenda in starting this thread? Nowhere in the Stereophile article does it say anything about a melt down. The amp stopped working. It didn't melt, catch fire or explode, yet you keep using language suggesting some Chernobyl style event. You actually seem to take pleasure in the amp's malfunction. The German language has a multisyllabic word for what you're exhibiting.

My agenda is three fold. First of all there are more amps that pass the test than ones that don't. The Momentum is a 55000.00 amp that I would expect to pass the test based on price and the designers reputation.

If the amp has proper protection, it should shut down and return to normal operation after it cools down. So a defect exists whether it is a design flaw or a single product failure we don't know since the second amp was not subjected to the same test.

I have a problem with Stereophile not making a bigger issue of it and basically sweeping the result under the rug. Then there is no defense from the manufacturer which I find unusual.

The third related problem with Stereophile is the test itself. If they deem the test as not being relative to the products performance, either change or eliminate the test.

Mr. onhwy61, what words would you use to describe a product that managed to get really hot on the test bench, shut down because of it, and then failed to operate after the fact? My first thought was melt down. Maybe you can make up a politically correct term for it. LOL!
Definition of AGENDA
1: a list or outline of things to be considered or done
From Webster's dictionary

It seems appropriate for a forum. I have clearly stated the concerns I have with the amplifier and Stereophile.

I will continue to subscribe to the magazine and I'm sure the amp sounds as good as Fremer describes it, but it does exhibit a problem.