The first product launched at CES in January 2011 by Dan D’Agostino for his new eponymous brand, the Momentum monoblock amplifier, is unveiled at the start of 2026 in a new Momentum Z version.
Rather than adding an M600 above the M400 in the Momentum MvX series, Dan and his engineers preferred to revamp the entire structure to create a new device worthy of celebrating the brand’s 15th anniversary. With a power output of 500 W into 8 ohms, the Momentum Z retains a class AB amplification circuit and has a quadruple power supply that doubles its power to 1,000 W into 4 ohms and redoubles it to 2,000 W into 2 ohms. What’s more, it is Dan’s first device to feature a JFET transistor input stage.
As we saw at the Phoenix headquarters with the chief engineer and Dan d’Agostino himself (interview to be published in VU#64, FR), the Momentum Z is a continuation of the previous mono blocks, but features new, redesigned side heat sinks carved from a 19 kg solid copper plate. With thermal conductivity almost twice that of aluminum, these dissipate heat more quickly and evenly. In keeping with the same modern design, the new Dan D’Agostino retains the front panel display, with a maximum of 600 on this version, and is designed with a dual domain to provide a wealth of information on the digital LCD screen, while its analog needle reflects the elegance of Swiss watches.
Far from being a simple mono amplifier, although it only offers one XLR input and a pair of speaker terminals, the Momentum Z also incorporates an RJ45 Ethernet connection. This allows for regular management and updates to optimize the software control system. From any web browser, you can view performance data such as operating voltages, temperature, bias, DC offset, 12V trigger status, etc. All this data is continuously monitored and displayed on devices connected via your home network. The same dashboard can be used to control the front panel display settings, with the aim of customizing the user experience as much as possible.
With sound quality comparable to the Relentless models, based on the two listening sessions we were able to conduct in Arizona (at Dan’s house and at the LMC Home Entertainment retailer), the Momentum Z is expected to arrive in Europe early this year at a price higher than that of the Momentum M400 MvX, i.e., more than 51 000 € per unit.
18/01/2026