Jeff Rowland Capri preamp

I'll be getting a Capri with the phono boards. For the time being it will be run through the amp section of a VAC Avatar SE, 70 watts ultralinear push-pull.

I've enjoyed reading many of the threads on this preamp. I'm looking forward to auditioning it.

Ultimately I would like to go to an all balanced set-up. I might be getting a set of VAC Musicblocs in the future with the balanced input upgrade to go with the Capri, but for now it will run unbalanced into the VAC Avatar SE. However, I may try the balanced outputs on my DAC into the balanced inputs on the Capri. I don't have balanced cables right now but I should be able to pick up some Mogami Neglex which would not be too expensive.

Guido, I had read about the break in on the Capri. I will run my break in disc on it a few times and alternately run a CD on 24/7 repeat for a week to get things started.

Dave, where do you get the inverse RIAA card? Also, how would you rate the phono section? I think the upgrade was only $750. I'm using the VAC Avatar SE phono now and have had a K&K Audio SE phono in the past. Any comparisons to these or other phono stages would be helpful.

For the time being I'd like to keep tubes for my amp. So the VAC or Atma-sphere come to mind (my speakers were voiced with the latter, but the designer also feels the VAC amps work well, which they have so far with the Avatar SE).

I've seen the Hagerman card now that you mention it and will order one. Since I'm using a MM cartridge the load is not an issue. I'm more concerned with the quality of the phono stage. I suspect the Capri phono will be fine.

I've read where the Capri on its own is immune to voltage swings. If I recall it can operate optimally at as low as 85 or as high as 385v. I read how some people use the PFC and I get that it actually mimics batter power with the conversion to DC, but I think I might hold off on that for now.

Just got the Capri and put it in my system yesterday. Currently running it single ended but that will change once I get some balanced cables. I'm currently looking at trying Mogami Neglex, Oyaide Pa-02TX, and Magnan Vi. I may add the Alha Core TQ-2 to the mix as well. Any other suggestions from Capri owners would be appreciated.

I bought a used unit here on Audiogon so I'm hoping break in time will be minimized. I ran my Granite Audio burn-in CD through it yesterday and there is about another 36 hours on it so far. Initial impressions are the preamp is quiet and more detailed. Sound is smooth, but somewhat relaxed. Soundstage is not as deep as the VAC Avatar SE, but still very acceptable. I'm running the Capri through the HT bypass on the VAC Avatar SE while I await my VAC Auricle Musicblocs.

I opened the unit to change the gain on the phono boards and was amazed at their size. Swapping the gain though was a snap. I haven't heard the phono stage yet but I have had the K&K Audio SE and Hagerman Trumpet recently and if it gives me at least 80% of what those two phono stages could deliver I'd be happy.

I have about 200 hours on mine and the bass has started to open up more. It sounds very good and am looking forward to hearing what it can do with my VAC Musicblocs that I'll be getting this week.

I would agree with Ckoffend's comments for the most part. I don't feel the Capri delivers the deepest of sound stages or the tightest bass, but I do feel it is resolving and has many other attributes. Overall I enjoy this preamp and the phono stage is a bonus. It has also been a very good match with my VAC Musicblocs.

FWIW, I use the Tel Wire power cord on my Capri with great results so far.

Again, Ckoffend's experience mirror mine so far. Great preamp for the price, but definitely not tube sounding to me in the euphonic sense.

BTW - I swore I posted this somewhere yesterday but don't see it. Can anyone explain why the phase switch is manual only and not available via remote.