2. amps-preamps
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New Rowland Criterion 2-chassis battery pre

Jeff Rowland Design has just created a page for its upcoming statement-level, twin chassis, battery powered full function preamplifier. Detail is still scant, but a little bit of info is already available, in addition to front and rear view pics. Here’s the page:
http://jeffrowland.com/Criterion.htm
And here’s the front view:
http://jeffrowland.com/Criterion-front.htm
And here’s the rear view:
http://jeffrowland.com/Criterion-back.htm

You will find a few specs already on the site. JRDG should be publishing more info in the next few weeks. I will post here as I receive it. in addition to the published specs that you can read on the page above, here are a very few additional tidbits that I have learned this far:

. Uses Burr Brown TI OPA1632 high speed fully differentially balanced modules.
. Includes phono stage.
. Uses standard NiMH D-cell batteries available in most electronics stores, loaded in 2 rear-inserted tubes of power supply chassis.
. Capable of AC/DC operation . . . will recharge batteries on independent circuit during AC operation.
. Full remote control
. Target price $18K (not sure yet)
. Availability: probably early Fall 2008.
. Will be featured at RMAF in Soundings Hifi suite Marriott 503 or 505 from Oct 10th to 12th in Denver.

And sorry folks, I have not heard this device yet. Nor I have any good third party reports on its sound. Any speculations on Sonics from my part would be just. . . pure speculations. I’ll keep everyone posted as I learn more.

Guido
guidocorona
guidocorona OP
4,298 posts
 
Thank you so much Brazcole, the reaction of the gentleman in question is sadly typical of some people who have not even listened to a device: dismiss it outright as 'obviously' inferior!

On the subject of CD players, my personal favorite is the Esoteric P-03/D-03/G-0S combination. I have listened to Paganini and Puccini, but I thought they may not have been as emotional as the Esoteric combo. On the other hand, as I have not listened to them side by side with the Esoteric, my impressions are not terribly well informed. . . . and are 'subject to change without notice.'

Guido
clavil
254 posts
 
Hello everybody, i haven't neither heard the Esoteric 03 side by side with the Puccini but only in the system of a friend which i know quite well. My impression was it's very nicely built, but it' s very analitical without this incredible mellow touch of latest dCS products. dCS has this incredible capacity to get everything out of a cd and never sound hard, harsh or digital. Sorry for the diferent opinion. This being said if you have the € go directly for the scarlatti which is absolutely stunning! I have heard it twice a couple of hours and i was just amazed! Emm lab, wadia (by the way both incredibly slow to start when you get a cd in), esoteric, krell, arc dont arrive in my opinion at this level. Never heard paganini.
Saludos
clavil
254 posts
 
I mean of course the combi 03 from Esoteric ... sorry
brazcole
63 posts
 
Thank you guys, and in special for Clavil for the words about dCS products. So I'll get the Puccini and the Puccini clock for shure. Thanks.

I'm gonna to ask the Krell rep (for luck, is the same for dCS products) when he brings me the Puccini after I've buy it to make a demonstration with the 202 preamplifier. Anyway I don't known if he has one for that.

I'll tell you all how the 202 sounds.

guidocorona OP
4,298 posts
 
Hi Claude, do you happen to know if the Esoteric combo was fully broken in? It takes about 1200 hours for Esoteric gear to sound at its best. . . and when it is not broken in, Esoteric products sound. . . extremely harsh, digital, unemotional, and utterly unpleasant.
On the other hand, Esoteric is extremely revealing and intense, while DCS may sound sweeter. . . it's a matter of personal preference I suppose. G.
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