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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
 
Braz, the 'device' is a power rectifier based on a technology called Active Power factor Correction (PFC), followed by a bank of capacitors for filtering furter the DC before the actual switch mode power supply. As far as I know, the technology is used only by JRDG and by Chapter Audio. I suspect it is a significant factor in the 300 series sweetness of sound. The new amps are apparently also using active PFC and SMPS, although the core of the amps is not class D, but class A/B. Guido
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
I should be the envy of all of you. I use a Capri preamp, a 102 amp and a PC-1. I find that I am quite happy with equipment at this level and do not have to spend thirty, forty, or fifty thousand dollars to be temporarily satisfied. It is my sincere wish that all of you are able in time to find a plateau where you are comfortable.
The use of good horn speakers has helped me to reach my plateau.
guidocorona OP
4,298 posts
 
Macro. . . I am glad that your case of audiophrenia is milder than most. . . may I ask you about PC-1. . . how has it affected 102 and Capri? I did prefer Capri without PC-1. G.
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Guido -
One of my symptoms is contentment. When I received my Rowland gear (all at once), I just hooked it all up and left it that way. I have never compared anything since. That will be two years in April.
To be honest, I have entertained thoughts many times of replacing those pieces but I like their size, looks and ergonomics so much that I an unable to mess with it.
I did read your comments about using Capri sans PC-1 and told myself I should try it but til now inertia has stood in my way. Maybe tomorrow.
cappuccino
122 posts
 
I also have a 501 that I use for my center channel. It improved a lot when I got the PC-1, but was still definately behind my 301´s.
But believe me, it improved even more when I later on connected the PC-1 to my Burmester 948 which is powered by a Nordost Odin power cord!! Now I think the 501 are almost in the same league as my 301´s - got to throw in another pair of Odins I think! BTW, I think someone mentioned audiophrenia in this thread...
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