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Starting an Analog front end - Rowland?

Guido (resident Rowland expert) and other Audiogoners –

My current system consists of Wadia 270/27ix, Jeff Rowland 302, Avalon Eidolon’s, and Cardas Golden Reference. I have the Wadia direct into the 302.

I have started to get the itch to add a vinyl set up to my system and would need to add a preamp and phono-pre to the system. I am planning to get a VPI Aries III with a Dynavector cartridge but need help with the preamp and amp set up. I like the midrange and holography of tubes with nice tight solid state bass. My current system does that fairly well, especially with the 302.

My plan was to get a Rowland preamp and phono-pre. I really wanted both the preamp and phono -pre to be in a separate chassis. Since Rowland doesn’t currently make a phono-pre, I think I will try to track down a Cadence on Audiogon. The preamp I am most concerned about because I will likely run both my digital and my analog through it. Right now Rowland has only the Capri and the Criterion and the price is difference is vast between the two. I know that many have raved over the Capri, but I just can’t help but have the feeling that Rowland will release a preamp in the ‘Synergy Iii or Concerto range’ to fit a price point in between the Capri and Criterion.

I realize I may be a bit foolish being concerned over the Capri ‘not being enough preamp due to its price point’, but based on my system as described above, should I go for a used Concerto or Synergy Iii, a Capri, or wait for Rowland to release something new. Also, any news on a new phono-pre in the pipeline at JRDG?

Thanks in advance for any input and advice.

Phil
philb7777
philb7777 OP
401 posts
 
Thanks Guido and all for the responses. I really appreciate it. I, like several others I'm sure, are looking for tube like quality from effort-free solid state gear.

I think going Rowland is probably the way to go for me. Unfortunately, like most of us, its difficult to A/B gear for comparison. That is why I appreciate this forum so much and its helpful community.

Unfortunately, the Criterion is out of my price league, but would love to have one! Looks like a Synergy IIi, if I can find a mint one with one owner and a Cadence phone might be the way to go. Also a Capri or Concerto with a Cadence phone and optional power supply.

Thanks again and any further input or opinions are very welcome!

Phil
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Hi Phil, according to Jeff Rowland, his older pres are a little warmer sounding. By contrast the Capri is a little more extended and linear throughout the frequency range than the older models. Feel free to send me a PM. Guido
raquel
841 posts
 
Guido: I had a well broken in Capri in my system for a week, driving either my darTZeel or my VAC Renaissance 70/70 Mk. III. In no performance parameter did it equal or best my Coherence II. As for why my post did not mention this, I was trying to convey my findings in a slightly more genteel way, by pointing out that a preamp priced at $14,500 ten years ago would best something from today priced at $3k.

Speaking of component comparisons, I enjoyed your review in the Absolute Sound of the Vienna Acoustics Mahlers, a speaker I owned for six years, but thought it curious that there wasn't a word in the review to indicate you were reviewing a new version of the speaker ("V1.5"), and likewise not a word comparing the new version, which costs nearly $3k more than the old, to the old version. The mystery is compounded by the fact that V.A.'s site does not mention the new version at all, while the site of the U.S. distributor, Sumiko, shows only the new version, but uses the ad copy for the old - again, not a word about what the buyer is getting for the additional $3k. As you note, comparisons are helpful.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Thank you Raquel, The Vienna Mahlers V1.5 employ a new ferro-silicon enclosure for the tweeter and have some modifications to the crossover to adapt for the slightly different tweeter behavior. According to Sumiko, the new tweeter arrangement may yield enhanced treble performance. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity of performing a side by side comparison of the original and new version. If you have questions specific to Mahler pricing, you may want to address them directly to Sumiko.

On Capri vs Coherence. . . no need to be gentile about it. . . report of direct experiences like yours serve our common body of knowledge much more than 'ancient lore'. rather, it would be great if you could expand on the sonic differences you found between the 2 devices. At some time in the future, I'd love to do a comparison myself. . . in fact, now that I think of it, a Criterion vs Coherence II analysis could prove to be even more fun.

Saluti, Guido
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
I've been told that Jeff is working on a phono stage that will match with his Critereon line stage. I think this source is reliable and says that he spoke directly about the subject with Jeff and that it would incorporate the power supply advances that he includes in the Criterion. Of course, it's too early to predict a delivery date, but I'd guess that this, if it happens, would be a late 2009 or early 2010 event.

If I were going to buy a Criterion, I'd probably wait for this to complete an all-Rowland system to replace my incredible Continuum 500.

Dave
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