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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
clavil
254 posts
 
Hi Guido,

thank's for the news. Are you still using Cardas Golden Ref. cables?

I heard for first time yesterday the JR 312. I had the impression it's quite different to the 501 + PC1 but as it was not my system it's nothing more than an impression: very sweet and warm sound, has made Avalon's Ascendant sound like I have never heard them before, I didn't knew they could produce such a bass. Transfiguracion of these loudspeakers. With Amati Anniversary quite good too.

Regards
guidocorona OP
4,298 posts
 
Hi Claude, the JRDG 312 is an amazing amp. . . I have not compared it side by side with 501 monos with PC-1s, so I can't really comment on differences.

I am no longer using Cardas Golden Ref speaker wires and power cords. I am now using Furutech Evolution II wires throughout the system. . . Extremely linear, quite extended, and no emphasis or trofs that I can tell. . . and very graceful treble.
husk01
171 posts
 
Guido, Can you comment on how you like the remote and on the diff. between listening with and without using the battery? Also, what is the retail price?
guidocorona OP
4,298 posts
 
Husk, I believe the list price of Criterion is approximately $18.5K. You should check with a JRDG dealer or with the JRDG factory at (719-473-1181 to confirm.
The sonic difference between AC and battery operation is subtle but discernable, at least in the moderately dirty Austin power grid. Under battery, there is an enhancement of depth, a sence of increased presence of the recording venue, transparency, and low level detail.
The remote control layout is remarkably ergonomic. Even I managed to learn it by touch alone. . . and I find operations on most remote control obscure at best. The remote itself appears to be milled from a aircraft grade Aluminum billet and is finished with the typical diamond-cut JRDG pattern. The design is somewhat retro. . . reminds me of 1970s Danish or Italian styling. . . a mixture of angular planes and curved surfaces. Buttons are small but with an excellent tactile feel, and layout is very logical.

Guido
guidocorona OP
4,298 posts
 
All, after 2 weeks of travel to Ithaca (NY) and Vancouver (Canada) I am back home in Austin. During this time the system was turned off and totally disconnected from the AC outlet.
The system has now just been reconnected and is back online. Criterion is doing some remedial break-in: sitting on the Appogg platform, fed music from my ancient NAD tuner through a transformer-based RCA/balanced adapter designed by Austin audiogoner Lee Roitberg ([lee_roitberg@hotmail.com]
), and I expect that it should have mostly recovered from its offline vacation by mid week for some good listening.
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