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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, i can't answer your question because i don't know. I was very surprised to hear the system of my friend (sonus faberNom* amati palladio, jadis jp 80, manley mono 500 ... All tube) so harsh and dry (he got it from a dealer to try inhis sytem, finally he didn't bought it). So maybe it was the point you mentioned, but other way are the dealer so s...? I can tell you that the 2nd time i have spent a couple of hours with the Scarlatti it was fresh unpacked from the box. Another friend bought it. On maggie 20 it was magic! I personnally have puccini & clock although i would prefer to have the scarlatti i am very happy with it. I am always looking for high resolution & definition but at the same time musicality and i believe from what i have heard dCS is the best compromise i have heard until now. i have highest respect for Prof Johnson, so that maybe one should try to hear latest spectral cd player.
Kind regards.
clavil
254 posts
 
Sorry for the mistakes... I am writing from an iphone ... Not so easy ... It seems that a new combi from accuphase is also coming out ... Could be interesting ... And Zanden
regards
guidocorona OP
4,298 posts
 
Claude, DCS does make splendid stuff, while up to now I have tended to prefer the TEAC Esoteric sound, I freely admit that DCS is excellentAnd who knows. . . my preference may change in the future. . I'll give a careful listen at DCS at RMAF in October. Guido
clavil
254 posts
 
Guido,

please the tell us then what perception you had from dCS.

One more question to the Criterion: you seem happy and convinced but not so crazily enthousiastic about the change from Capri to Criterion ... am I right ?
Here in Europe the price difference beetween both is from one to seven !! ... it's quite a huge step.

PS to my former post: Prof. Johnson has developped the Spectral latest CD player, it should be excellent.
brazcole
63 posts
 
Humm... interesting... the Clavi's observation about Guido's change from Capri to Criterion, because when I was googling some information about the 2 boxes Krell 202 preamplifier, I found something like the project with 2 boxes itsn' so good because the conection cord makes the signal weaker.

Tomorrow I'll ask the Krell rep to bring me the 1 box Krell 222 and not the Krell 202 any more.
Let's see.

And I'd like to compare the Criterion with the Ayre again, because now I'm more realist, without passion. I think the Ayre deserve another chance because some reviewer called this device the 8º wonder of the world.

With this kind of toughts the Puccini with 1 box (or 2 with the little clock) should be perfect.
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