New Rowland Criterion 2-chassis battery pre

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.

"you seem happy and convinced but not so crazily enthousiastic about the change from Capri to Criterion ... am I right ?"

Hi Claude. . .the answer is an emphatic NO, that is not correct. I am extremely enthusiastic about the differences between Criterion and Capri. . . but I am always shy of using any overwhelming superlatives in writing any of my assessments. Fact is that IMO Criterion exceeds the performance of Capri in approx 12 hours from cold out of the box. . . then it is essentially a rising curve, except for a period of instability between 125 and 175 hours of break in. In the end, Criterion -- as a JRDG product -- displays some kinship with Capri in most parameters, but it is a different animal all together. Authority, macro/micro dynamics, harmonic exposure, top to bottom extension, image resolution, and ability to deliver high SPLs without batting an eye or showing intermodulating fatigue are in a different league. What is even more interesting, is that rather than given you a sense that you are 'seeing deeper into the soundstage', it is more like Criterion plops a solid and vast 3-dymensional soundstage into the listening area. The difference is what I would call transcendent.

On the other hand, it is only audio equipment we are talking about. . . any rumours that Criterion has improved my love life are somewhat exagerated. On the other hand, now that I think of it. . . hmmm (grins!)

Concerning DCS, my impression of DCS is that its house sound is always extremely pleasing, sometimes at the detriment of what to me makes music emotional: the interplay of differentially decaying harmonics, and microdynamics. I'll listen to DCS again at RMAF. . . who knows. . . I might change my mind.

Guido

Hi Guido,

I lovedyour response ;-)

sic"What is even more interesting, is that rather than given you a sense that you are 'seeing deeper into the soundstage', it is more like Criterion plops a solid and vast 3-dymensional soundstage into the listening area"

I made one time this experience: with the pream Viola Cadenza ... just amazing

It would be great to compare the criterion to this one and also to FM acoustics preamps

Clavil and Brazcole, all of these seem to be worthy comparison projects. . . Let us know your impressions if you have the opportunity of conducting some of them. G.

Hi Guido,

I met yesterday my friend who has had the Esoteric Combo 03, he told me it was not new and had be runing for a while.

Regards