Pre-amp for Rowland Model 102

http://www.audioenz.co.nz/2007/rowland_capri-102.shtml

You can't go wrong with the Ayre K5. I can't think of anything else I would pick at that price point. If you can go a little more, the Aesthetix is excellent as well. You won't regret either one. For me personally, I feel Ayre makes the best solid state gear.

What do you think of the 102? I've always wanted to hear one. I have an old 112 that I put in my system every once in a while because it does certain things I like. I was wondering how different they sound from each other.

Klyne has outstanding Preamps, excellent sound, very reliable, the adjustable Gain Potis are the ticket to get the best out of any amps.

zd542,

The 102 needed some break-in before it started to warm up. Out of the box there was good detail in each instrument but they all seemed to be at the same volume or fighting to stand out or stomping on each other, I was getting really fatigued listening to it. After a week of constant use, there was much better separation, the soundstage opened up, and cybals/bells/triangles were now trailing off nicely. No fatigue at this point, quite the opposite, I find myself looking for recordings to extend my listening sessions.

I leave it turned on all of the time as suggested for Class D amps. I'm not sure if this is true because I haven't tried it yet, but I read that if one powers off a Class D amp for an extended period, the break-in period starts all over again. I have briefly powered it off to swap cables and relocate the amp, and it didn't seem to affect anything.

I read the reviews on the Aesthetix but it's a bit out of my price range. I'm hoping with luck I could score a good used Capri or K5xe (maybe even MP) or Klyne.

Syntax,

The funny thing is in three months of looking on A'gon, I haven't seen a single Klyne up for sale. I'm guess it's because people don't want to let go of them.

I'm also curious how a Cary SLP03 and Vincent SA-31MK (both tube/hybrid preamps) would sound with a Class D amp.