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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
raquel
841 posts
 
None of the above - because of the obvious synergies with your 302, I would stay with Rowland, but for bang for the buck, I suggest a used Coherence II and Cadence combo.

The Cadence sounds best when run from the battery power supply of the Coherence II (I have the A/C power supply and the battery power supply). I just saw the above post comparing the Cadence to the Rhea. The Cadence is not at the exalted level of the Coherence II - I suggest the Einstein if you want to shoot higher, as it is fully differential balanced to compliment the Coherence II and is solid-state (most tube phono stages are too noisy, especially the ones with tubes in the input stage - noise at preamplification stages in a top-shelf system is extremely deleterious to great sound). The Cadence is still very good, but I again stress the importance of running from batteries.

The Coherence II is very transparent, musical, super-quiet (crucial in a preamp) and, unusually for a solid-state preamp, layers space as well or better than tube pre's. I have not heard the Criterion, but the Coherence II is still a top-shelf preamp (I've had mine for six years).

In this environment, you should be able to pick up both for $7k. The batteries last 5-7 years and cost $100 to replace.

As for the $3k Capri, when you hear reviewers say that it sounds better than any preamp short of the Criterion and is one of Jeff's best works, use your head - audio is no different than anything else - you get what you pay for.
stew3859's avatar
stew3859
119 posts
 
Raquel:
You are correct in that the Rhea compared to a solid state phono preamp is somewhat noisy, but with the right tubes (I use Telefunken and Siemens), the noise can be reduced to a minimum. However, in exchange for that bit of tube rush, one is treated to an extremely realistic, palatable, lifelike sound that in my experience cannot be replicated by solid state. As an aside, I have what I think is a pretty impressive digital front end (MBL DAC and Accustic Arts transport). On well recorded source material, the sound is truly first class. Nevertheless, I find my vinyl rig (obviously played through all the same electronics save the Rhea) to be more gratifying and more involving. I realise we are comparing analog to digital which is an unfair comparison, but I cannot help but believe it is the Rhea which is at least partially responsible for my overwhelming preference. When I auditioned the Cadence, it was through the battery supply. If I for one second thought the Rhea could be bested by a solid state phono pre (granted I haven't heard the Boulder 2008), I would switch it out in a second. There is just something about tubes in the service of analog which just sounds right to me. There is a natural, organic character which just brings the music to life. I'm sure there are solid state stages which are dead quiet and have wonderful dynamics, but it is the "lift off the page" realism which keeps me coming back.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,242 posts
 
A Manley Steelhead would be a better choice than what you're considering. It would eliminate your need for a separate preamp, would provide the tube sound you seek and it's arguably better sounding and certainly far more flexible than the Cadence. You could also run your Wadia through it. The downsides: it's not Rowland, it's not as good looking as Rowland, it's single ended. Downsides 1 and 2 cannot be fixed, but an out board transformer single ended to balance converter is the way to go.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,475 posts
 
I owned and like Rowland very much, but I switched to Ayre and couldn't be happier. The K1xe has a very good pre built in.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
One more note re: Rhea and noise. Early production Rheas (like mine) often developed noise problems in short order. I live near Aesthetix, so I brought my unit over and Jim White fitted it to match (then) current production Rhea units, the design of which had already been modified to address the noise issue. Moral: If you're seeking a used Rhea, try to get the serial # and run it by Jim. This will help avoid noise problems.

Marty

PS - My Rhea is not as quiet as the best SS units, but it's close awfully close, and certainly close enough for me. In all other respects, it is superb.
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