gland you posted this thread; I also have a Rowland 302 and Eidolon Diamonds but running mine direct with a Wadia. I would also be interested in the preamp thoughts out there.......
When I purchased my Spectral SDR3000 from an respected audio reviewer, (he was in fact reviewing the 302) He had a highly modified Meitner preamp. Absolutely awesome setup with the Avalon Eidolons (non diamond)!
My friend uses a ARC Ref. 1 with his Eidolons. His phono preamp is an Aesthetix Rhea.
FYI: His amp(s) are currently either a SS Classe 401 or the VTL MB 450 monoblocks. Both amps sound great, btw.
His system is the one that I admire the most of any I have heard, even including stereo dealers. It sounds really musical and the speakers just seem to disappear! (I wish I could have afforded the Eidolons! Someday maybe!)
Hello Philb7777, I previously use the JRDG 8Ti, Avalon Radian and connected to Wadia directly without a pre-amp. Subsequently, I got a JRDG Coherence and found that was a big improvement. Thereafter, I switched to complete Mark Levinson system with Watt Puppy and found that Rowland/Avalon combination suits me taste.
I would prefer a system with a good pre-amp, it gives better dynamics and more musical.
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