2. amps-preamps
  3. 125911-126

Jeff Rowland Corus versus Audio Research Ref 6

Has anyone compared the JR Corus to the Audio Research Ref 6? From a technical perspective, will the Ref 6 work well with the Jeff Rowland 625 S2 amp?
ricred1
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 

Hi Richard, In olden days I had an ARC Ref 3.... I know I know, it is an older ARC reference preamplifier...


I replaced Ref 3 with the little Rowland Capri original because I found Capri to be much superior in most respects.... And eventually upgraded from Capri to Criterion (same audio circuit of Corus) because it was clearly superior to Capri.


Granted,Ref 6 is probably better than Ref 3, so a comparison with Corus might be interesting.


One other thing you might try with your system is to power both Corus and Aeris through the new Rowland ultra-capacitor PSU DC external power supply . Finally the creature is shipping... I have not tried PSU yet because my system is in storage, but indirect reports on PSU this far have been extremely positive.


Saluti, G.

 

jperry
2,458 posts
 
Rowland makes great solid state electronics.
ricred1 OP
2,058 posts
 
Guido,

What is the PSU's list price?
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 

Hi Richard, PSU production is in full swing... In high demands since its recent launch in Asia.


US list price is $8200.


A new batch is being readied... although nmost of its units are already spoken for, your dealer should be able to secure a unit for .

 

Saluti, Guido

ricred1 OP
2,058 posts
 
Almost five years later I answer my own question. I finally decided to try the Ref. 6 in my system. This isn't a knock on the Ref 6, but once again reminds me that synergy/compatibility is more important than individual components. In the context of my system, the Ref. 6 replacing the JR Corus preamp sounds thin, bright, closed-in, 2D, and unnatural. Despite the volume control having 105 steps, I can only get the volume to 28 before it sounds unnaturally loud. This suggests an impedance and/or gain issue and not necessarily a reflection of the quality of the Ref. 6.
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