Jeff Rowland Corus versus Audio Research Ref 6

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.

Forget JR
He was very good in his early Designs but after Coherance II it went worse and worse and moreworse. Boring, lifeless … but shiny.

Syntax,
When we post stuff that doesn’t add to the conversation, what are we posting for? Based on actually listening and directly comparing current JR components to current components from other manufacturers in my system I completely disagree with your statement. Everyone has an opinion and I’ll leave it at that.

Hi Richard, have you considered adding a Rowland supercap-based PSU (Power Storage Unit) external supercap-based power supply to power your Corus.... As you Know, I have used PSU on my Rowland Aeris DAC for a couple of years and it has raised the performance of Aeris to new heights.

BTW, Rowland has just introduced a new version of its CAPRI preamplifier called Capri S2SC. This new version  incorporates an integrated supercapacitor-based power supply to run the preamplifier essentially offline, just like the Aeris+PSU pair.... or the Corus+PSU pair.

I have auditioned at length Capri S2 at RMAF and absolutely loved it for its precision and musicality. I have not tried Capri S2SC yet, but have heard of a report from Spain according to which the integration of the internal super-cap-based power supply has much elevated Capri's emotionality to a "Lyrical" level. I would not mention this except for the fact that this admittedly broad and qualitative finding is consistent with the wonderful enhancement that PSU had brought to my Aeris DAC.

Regards, Guido

  

  

Guido,
As always it's good hearing from you and I hope all is well.

I still haven’t tried the PSU. I’ve heard mixed views about it and there are many different ways to upgrade my system for $8K. I can’t justify spending money without hearing it first.