Rowland Criterion vs Joule-Electra LA 300ME

Husk01, do you happen to know the input impedance of your amps? The output impedance of the Joule-Electra is selectable between 350 Ohms & 1200 Ohms. . . the spec page did not specify if it supports fully balanced operations or if it is single ended only. Criterion has a very low output impedance of 60Ohms in both balanced and single ended mode. J-E channel separation is 84Db if I read correctly, Criterion is 99.5. Are you planning for a fully balanced system? Of course specs tell only so much. . . in the end it is all about system synergy and personal prefs. Guido

Guido, I believe the Joule is single ended only. I am leaning toward Rowland because it does not look like Joule offers HT bypass, which I need. I like the fact that I can leave it on 24 x7. I am not sure if you can do that with a tube Pre. I don't want to wait for a pre to warm up.

The Joule is single ended in stock form. I know in the past I have seen for sale here a balanced version of one of the Joule preamps, but single ended is the rule. An HT bypass has been offered in the past, not sure about the LA-3000ME though. I had an LA-100MkIII and it was meant to be left running all the time via its stand-by setting to keep it warmed up when not in listening mode. I'm pretty certain that feature has extended up the Joule line. I saw and heard the LA-300ME at CES and the face plate hasn't changed much if at all versus previous models. However, the interior has undergone some significant changes.

That being said if you desire balanced then IMO Rowland would be the way to go. I have owned the Capri now for a while and its an amazing little preamp. A lot of preamp for the money. I heard the Criterion at CES in the Rowland suite and liked what I heard.