Jeff Rowland Capri preamp

Agree with Pause 100%.

I would like to add that I used a 102 amp with a lesser pre (an Arcam Solo with internal amp, bypassed to the 102; dumb setup). The sound was nice, but perhaps a little too velvety. Highs were rolled off considerably and bass was tight but lacked punch.

When I replaced the Arcam with the Capri, it opened up a whole new sound. The velvety qualities remained to some extent, but the highs became much sweeter and crispier, and the bass gained considerable authority.

Having listened to little else, I am no expert, but I can say that the synergy between the Capri and the 102 is superb.

I had an email discussion with another member about the Rowland 102 vs. the Bel Canto S300. The fellow had moved from the 102 to the BC, claiming the Rowland was too laid back. I suspect his preamp was the culprit. With the Capri, I'd call the sound anything but laid back.

I just acquired a pair of Rowland model 12's and was wondering how the capri preamp sounded. From the above posts it sounds exactly what I'm looking for. I'm currently using an Air Tight ATL-10A passive pre. A trip to Soundings and a talk with Rod seems to be in order.

ConiferDave, by coincidence, Sounding's Rod's Capri was in my system just a couple of weeks ago. He did the Master Set on my Mahlers and 'forced' me to listen to the Capri. . . what a harsh man! (Chuckles!)

Guidocorona,is the Capri tubelike in the mid's with extended frequency extremes? I've been considering a tube pre but the WAF would really like something to match the Rowlands. By the way, how did the Master set change or improve things. Have been considering doing that also.

The Master Set optimizes the interaction between your speakers and your room. . . I thought my Mahlers sounded already good as I had 'set them up' by my own self. I was kindly disabused of that notion. While there is nothing magical or Newagish about the entire process, in effect the final result is quasi. . . Magical.
Yes, it would appear the Capri is extremely extended at both ends. Not sure if you could classify it as 'tuby' in the midrange though. I cannot detect an emphasis of midrange fundamentals per se or of subjective 'warmth' that I would not be personally wild about. Rather, I am hearing more harmonic texture than I am used to, which subjectively to me sounds 'musical'. The Capri I have in the system right now is apparently straight out of the factory. . . . how it will sound after 500 hrs of stout breakin can be only left as an exercise to my feverish imagination.