Jeff Rowland Capri preamp

Ckoffend,

I agree with your observation that Ayre gear sounds more tube like than the Capri. I have observed the exact same thing, and written about it.

Good to know that I am not the only one.

Dave - Ditto

Pinkus, I agree with you about Capri not being a tube surrogate. Only its general lack of 'grain' reminds me a little of some tube designs. While I do admit that I personally prefer Capri over Ref 3 based on a few parameters that are important to me, I must stress that this is purely a matter of a narrowly defined a/b 'preference', and never one of Capri inherently 'being better' than anything else, or by extension. . . it being an 'absolute best.' G.

Guido, hopefully we all recognize this. You have written some very good comparisons and review information on the Capri. I find your overall sentiments abouts its performance to be accurate. Everybody should (without even saying so) recognize that your comments pertaining to IT vs. the Ref 3 is subjective and based on your priorities. I, for one, certainly do not feel you owe any explanations or justifications for your statements.

I was one of the guys whocalled the Capri "tube-like". Frankly it just seemed the easiest way to characterize it because of the Capri's inherent musicality, sweetness and texture. It's just a sweet little amp and the description is more a short hand than a literal description. Plus between your typical SS and Tube, it definitely leans more on the tube side but on the SS side it has drive, resolution, authority and bass, ergo my initial description "the sweetness and musicality of tubes with the drive of solid state".