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New Rowland Criterion 2-chassis battery pre

Jeff Rowland Design has just created a page for its upcoming statement-level, twin chassis, battery powered full function preamplifier. Detail is still scant, but a little bit of info is already available, in addition to front and rear view pics. Here’s the page:
http://jeffrowland.com/Criterion.htm
And here’s the front view:
http://jeffrowland.com/Criterion-front.htm
And here’s the rear view:
http://jeffrowland.com/Criterion-back.htm

You will find a few specs already on the site. JRDG should be publishing more info in the next few weeks. I will post here as I receive it. in addition to the published specs that you can read on the page above, here are a very few additional tidbits that I have learned this far:

. Uses Burr Brown TI OPA1632 high speed fully differentially balanced modules.
. Includes phono stage.
. Uses standard NiMH D-cell batteries available in most electronics stores, loaded in 2 rear-inserted tubes of power supply chassis.
. Capable of AC/DC operation . . . will recharge batteries on independent circuit during AC operation.
. Full remote control
. Target price $18K (not sure yet)
. Availability: probably early Fall 2008.
. Will be featured at RMAF in Soundings Hifi suite Marriott 503 or 505 from Oct 10th to 12th in Denver.

And sorry folks, I have not heard this device yet. Nor I have any good third party reports on its sound. Any speculations on Sonics from my part would be just. . . pure speculations. I’ll keep everyone posted as I learn more.

Guido
guidocorona
brazcole
63 posts
 
A couple of days ago, I received my Model 312. I was a little afraid to buy it, but I read in another sector of Audiogon that "the sound of the 312 is so transparency that is hard to believe that there isn't tubes hidden inside". Then I buy one. That is true. The Model 312 is one of the best stuffs I've buy in my life.
I have the Odin power cord.
guidocorona OP
4,298 posts
 
I'll dring to that Brazcole! (means I agree very strongly). I have used the 312 for a year now and absolutely love it. You will see how it opens up when it approaches 1000 hours of playing time! In the meantime, how is your new Criterion doing?
guidocorona OP
4,298 posts
 
Just a quick update. . . JRDG is now doing the final assembly of a significant batch of remote controls and remote control receivers. Things are moving in the right direction. The several units already in the channel at this time are still remoteless. Saluti, Guido
clavil
254 posts
 
I have seen ;-) and heard the Criterion this morning

beautifully build, the front plate is slightly curved inside ...
one curious thing, the two leds produce a white / yellow light, letters & numbers on the screen are blue pale ... ?

I heard it on following system:
Avalon Sentinel
Pass monos XA-160
dCS Puccini with clock
NBS 1 & Transparent Reference MM2

difficult to say anything else than beautifull as I don't know the system well enough to say what differences exist with other preamps ... but I asked to hear with and without battery. Well it was quite clear in "mi chiamano Mimi" with Katia Riciarelli, orchestra and voice sound more calm, warm, the voice is less "rude" in the Forte parts.
brazcole
63 posts
 
IMO with the factory power cord, the Criterion sounds better with battery, but the best sound is with a top line power cord.

I'd like to speah English well to decribe with more words the magnificent sound of the Criterion and the Model 312.

Take care, bros.
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