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
It should make a difference if you do. Unplugging the power cord from the unit (as opposed to from the electrical outlet) should reduce the amount of RF in the system (though there will still be leakage from your cd player).
I agree. . . my only concern is also severing the Criterion's shortest path to ground when removing the PC. G.
I just finish the test with the Krell 222 and the 202 as well. I could say the Criterion's sound stage is UNBEATABLE.
Now I have total confidance in this wonderfull device.
The best preamplifier I have heard.
After I test the Krell 222 and the Krell 202, I decide to test my old GamuT D200. The COMBINATION with the CRITERION was huge, so I put my Model 312 to sell.

My set up with Criterion and GamuT D200 is perfect.

Thank you all for everything. Good bye.
Guido,
I've enjoyed following this thread. Thanks for your
insights and thoughtful review. I've been enjoying my
ARC Ref 3 preamp for a few years. My dealer has offered to
make arrangements for a home audition of the new ARC Ref 5. I would also love to listen to the Criterion. Does the Criterion have a home theater by-pass feature? Any thoughts as to the synergy with Levinson 33H monoblocks?
Thanks.
Vito