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
The Corus and Criterion are essentially the same preamplifier design (compare internal pictures - their circuit boards are almost exactly the same) - so the gain range will be the same. My maximum volume range on the Corus is 60 to 65 - which is not excessively loud that it will drown out conversation. The Corus is very detailed and quiet which facilitates enjoyable moderate volume listening.
Here is very enthusiastic review of the Corus:
http://hifi-unlimited.blogspot.com/2011/06/sensational-corus-jeff-rowland-corus.html
it seems that the Criterion will be replaced (upgraded?) by end of the year by the the Criterion SC
Claude, I have heard such an unconfirmed rumor as well .... But I have no idea of what changes there might be in the aledged new Criterion version. Does anyone have any info? G.
Guido

I have heard also that the next amp to come out also by end of the year will be the 725 ... the 925 is still not "ready"