Jeff Rowland Synergy IIi versus Capri and Corus?

Hi Optimus, I agree with your comments. Rowland have really impressed me with their latest line, and the stand out for me in terms of pure value was the Corus pre. I run a Modwright KWA-150 amp which is a perfect match for my Marten Coltrane Altos, so I don't feel any need to upgrade my power amp. The JRDG Corus really got me salivating...I think it will be a perfect match for my Modwright & Martens. And yes the process is fun and frustrating!

Hi,
Optimus,
I listen to JR Synergy IIi at my friend's MBL system. Initially , he
used MBL 6010D, coupled with MBL 9006 power amp, driving MBL 111B,
source is MBL 1511 and 1521, sound so natural, rich and warm. After he
switch the MBL 6010D pre amp to Synergy IIi ,sound so different, latter
has cooler, thinner sound, less body and emotion. Personally, I prefer
MBL 6010D because 6010S is more musical. You just want to listen more
and more.

When Capri was in market, I read so many good users reviews from
Audiogon and elsewhere until I was tempted to try it. Luckily, I has
chance to buy a used one to try it out first. when I audition at
seller's system, the sonic signature is similar to Synergy IIi and not
much better than former. I wasn't very happy with it. But I knew,
different gear in different system will turn out differently, so I want
to take a chance after all so many users confirm Capri is the most
musical pre of Jeff Rowland.
Other Jeff pre amp I listened before are Coherent,consummate. All are
very clean sounding at the expense of cool sound, no right or wrong, is a
matter of taste.
Now after owning Capri for about one year, I find I love it more than
when I just brought it home. I match it with Accuphase A45 power amp,
drive Dynaudio 30th Anniversary speaker, Consonance Droplet 5.0 special
edition. I am quite happy with it. It is very musical. The key factor is
avoid using silver cable with Capri, I use only copper cable.
Now I am interested to listen to new pre Corus, though it cost more
than double of Capri.But if good, I may upgrade. Hope can read more of
user's reviews first before making any decision.
This is only my personal experience,I believe not every one will agree.

You are correct about using copper cables. You are also correct about the "cool" sound. I am not a fan of "bright" sound. Many people think a bright system is more open. I think you are hearing distortion, but that is just my opinion. I am using Cardas Cables. I know, they are expensive and maybe over priced, but they work very well with Rowland gear. I understand much of the Rowland gear is wired with Cardas internally. I use Museatex speaker cables (this Canadian Company is now out of business; Ed Meitner was the owner; if you don't know who he is, google him). This cable just sounds right to me. If you can find some, try it!

I have the Synergy IIi mated with Model 12 mono blocks. It's all the power I need to service my Revel Studio's. My source components are Ayre CX-7eMP and a Nottingham TT. I am lucky it all works, but 1st impressions are a dark presentation. After proper warm up, it is very nice.

I haven't listened to the new offerings by Jeff. After speaking with Jeff one afternoon, I have to believe the new gear is awesome. He says he only brings in a new line when it is better than the previous one. Enough said, huh?

Skb1 and Willyumm -
Just curious, specifically what type/model of copper interconnects do you use? Is Cardas Clear Light worthwhile to pair with Rowland? I agree with you on the copper. My friend used relatively inexpensive Wireworld IC's with his Rowland Gear, which sounded pretty musical.

In regards to MBL, unfortunately, I'm not so familiar with it. I have heard their funky looking speakers, which sound quite dynamic, but not so forgiving of bad recordings.

Willyumm -
Have you had the chance to compare the Model 12's to Jeff's more recent amps? Just curious about your thoughts...

Right now, I'm leaning towards saving up for a 625, over a Corus. My trusty old Synergy may be ok for the time being, with a good cable upgrade...

Hi Willyumm
Sorry for the late reply.
I am glad that we have the same taste of sound. We use the same cable too. I use Furutech Evolution II between CDP to Pre, Cardas Golden reference interconnect between pre and pow amp. Van Del Hul Jade speaker cable.
I love Cardas Golden reference interconnect, but have not listened to their higher range model yet.
However, my friend just told me Transparent Ultra interconnect is very much better than the Cardas Golden reference in term of Soundstage, tone , details etc but of course this is unfair comparission because Ultra is many time more expensive than Golden reference. Any comment ?