Jeff Rowland Synergy IIi versus Capri and Corus?


I currently have a Jeff Rowland Synergy IIi Preamp. I was wondering how it compares to the newer Capri and Corus Preamp.

Any thoughts on whether it is worthwhile to save up money to upgrade to either of these units...? Some have claimed that the relatively inexpensive Capri has bested preamps 2 or 3 times more expensive... Tks!
optimus
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 ?
Sorry for the late reply.
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 comparision because Ultra is many time more expensive than Golden reference. Any user feedback ?
Regarding MBL gear, I listen to their reference line model 6010D pre combined with 9008A and also their Nova line, 5011 pre combined with 8011M pow amp driving MBL speaker 101 and 116 respectively.
The reference line is analytical, detailed , clean and more towards HIFI sound, less emotion and soul than the Nova line combination. The latter has more warm, relax , certain degree of colour(tube like sound without the much high degree of distorton of tube gear) and forgiving, compared with former.
In my another system, I own MBL 9006 match with Accuphase 2400 Pre amp, Esoteric P05 and D05, and Dynaudio C4 , it strike the balance of both world. Of course, this is only my personal experience. There is no right or wrong, good or lousy , is only the individual taste. Regards.