Jeff Rowland Pre with Pass Labs X350.5 or X600.5

Hi all, my apologies. . . I am not at all familiar with older pres from JRDG. . . but -- for what it matters -- I have reasonably good experience with the current JRDG Capri, which has been in my system for the last couple of months. I still contend that it is a magnificent device, although after several hundred hrs of breakin of Capri connected to the PC1 PFC unit, I am coming to the conclusion that I prefer it even better without PC1. . . greater extension, authority, staging, imaging, micro detail, macro/micro dynamics. My early Capri+PC1 findings were based on both devices rrelatively fresh from the factory, and my findings after break in appear to differ with my original ones. It is fair to remind that PC1 was designed for high current devices such as 102, 201, and 501 amps, not for low power devices like Capri. JRDG does not necessarily support use of PC1 on Capri. As for Capri matching Pass amps. . . Pass amps have an input impedance of 22K Ohms, while Capri has an output impedance of about 40Ohms in balanced mode. . . compatibility should be without problems. Pass and JRDG being balanced designs, I suggest connection of JRDG pres to Pass amps using XLR ICs.

I confirm that I originally preferred Capri over Ref 3. I will resume comparisons of Capri with my ARC Ref 3 in a couple of weeks, after I receive a set of 6H30DR NOS tubes.

And yes, Capri being this good, I am already fantasizing about the upcoming JRDG Criterion 2-box pre, which is expected to start shipping early in Q3.

Guido

Ah yes. . . I call that "a visit to the dentist without novocain". . . worry not. . . Capri will be neither bright nor forward. . . unless you match it with some particularly bright/forward ICs and PCs. . . in which case all bets are off on any components.

Coherence II appears to have an output impedance of 50Ohms. See:
http://jeffrowland.com/ClassicSpecs.htm#Coherence
On the same page above, you will find Synergy II appears to have an output impedance 40Ohms unbalanced and 80Ohm balanced.
If input impedance of Pass amps ranges from 20KOhms to 30Kohms, compatibility with Coherence II and Synergy II is all but assured. G.

A slightly laid back sound with moderate dynamics was apparently a hallmark of classic JRDG equipment. I suggest that in newest iterations this may have changed towards a more 'centristic' approach. On my own system at least (TEAC X-01 Limited, JRDG 312, Vienna Mahlers) the diminutive Capri pre appears to yield greater macro/micro dynamics, authority, bass definition, extension and detail than my ARC Ref 3.

Grant, is the functionality you are looking for Theatre bypass? From the user's manual. . .

(1) INPUT SELECT: This button will select the desired input, the input number corresponding to the numbering of the inputs on the rear panel. Each press of this button will scroll to the next successive input. Once Input 4 has been reached, the next press of the INPUT button will select the BYPASS input. Another press of the INPUT button will return the selection to Input 1.

(3) BYPASS MODE: The Bypass Mode allows the CAPRI to be installed in a home theater or surround sound system for optimal playback of stereo music sources when the multi-channel system is not in use. Pressing this button will allow a multi-channel processor to bypass the preamplifier functions of the CAPRI, with the volume controlled only by the external processor. The indicator light below the BYPASS button will illuminate yellow to show that the Bypass function is active.

3) BYPASS INPUTS: If the CAPRI is installed in a home theater or sound system, the Left Front and Right Front output connections from the surround processor should be installed in the BYPASS input connections. The CAPRI will only accept unbalanced RCA interconnects from the surround processor.

From the input section specs:
1 pair Unbalanced (RCA) Unity Gain (Bypass)

I'll email you the complete user's guide in PDF.

Guido

Hi Grant, I will find out. for what application would you use a 'tape loop' feature?

If anyone were interested in some of my latest a/b comparison between JRDG Capri and ARC Ref 3, see:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1200110667&openmine&zzGuidocorona&4&5#Guidocorona

Guido

Driver73, if you are seeking sound that is not fatiguing, extended in frequency, with very good macro and micro dynamics, and very fast but not abnormal transient response, Capri may work for you. On the other hand, I would not characterize Capri as layed back, if by this you meant moderate dynamics, slightly glossed transients, and a frequency range that favors upper mid bass through lower treble. Or in other words, Capri is neither stereotypically SS sounding, nor does it sound stereotypically 'tuby'.

From a compatibility point of view, the Capri has rather low output impedance -- 40Ohms single ended and 80Ohms balanced -- and should work well with Pass amps. G.

Capri will be fine on your Marantz. . . as I understand, Marantz is never a harsh sounding brand.

That's fabulous Driver73. If you get Capri, remember that the creature will take over 500 hrs to shine. . . and that a good PC will make a world of difference on it as well. I like very much the Shunyata Anaconda Helix Alpha. . . but given it draws only 6Ws, I suspect the Python Helix Alpha will be equally good. Keep us posted. G.

Dave of course is correct. . . I confess suchly of being exceedingly a*n*a*l*l*y retentive. *grins* G.