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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

Showing 9 responses by macrojack

macrojack
1,303 posts
 
I use a Capri preamp which I consider to be a very high performance bargain. No matter how good the Criterion turns out to be, the existence of the Capri for a small fraction of the money forces the Criretion and most other statement products deep into the land of diminishing returns. For this reason,and the sheer dollar amount involved, the chances of my ever buying a Criterion are remote. Nonetheless, if the money was in my hand, I would have a hard time turning my back on the gizmo factor. That thing looks pretty trick.
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
I just got off the phone with Kelly @ JRDG. Corus is without a certain launch date as yet. Parts supply is one holdup. Anticipate no more than 90 days till launch but sourcing is the variable.
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
I talked to Kelly at JRDG yesterday. No delivery dates have been established and output power is not even certain as yet. The units on display at CES lit up but were not powered. We are getting ahead of ourselves.
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Guido - I was not at the show and have not seen any of these new items. Kelly told me the units at the show were not active. The dash lit up but the motor would not start. She attends every show, and this one in particular, as it was Rowland's 25th anniversary at CES. Kelly has been with him for 21 years and I've known her the whole time.
I don't mean to contradict you but my source is pretty good too. Maybe she wasn't supposed to tell me that -- or I wasn't supposed to tell you.
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Well Guido, I asked about the sound wondering if it would be more like the Models 6 and 8 than the recent ICE equipped pieces. That would be a question for Jeff and he isn't available just now. So we shall all be called upon to exercise the virtue of patience. Given the price of these things, I may need quite a bit more than patience. It will take a minor miracle or a major irresponsible charge.
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
I should be the envy of all of you. I use a Capri preamp, a 102 amp and a PC-1. I find that I am quite happy with equipment at this level and do not have to spend thirty, forty, or fifty thousand dollars to be temporarily satisfied. It is my sincere wish that all of you are able in time to find a plateau where you are comfortable.
The use of good horn speakers has helped me to reach my plateau.
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Guido -
One of my symptoms is contentment. When I received my Rowland gear (all at once), I just hooked it all up and left it that way. I have never compared anything since. That will be two years in April.
To be honest, I have entertained thoughts many times of replacing those pieces but I like their size, looks and ergonomics so much that I an unable to mess with it.
I did read your comments about using Capri sans PC-1 and told myself I should try it but til now inertia has stood in my way. Maybe tomorrow.
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Love the one you're with. Corus anticipation could be a lengthy process. And it will only lead to the next anticipation. This thing is like climbing an endless stairway. It's just a series of plateaus that you die anticipating.......
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Yes, Guido, SOURCING. None of the parts in a Rowland product are manufactured in house, although many are dedicated designs made to Rowland spec. They can't complete a product until all of the sources fill their orders.

My kingdom for a horse.....

In any case, the Corus chorus should resume before summer. New list is $12,200.
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