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 4 responses by mark_nz

Thank you Guido re the description of the volume control. The Synergy is similiar in that it also uses a optical encoder under microprocessor control. I am curious about what electronic circuit (whether chip or discrete) is used to implement the volume control. Cheers Mark
Hi Guido,
Can you describe the volume control technology used for the Criterion?
I currently own the Synergy IIi - the volume control design is based on the CS3310 IC. Rowland were careful in their design to maximise the performance from this now IC.
So I am curious if Rowland has moved on to newer technology?
BTW, I really enjoy the Synergy, but hoping to upgrade in the future.
Thanks in advance.
Regards
Mark
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