Pre-amp for Rowland Model 102


I'm looking to match a pre-amp to my JRDG Model 102 class D amp. I figure the Capri would be a good match since it also has a switched mode power supply, but, how well would a Klyne or Ayre K5xe match? Thanks.
feds

Showing 3 responses by feds

zd542,

The 102 needed some break-in before it started to warm up. Out of the box there was good detail in each instrument but they all seemed to be at the same volume or fighting to stand out or stomping on each other, I was getting really fatigued listening to it. After a week of constant use, there was much better separation, the soundstage opened up, and cybals/bells/triangles were now trailing off nicely. No fatigue at this point, quite the opposite, I find myself looking for recordings to extend my listening sessions.

I leave it turned on all of the time as suggested for Class D amps. I'm not sure if this is true because I haven't tried it yet, but I read that if one powers off a Class D amp for an extended period, the break-in period starts all over again. I have briefly powered it off to swap cables and relocate the amp, and it didn't seem to affect anything.

I read the reviews on the Aesthetix but it's a bit out of my price range. I'm hoping with luck I could score a good used Capri or K5xe (maybe even MP) or Klyne.

Syntax,

The funny thing is in three months of looking on A'gon, I haven't seen a single Klyne up for sale. I'm guess it's because people don't want to let go of them.

I'm also curious how a Cary SLP03 and Vincent SA-31MK (both tube/hybrid preamps) would sound with a Class D amp.
Hi Guido,

Thank you for the info, I had read your feedback on the PC1 a few weeks back. I think the PC1 (or a simple DIY OPS-U500-385 conditioner) would be a nice upgrade. Have you had a chance to compare the 201s with Lundahl transformers to the 102?

For now I'll keep looking for a used Capri or Klyne. The K5xe also a possibility.
Hi Guido, would you know if the model 125 uses the 125asx2 board? How does the 125 differ from the 102? Thanks.