Rowland Criterion vs Joule-Electra LA 300ME

The Joule is single ended in stock form. I know in the past I have seen for sale here a balanced version of one of the Joule preamps, but single ended is the rule. An HT bypass has been offered in the past, not sure about the LA-3000ME though. I had an LA-100MkIII and it was meant to be left running all the time via its stand-by setting to keep it warmed up when not in listening mode. I'm pretty certain that feature has extended up the Joule line. I saw and heard the LA-300ME at CES and the face plate hasn't changed much if at all versus previous models. However, the interior has undergone some significant changes.

That being said if you desire balanced then IMO Rowland would be the way to go. I have owned the Capri now for a while and its an amazing little preamp. A lot of preamp for the money. I heard the Criterion at CES in the Rowland suite and liked what I heard.

Am I wrong or depending on finish is the Capri $1700 - $2000 less than the Audio Valve (MSRP $4799). If that is the case I wouldn't say the price of the Audio Valve is a "tad more." Performance wise I can't comment since I haven't heard the Audio Valve.

As for the Joule, list is just under $15k. I believe the previous model, the LA-150 MkII is a little over 5k, but there is now a Signature Edition of that preamp so I'll assume its priced somewhere in between. I would agree with Teajay in that that I can't see the difference in cost based on parts alone. The new LA-300ME is using Elrod wiring, some pretty meaty Mundorf caps, an assortment of other Mundorf and V-caps, and has the option of being supplied with Bocchino or WBT Next Gen Silver jacks. I'm probably missing some stuff, but I'd have to be missing a lot to make up the difference.

On the other hand it does sound exceptional IMO and that would be worth something to me too.