Rowland/Levinson preamp

I have no experience with the Rowland but I find the 380S a bit too dark. HOwever, I still own a 39 380S 333 as my "reference" Sssssolid SSSStttate system, as Levinson seems to make the most non-tiring and non ear-piercing SOlid State stuff.

it's really pretty simple: the jrdg amp will sound best with the jrdg pre; same for the levinson. i'd most assuredly not recommend mixing and matching. these products are very different from one another, sonically and otherwise. BTW, it just ain't so that levinson holds its value better than jrdg.

I agree that for optimal results, mixing and matching won't work well. But I can get only one pre-amp at this time. So which of Synergy and 380S would be better-matched overall with my system if I have both Rowland 10 and Levinson 335?

Go with the 380S. It and the 335 are a very good combination. And by no means is the preamp dark. Natural is more like it.

LISTEN FOR YOURSELF & DON'T BUY EITHER WITHOUT AUDITIONING BOTH -- IN YOUR SYSTEM. i'm biased in favor of the jrdg, having owned numerous of jeff's products. my a/b listening of the madrigal v. jrdg always has the same result: levinson (the product/not the man) is dark, dry and lifeless while the jrdg is liquid, swift and very musical, albeit a tad laid back for some tastes. but that's just my opinion. form your own. if it's different from mine, great, unless your "opinion" is shaped by words on paper or a screen, rather than through lengthy listening, on your own, with noone to tell you what you are hearing except your mind, your experience, your taste. BTW, how the hell dija end up wiyth those 2 amps and no pre?