Rowland PC1 PFC on Capri pre early findings


I have just re-inserted a Rowland PC1 Power Factor Correction (PFC) device in my system 1 hour ago. It is feeding a Rowland Capri preamplifier. Previously Capri was powered directly by a Purist Anniversary PC plugged into an AC wall outlet. Now the Purist is powering the PC1, while the Capri is being fed 384V Direct Current (DC) by the PC1 through a small Rowland supplied pigtail looking somewhat non-denominational. The PC1 is designed to increase the operating efficiency of the device that it is applied to and to eliminate capacitor charge ripples caused by AC. It was deliberately designed for high current Rowland, and not for the Capri pre, although the Capri is compatible with it without any changes of jumpers etc. . .; this means that what I am doing here is purely an experiment limited in scope to the Capri.

I have been playing only 1 CD on repeat this far: Nora Jones 1st CD, so my findings are just very early surfacy impressions. PC1 seems to have extended the frequency range top to bottom; bass appears to be further defined with greater authority/punchiness/control; imaging appears to have acquired enhanced focus. . . this means that Jones's head actually seems more contained, centered, and perhaps slightly smaller than before; instruments are more localized in the 3 dymensions; stage is wider/deeper; there are more harmonic 'bristles' or texture and a more evident leading edge in small transients from percussion instruments. I am perhaps perceiving a very slight increase in sybilants and a slightly more forward presentation. . . but the PC1 is not at all broken in. I will document further observations as the PC1 breaks in and I play other CDs.

One more potential variable is the Rowland-supply power pigtail to the effect of the PC1 on the Capri. Would an upgraded DC pigtail have any audible effect?

For your info, The PC1 can be applied readily to the Rowland Continuum 250 and Capri without any setup changes because these devices have autosense multivoltage power supplies. the 102, 201 and 501 amps require some alteration in fuse setup. The Concerto products require both a fuse setup change and a change to internal jumpers. PC1 is not applicable to JRDG 300 series amps nor to the JRDG Continuum 500 integrated, because these devices already incorporate PFC circuitry. Note that the PC1 is NOT a general purpose power conditioner and is not compatible to any arbitrary device/brand. I have no information about applicability of PC1 to older Rowland amps. It is likely not compatible with amps and pres from other manufacturers . . . so do not try wild experiments with the PC1 without consulting and approval from your dealer, JRDG and the manufacturer of your amp/pre. The PC1 retails for $1500. It is available from Rowland dealers like Soundings HiFi of Denver (Co) (303) 759-5505.

The rest of my currently active configuration consists of: Teac Esoteric X-01 Limited, Rowland 312, Vienna Mahler v1.5 speakers. Capri+PC1 is currently in use instead of my ARC Ref 3.
guidocorona

Showing 13 responses by dcstep

Yeah, I just talked to Rod about my anticipated Continuum 500, expected by month-end. Rod's saying that 1,000 hours is what to really expect for complete burn-in. It'll sound good right off the bat, but improve substantially as it burns in more and more. I'll just leave it on continually and drive the speakers at low levels when no one's around.

Hopefully in May I'll be able to travel down to JRDG in Colorado Springs to see how they put it together.

Dave
Wow, given the Capri's performance and the 501's performance and the PC1+ potential, it seems like a hell of a bargain to have all that rolled together, for not that many dollars more than the old Concerto. I'm thanking my lucky stars that I waited.

You know, I've thought for a long time that it didn't make sense that high-end amp makers didn't include sophisticated power management as part of the package. Why should we have to consider buying an external unit when it's such a big issue in getting ultimate performance.

Dave
04-16-08: Guidocorona said:
"Excellent Dave, keep us posted. It's almost time to start a dedicated thread on the Continuum 250/500 integrated amps. I am just waiting for JRDG to post some official info on the jeffrowland.com site."

Yes, I'll start a thread after a week or two of burn-in. My only reference is my Conrad Johnson CA200. It's not chopped liver, but I think (hope) I'll be moving into much taller cotton.

Maybe you need to do a review. I'd be surprised if JRDG wouldn't give you a loaner, assuming that the powers that be would allow it. With the Capri, your 312 and the ARC you've got really great references.

Good luck on Jeff updating the site. If it weren't for you, a blurb in a Stereophile blog and Rod I'd never have known about it. However, Rod said that last time he was there Jeff had 30 lined up ready to ship to Japan. He's apparently churning them out with some abandon with plenty of demand from his dealers, even without a bit of advertising from JRDG.

Dave
I'm scheduled to go down to the factory on 5/29 with some others to meet Jeff, tour the factory and go over to the shop where the build the chassis. By then I should have me Continuum 500 decently burned in.

I'll write a review when I get the 500 burned in and maybe a little piece about the tour.

Dave
I'll be starting the Continuum thread any minute. I just got back from a 3-hour preview of my new baby. I'll take delivery on Friday afternoon.

The first impression, with only 100-hours on the new amp, is simply WOW. If it gets better after a few hundred hours, then it's going to be amazing.

More to come.

Dave
My experience with changing PCs and ICs on my Continuum 500 is similar to Guido's. You can't really do efficient A-B comparison because the amp really needs a couple of hours to "recharge" any time it's turned off. Of course, I can mute it to change ICs, but I tried swapping ICs while I had the PC out to make a swap (don't get excited Guido, I was just swapping the stock cable for the CST-PC).

Most people wouldn't consider the just-turned-on sound horrible, but you don't want to be reviewing components in that condition. It's just not at its best. So now, if I change anything, I don't even try listening for two hours.

OTOH, since it's left on all the time, I really like getting up on Saturday mornings and having it really sing from the very first cut.

Dave
Really, I have no idea what causes it Guido. Maybe when I'm down at JRDG in the 29th I can ask Jeff. I suspect there's a good reason he puts the power switch on the back and recommends against using it.

Dave
Guido, I've been thinking about that, but I'm afraid it'll be hard to fit in any serious listening. I'll speak to our tour guide to see if such a thing will be possible in Jeff's listening room.

Dave
Hmm, I just thought, maybe Jeff will let me come down on Saturday OR maybe he'll loan Soundins a Criterion for a couple of days and I could listen there, in familiar surroundings.

Dave
Guido, have you ended up keeping a PC1 in front of your Capri, or are you still undecided.

A friend has two 501s with a PC1 for each and, after our visit to JRDG last week, he's getting in a Capri. We're thinking that he might be better to drive both 501s with one PC1 and drive the Capri with the other. Of course, the proof will be in the listening, but what would you suspect given your experience so far?

Dave