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Starting an Analog front end - Rowland?

Guido (resident Rowland expert) and other Audiogoners –

My current system consists of Wadia 270/27ix, Jeff Rowland 302, Avalon Eidolon’s, and Cardas Golden Reference. I have the Wadia direct into the 302.

I have started to get the itch to add a vinyl set up to my system and would need to add a preamp and phono-pre to the system. I am planning to get a VPI Aries III with a Dynavector cartridge but need help with the preamp and amp set up. I like the midrange and holography of tubes with nice tight solid state bass. My current system does that fairly well, especially with the 302.

My plan was to get a Rowland preamp and phono-pre. I really wanted both the preamp and phono -pre to be in a separate chassis. Since Rowland doesn’t currently make a phono-pre, I think I will try to track down a Cadence on Audiogon. The preamp I am most concerned about because I will likely run both my digital and my analog through it. Right now Rowland has only the Capri and the Criterion and the price is difference is vast between the two. I know that many have raved over the Capri, but I just can’t help but have the feeling that Rowland will release a preamp in the ‘Synergy Iii or Concerto range’ to fit a price point in between the Capri and Criterion.

I realize I may be a bit foolish being concerned over the Capri ‘not being enough preamp due to its price point’, but based on my system as described above, should I go for a used Concerto or Synergy Iii, a Capri, or wait for Rowland to release something new. Also, any news on a new phono-pre in the pipeline at JRDG?

Thanks in advance for any input and advice.

Phil
philb7777

Showing 2 responses by stew3859

stew3859's avatar
stew3859
119 posts
 
I can offer you this...I have an souped up Aries 2 with motor/flywheel combo, periphery ring, and center weight. I had the Synergy IIi and an Aesthetix Rhea. I upgraded to the Coherence II and bought the Cadence with the idea that I would pit it against the Rhea and keep whichever I prefered. Now I will admit to being a devoted Rowlandite, as I biamp with a Model 10 and a pair of 201s. But the Rhea simply had so much more body, palpability, weight, 3 dimensionality, that the Cadence made a very quick exit.

There happens to be a Coherence II on Audiogon right now. I do not know the seller and I disclaim any affiliation other than the fact that I love the piece and it seems to fit your desire to come in pricewise between the Capri and the Criterion. As far as the Rhea, I am not a tube guy, and, in fact, theb Rhea is the only tube component I own, but put in some NOS 12ax7s and you will be in audio heaven. I wish you luck in your journey to sonic nirvana.
stew3859's avatar
stew3859
119 posts
 
Raquel:
You are correct in that the Rhea compared to a solid state phono preamp is somewhat noisy, but with the right tubes (I use Telefunken and Siemens), the noise can be reduced to a minimum. However, in exchange for that bit of tube rush, one is treated to an extremely realistic, palatable, lifelike sound that in my experience cannot be replicated by solid state. As an aside, I have what I think is a pretty impressive digital front end (MBL DAC and Accustic Arts transport). On well recorded source material, the sound is truly first class. Nevertheless, I find my vinyl rig (obviously played through all the same electronics save the Rhea) to be more gratifying and more involving. I realise we are comparing analog to digital which is an unfair comparison, but I cannot help but believe it is the Rhea which is at least partially responsible for my overwhelming preference. When I auditioned the Cadence, it was through the battery supply. If I for one second thought the Rhea could be bested by a solid state phono pre (granted I haven't heard the Boulder 2008), I would switch it out in a second. There is just something about tubes in the service of analog which just sounds right to me. There is a natural, organic character which just brings the music to life. I'm sure there are solid state stages which are dead quiet and have wonderful dynamics, but it is the "lift off the page" realism which keeps me coming back.
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