I currently have a Jeff Rowland Model 10 amplifier with a Conrad Johnson 16LS Series 11 preamp in my system. At one time I had a Synergy 11i with the Model 10. While I found the Synergy highly detailed it just never worked for me, it may be system dependent but I just found the sound to analytical for my taste. Maybe it was just too much of a good thing, a truly revealing amp with a highly detailed pre amp. I went back to a tube preamp and tried a few before ending up with the CJ. In my system it is the best of both worlds, an exceptional ss amplifier and an outstanding tube preamp.
Whats the word on Jeff Rowland pre-amps?
I am interested purchasing JRDG 201 mono blocks. At the present time I have a Concentra-1 and want to move on to separates. At first I was just going to use the pre-amp section in the Concentra but don't know if I would get the full benefit of the 201s. I would like your opinions out there on the Synergy and new Concerto pre-amps since the dealer in town does not carry them. I know Rowland amps are great, but are his pre-amps at the same level? Anyone have any experience with the John Tucker Exemplar pre-amp? Any other suggestions for a pre-amp would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.