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ARC Ref 3, Rowland Concerto, or Capri line stage?

Has anyone had the opportunity of comparing the ARC Reference 3 side-by-side with the Rowland Concerto linestage or the Rowland Capri? If you have, please post your comparative findings. I own and love the Ref 3, but I have heard the Concerto at RMAF and found it to be wonderful. I have also heard rumours that the little Capri may even exceed the Concerto's performance.

My current system is balanced and consists of TEAC X-01 Limited, ARC Ref 3, Rowland 7M monos, Vienna Mahler speakers. I listen mostly to classical--80% of it chamber music.
guidocorona
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
I switched from BAT 51SE to Ref 3 and I can def say that it is miles better.
guidocorona OP
4,298 posts
 
Elberoth2, I have had the opportunity of comparing the REF 3 with the BAT VK51SE side by side and I concur with your findings. It is also worth pointing out that when I heard the concerto I did not perceive any fuzziness in the bass or obvious lack of detail at the top. What I heard was instead extremely articulated from top to bottom with extremely good detail, harmonic development and staging. . . but how would this compare to my Ref 3 is anyone's guess.
branimir
236 posts
 
Guido,
JR Concerto Pre and Int are discontinued AFAIK. So, if Jeff Rowland then you can choose between Capri S(Diamond polished finish version) or new Criterion. Or you can go for new Continuum Int(two versions-one 350w/ch, other 500w/ch).

Or simply go for ARC REF3...
guidocorona OP
4,298 posts
 
Thank you Branimir. I will ask JRDG about the new preamps. I knew that an announcement was imminent, but wasn't sure if it would be in time for CES. Guido
periklis
4 posts
 
Guido
Except the Capri and the cost no object Criterion in my last conversation with Jeff I know that since Criterion will be in limited quantity (200 pcs) an intermediate pre-amp will replace the Synergy IIi and most probably will look like the one chassis of the Criterion with the VFD display.
The price will be near 9.000US,so I believe its worth waiting.
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