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New Rowland Criterion 2-chassis battery pre

Jeff Rowland Design has just created a page for its upcoming statement-level, twin chassis, battery powered full function preamplifier. Detail is still scant, but a little bit of info is already available, in addition to front and rear view pics. Here’s the page:
http://jeffrowland.com/Criterion.htm
And here’s the front view:
http://jeffrowland.com/Criterion-front.htm
And here’s the rear view:
http://jeffrowland.com/Criterion-back.htm

You will find a few specs already on the site. JRDG should be publishing more info in the next few weeks. I will post here as I receive it. in addition to the published specs that you can read on the page above, here are a very few additional tidbits that I have learned this far:

. Uses Burr Brown TI OPA1632 high speed fully differentially balanced modules.
. Includes phono stage.
. Uses standard NiMH D-cell batteries available in most electronics stores, loaded in 2 rear-inserted tubes of power supply chassis.
. Capable of AC/DC operation . . . will recharge batteries on independent circuit during AC operation.
. Full remote control
. Target price $18K (not sure yet)
. Availability: probably early Fall 2008.
. Will be featured at RMAF in Soundings Hifi suite Marriott 503 or 505 from Oct 10th to 12th in Denver.

And sorry folks, I have not heard this device yet. Nor I have any good third party reports on its sound. Any speculations on Sonics from my part would be just. . . pure speculations. I’ll keep everyone posted as I learn more.

Guido
guidocorona
guidocorona OP
4,298 posts
 
Apologies Husk. I inadvertently missed your post. Unfortunately I have no experience with MBL and DartZeel. I am sure they are fine devices in their own right. If you would like me to elaborate on the behavior of Criterion in some particular sonic/musical area, or you would like some particular tech info, I'll be happy to do so. . . but I can't compare it with devices I am not terribly familiar with. Guido
kawika
57 posts
 
I like the Dartzeel very much! What's not to like? My only reservation is that if you go beyond the resolutuion of CD the Dartzeel will have a very very slight masking effect and a tad bit of warmth to the perspective in comparison to the Criterion. The Criterion is probably the most neutral and honest piece of audio gear I have EVER listened to in my entire life's experience. This is not necessarilly a good thing, but it is a stated opinion and you must understand its implications if you think you want it in your system. If you are CD only on a poorly sourced system, you will not be happy. It realy isn't "ruthlessly revealing", but just honest in all regards. It is as I've said before... A reviewer's dream machine! I have heard both (Dartzeel)now extensively and can make that comment without hesitation or doubt. The question I'm starting to think about is how it compares to the MBL mentioned in a recent prior post? Aloha, David.
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
David, I haven't heard the DarTZeel, but have heard the Criterion for quiet a few hours. By implication in listing the shortcomings of the DarTZeel (slight masking and warming coloration) you're describing the strength of the Criterion that I've heard. The Critereon offers an incredibly quiet background and ruthlessly accurate harmonic presentation, full of rich detail.

Much to my surprise, many people spending this much money still want warmth and take comfort in it. I understand this and that's why there's more than one solution available. However, at this level, if your front end isn't equally transparent, quiet and accurate, then I think you'll be wasting a ton of money if you buy any of the pre-amps being discussed here.

Bad CD playback will not be sweetened up by any of these devices. A touch of warmth might be a good idea with bad CD, but getting a better player first, like the Playback Designs, Esoteric or others is a better idea. I'd rather have a stunning CD/SACD player with a Rowland Capri than any of these expensive pieces. Of course that's my prejudice and priority suggestion and many may not chose to follow it.

Dave
husk01
171 posts
 
I am using a Sooloos HD system going thru a Berkely Audio Designs Alpha Dac. Are any of the above pres a food choice?
guidocorona OP
4,298 posts
 
Husk01, I can give you only a semi useful answer by indirection as follows:
A friend of mine tried Berkeley DAC by itself as well as Berkeley into a JRDG Capri: he much preferred Berkeley into Capri; never the less he sold capri because of cost recovery considerations only and kept Berkely DAC.

I personally much prefer Criterion over Capri.

By extension, I suspect that I might prefer Berkeley DAC into Criterion than Berkeley by itself.

As I said. . . mine is a valid but indirect hypothesis.
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