Starting an Analog front end - Rowland?

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.

A Manley Steelhead would be a better choice than what you're considering. It would eliminate your need for a separate preamp, would provide the tube sound you seek and it's arguably better sounding and certainly far more flexible than the Cadence. You could also run your Wadia through it. The downsides: it's not Rowland, it's not as good looking as Rowland, it's single ended. Downsides 1 and 2 cannot be fixed, but an out board transformer single ended to balance converter is the way to go.

I owned and like Rowland very much, but I switched to Ayre and couldn't be happier. The K1xe has a very good pre built in.

One more note re: Rhea and noise. Early production Rheas (like mine) often developed noise problems in short order. I live near Aesthetix, so I brought my unit over and Jim White fitted it to match (then) current production Rhea units, the design of which had already been modified to address the noise issue. Moral: If you're seeking a used Rhea, try to get the serial # and run it by Jim. This will help avoid noise problems.

Marty

PS - My Rhea is not as quiet as the best SS units, but it's close awfully close, and certainly close enough for me. In all other respects, it is superb.

Far from declaring that Capri is 'better' than any pre out there, I do confess of having developed a personal preference for Capri over my own Ref 3 for reasons I have discussed elsewhere already to some nauseating detail. Not having had personal experience with vintage JRDG pres, I can only suggest that concerned audiophiles try things out by letting their ears do the walking, and post their actual a/b findings, rather than drawing conclusions a priori one way or another, based on component count, box weight, and list price.

Having said the above, I am not sure if there is a 'bad' way to insert a JRDG pre/phono combination into a system. It all depends on one's budget, priorities, and preferences. Let's consider a couple of options:

1. Capri + internal phono cards. This is obviously the most cost effective starter solution, as the phono stage cards retail for only $350 for the pair. The entire package new will cost no more than $3100 in black. This is also a good way to baseline the value of the insertion of the pre/phono in the system. Later adoption of an external phono stage, be it JRDG or other brand will entail a probable loss of $150 for the sale of the little phono cards on the used market at about $200.

2. Criterion is purely a linestage without internal phono board option. I have only some very preliminary indications that Criterion may sound more fleshed out than Capri. . .I had a very quick a/b that lasted no more than 10 mins. . . Capri was fresh out of the box and Criterion had no more than 100 hrs on it. Unfortunately there is no current JRDG phono stage, so a phono stage would need to be selected from a vintage JRDG or from a third party at the onset. Criterion will cost about $18K + cost of any phono stage.

3. A purely vintage JRDG solution is likely to cost somewhere between option 1 and 2. You may be experiencing a warmer sound than the current JRDG product lineup. . . but this is based mostly on common lore and 3rd party reports. . . the only personal corroboration I have is from my own transition from JRDG 7M mono amps to 312 stereo.

Hope this helps. Guido