Jeff Rowland Capri S2 Preamplifier

The Capri S2 features an impressive complement of standard input/output interfaces; greatly enhanced flexibility through its optional DAC card or phono option; and the Rowland trademark prismatic platinum faceplate beautifully integrated into a non-resonant chassis milled from a solid block of aluminum.

With an output impedance of only 80 Ohms balanced and 40 Ohms single ended, Capri S2 drives any amplifier with confidence. Whether serving a single-ended triode amplifier in a vinyl rig, or controlling a quartet of solid-state Rowland M525 monoblocks with a 192 kHz digital source, or at the nexus of a home theater setup, the Capri S2 preamplifier delivers the trademark Rowland musicality, resolution, and consistent authority.

Compact elegance

Balanced preamplifier design housed inside a low profile, compact, ultra-low resonance, structurally rigid chassis that is precision-machined from solid blocks of aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum that is completely sealed for trouble-free operation and high RF and EMI isolation. Features an elegant front panel precision-machined and sculpted with a diamond tipped cutting tool.

Universal power supply

Low noise, high-current, dual regulated switch- mode auto sensing and auto ranging power supply provides Capri with optimum performance at any world-wide mains operating voltage.

Thin-Film Resistors

All resistors are low noise, 0.1% thin-film type for extremely low thermal noise which complement the low-noise characteristics of the active circuitry.

Four-Layer Circuit Board

All circuitry is populated on one side of a 4 layer circuit board to allow for continuous, unbroken, low impedance ground and power supply distribution planes. Care was taken to minimize signal path lengths and components sizes.

Input transformer-Coupling and Isolation

Transformer coupled input circuitry provides universal component compatibility and virtually eliminate ground loop noise and RFI/EMI. Transformer coupling ensures identical preamplifier overall gain when using unbalanced input adapters. Other benefits include ground noise isolation and excellent common mode noise rejection (CMRR) from all sources.

I/O flexibility

Dual low impedance line-level outputs (80 Ohms balanced, 40 Ohms unbalanced), 48 Ohms balanced and unbalanced inputs, and preamp bypass inputs allow unprecedented compatibility with audio and A/V components, while optional high quality phono cards are available for compatibility with vinyl sources.

Remote control

Six-function remote control transmitter display dim, adjusts volume, input selection, mute, phase, and channel balance.

Precision volume adjustments

Dual rate volume control allows precision level adjustments over nearly a 100 dB range. The volume control incorporates a permanently noiseless optical encoder that always maintain its tactile feel, accuracy, and channel balance at all settings. The optical encoder mounted behind the volume knob commands the attenuation level of a monolithic resistor attenuator over a 99.5 dB range in 0.5 dB increments.

Optional Phono Card

Plug-in phono cards (installed internally) converts Line Input 1 to high performance phono input. Three gain and loading options can accommodate moving magnet (MM), moving coil (MC), and high output moving coil cartridge types.

Optional DAC Card

Plug-in DAC card (installed internally) converts Line Input 1 to high performance DAC input. Accepts all SPDIF digital signal sources from 44.1 to 192 kHz sampling rates and adjusts accordingly.

Home Theater Bypass Adjustment

The Home Theatre BYPASS RCA inputs can be changed to an additional set of standard inputs by placement of an internal jumper inside the unit.