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The Capri S2-SC features an impressive complement of standard input/output interfaces; greatly enhanced flexibility through its phono card options; 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-SC drives any amplifier with confidence. Whether serving a single-ended triode amplifier in a vinyl rig, or controlling a quartet of solid-state Rowland amplifiers or at the nexus of a home theater setup, the Capri S2-SC preamplifier delivers the trademark Rowland musicality, resolution, and consistent authority.
Technology
  • 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 Cards: 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..
  • 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.
  • Display Off (5 Sec): An internal jumper will place the display in an automatic OFF condition after 5 seconds from any operational command and illuminates again for 5 seconds after additional commands are initiated.
  • High-quality connectors: All signal connectors are rhodium plated, copper jacks (RCA) and Neutrix silver plated contact (XLR), soldered directly to the circuit board for direct connection to the signal circuitry.
  • Green technology: Modest power consumption of mere 6 Watts permits constant power-up operation to eliminate warm-up time and maximize musical performance, and allows Capri to operate enclosed into an entertainment unit.
  • IEC: 15 Amp female IEC AC power connector.
 
Specifications
Overall Gain14 dB
Gain Range 99.5 dB, 199 Equal Increments
Frequency Response10 Hz – 350 kHz, -3 dB @ 8 ohms
Phono Card (optional)Adjustable for simple load and gain adjustments for MM, high-output MC and MC cartridges
Inputs2 x Pair Balanced XLR, 1 x Pair Unbalanced (RCA) Unity Gain (Bypass), 2 x Pair Unbalanced RCA
Outputs1 x Pair Balanced Line Level, 1 x Pair Unbalanced Line Level
Weight9.5 lbs / 4.26 kg
Dimensions H/W/D2.6”(H) x 13.7” (W) x 6.2” (D) / 6.7 cm (H)x 35 cm (W) x 15.7 cm (D)
 
Reviews
  • Australian Hi-Fi Review - by ESOTERICA

    Although the Capri S2-SC preamplifier doesn’t have any Class D circuitry inside it, there is a tenuous design link to Class D: the designer who was responsible for the analogue and control circuitry in the Je Rowland Continuum S2, which uses Class D output circuitry designed and built by Pascal, was also responsible for the circuitry inside the Capri S2-SC. That designer is none other than Thomas Holm, whose day job is with Danish firm Holm Acoustics…
  • Part-Time Audiophile Review - Capri S2-SC and Model 125 Amplifier
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