Original

About the Original

The Jeff Rowland Original preamplifier employs all FET amplification stages operated in class-A mode, ensuring high linearity and low distortion. It features a relay-controlled volume control with 200 discrete steps allowing fine level matching and repeatable settings, with separate level indication for each channel on a front-panel fluorescent display. Balance adjustment is achieved by incrementally increasing one channel's level while decreasing the other, maintaining overall system level within a fraction of a dB. The preamp includes a phono stage divided into two stages: the first with paralleled high-transconductance FETs operating without negative feedback and user-selectable MC or MM gain, and the second stage providing current feedback equalization with precise RIAA curve implementation. The phono stage is direct-coupled with DC servo correction and outputs inverted polarity to tape monitor outputs. Additionally, the preamp offers a memory and recall mode to store and automatically recall specific volume levels for each of the six inputs, facilitating instant A/B comparisons. The unit has a total volume control range of 60 dB, with volume increments varying from approximately 0.25 to 6 dB depending on level. The Consonance preamplifier dimensions are approximately 15 inches wide, 13.75 inches deep, and 2.65 inches high, weighing about 14 lbs. It delivers exceptional transparency, neutrality, and musicality, with a frequency response extending beyond 200 kHz and very low distortion and noise figures.