{"id":8458,"date":"2010-04-25T15:08:55","date_gmt":"2010-04-25T13:08:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/?page_id=8458"},"modified":"2019-10-17T08:44:15","modified_gmt":"2019-10-17T06:44:15","slug":"synergy-synergy-2-and-synergy-2i","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/synergy-synergy-2-and-synergy-2i\/","title":{"rendered":"JRDG Company Special – Synergy, Synergy 2 and Synergy 2i"},"content":{"rendered":"

All Synergy models have the same cosmetics and dimensions. The info and technical differences are described further below.<\/p>\n

Synergy 1 and 2i Extensive Review<\/a><\/p>\n

Synergy 2 Extensive Review<\/a><\/p>\n

\"rowland-synergy-eddy-zweden-mooi-dsc01927_550pix\"<\/p>\n

\"rowland-synergy-eddy-zweden-mooi-dsc01932_550pix\"<\/p>\n

Green display means Synergy 2i.<\/p>\n

\"rowland-synergy-2i-eddy-jrdb-164_550pix\"<\/p>\n

\"rowland-synergy-2-2038507958_21328295_z1_2_550pix\"<\/p>\n

Red display means either synergy 1 or 2 (not 2i)<\/p>\n

\"rowland-synergy-close_1957_550pix\"<\/p>\n

\"rowland-synergy-2i-img_0248_550pix\"<\/p>\n

Above: Synergy 2i with green display, below Synergy 2i with blue display<\/p>\n

\"synergy-2i-op-aurios-dempers-3799508830_g_550pix\"<\/p>\n

\"rowland-synergy-2i-eddy-jrdb-169_550pix\"<\/p>\n

\"rowland-synergy-2i-eddy-jrdb-121_550pix\"<\/p>\n

\"rowland-synergy-en-accuphase-2004-3-16-9388952_550pix\"<\/p>\n

\"wadia<\/p>\n

Above: Synergy 1 in a Finite Elemente Spider rack with a comparably monster sized Wadia 861 on top. The Synergy looks almost looks\u00a0silly on the rack because it occupies only the front two struds, but the influcence on the sound is unmistakable.\u00a0Especially the considerably laidback Synergy 2i really needs a Spider rack to sound its best.<\/p>\n

\"rowland-synergy-en-coherence-ii-close-img_0130_550pix\"<\/p>\n

\"rowland-synergy-en-coherence-ii-img_2241_550pix\"<\/p>\n

The front panels have exactly the same buttons in exactly the same places. The only differences are that the Coherence has two more inputs. Interestingly though, the software is the same with the result that for the Synergy when toggling throught the inputs using the remote control, you pass two empty places between the last available input and the first.<\/p>\n

\"rowland-synergy-2i-zwart-500pix\"<\/p>\n

In Europe you mostly see the silver finish but it seems that in the US you see the black models more often, although still not nearly as much as the silver models.<\/p>\n

\"rowland-synergy-eddy-zweden-mooi-dsc01937_550pix\"<\/p>\n

This is how the Synergy is packed inside its box. On the bottom and on top are equally thick layers of foam, making the packing bomb-proof.<\/p>\n

\n

Model\u00a0Descriptions<\/h2>\n

Synergy<\/strong>
\n1996-1997<\/p>\n

Retail price in 1997 in the Netherlands 7200 euro<\/p>\n

Extensive Review<\/a><\/p>\n

The original Synergy was a new design. It has a red display, only has output transformers (no input transformers), a single set of main and record outputs and “SYNERGY PREAMPLIFIER” printed on the back panel.<\/p>\n

\n

Synergy 2<\/strong>
\n1997-2000<\/p>\n

Retail price\u00a0approx 7200 euro<\/p>\n

Extensive Review<\/a><\/p>\n

The Synergy 2 was a refinement of the original Synergy 1 and had a red display, both input- and output transformers, a second set of main- and record outputs (all parallel) and either “SYNERGY PREAMPLIFIER SERIES II” printed on the rear panel or simply “SYNERGY PREAMPLIFIER” in case of an upgrade.<\/p>\n

\n

Synergy 2i<\/strong>
\n2001-2007<\/p>\n

Retail price\u00a07999 euro<\/p>\n

Extensive Review<\/a><\/p>\n

This update replaces the original amplifier board within the Synergy and Synergy II with a new, surface mount designed amplifier board and green or blue display and indicators. The majority of Synergy IIi preamplifiers have the words \u201cSYNERGY PREAMPLIFIER SERIES IIi\u201d laser engraved on the rear panel. Original Synergy models could also be updated and in these cases the lettering on the rear panel would not be changed.<\/p>\n

\n

Synergy 1 inside<\/h2>\n

\"rowland-synergy-1-inside-3_550pix\"<\/p>\n

\"rowland-synergy-1-inside-2_550pix\"<\/p>\n

The original Synergy is comparable in overall build with the later Synergy models. Apart from the circuit board colour, the most obvious difference is the original model’s lack of output transformers.<\/p>\n

\n

Synergy 2 inside<\/h2>\n

\"rowland-synergy-2-inside-img_0184_550pix\"<\/p>\n

\"rowland_synergy2_cp-img_0191_550pix\"<\/p>\n

\"rowland-syngery-2-inside-img_0186_550pix\"<\/p>\n

\"rowland_synergy2_cp-img_0192_550pix\"<\/p>\n

The actual preamp board, displayed larger than life (actually no more than 10cm wide)<\/p>\n

\"rowland_synergy2_cp-img_0187_550pix\"<\/p>\n

Above: Jensen output transformer (one for each channel)<\/p>\n

\"rowland-syngery-2-inside-img_0189_550pix\"<\/p>\n

Yup: the Synergy runs Coherence firmware. This explains why, when toggling through the inputs using the remote control, there are two empty inputs after input 5 before it loops through to input 1 again.<\/p>\n

\"rowland_synergy2_cp-img_0190_550pix\"<\/p>\n

Above: rear panel input switching section<\/p>\n

\"rowland-syngery-2-ps-inside-img_0196_550pix\"<\/p>\n

\"rowland-syngery-2-ps-inside-img_0197_550pix\"<\/p>\n

The IR receiver\/display section inside the power supply also runs runs Coherence firmware.<\/p>\n

\n

Synergy 2i inside<\/h2>\n

\"rowland-synergy2i-inside_500pix\"<\/p>\n

Apparently I never made pictures from the 2i’s insides and searching the net, the above picture is the only one that I can find! Isn’t that odd?<\/p>\n

\"rowland-synergy-2-faceplate-intern-with-hinged-switches_300pix\"<\/p>\n

What I do have is the inside of a Synergy (model independent-) faceplate. Clearly visible are the backsides of the toggle buttons.<\/p>\n

\n

Power Supply Comparison<\/h2>\n

Synergy 1:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"rowland-synergy-1-ps-mijn-synergy-inside-img_8188_550pix\"<\/p>\n

Synergy 2:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"rowland-synergy-2-ps-inside-img_0199_550pix\"<\/p>\n

Synergy 2i:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"rowland-syngery-2i-ps-inside-jws-synergy-inside-img_8190_550pix\"<\/p>\n

The top green circuitboard belongs to the Synergy 1, the seemingly identical green one in the middle belongs to the Synergy 2. The bottom one with the red circuitboard finally belongs to the Synergy 2i. The circuit design for all three is very similar and only on close inspection there are minor differences, mainly in component choice. Biggest difference are the silver capacitors for the 2i but I there’s evidence suggesting they were either part of a modification or replacements for damaged ones.<\/p>\n

\n

Problem Solving<\/h2>\n

Coherence, Synergy, Concentra, and Concerto IR Remote Control lock-up<\/strong><\/p>\n

The remote controls for the above listed products have an internal capacitor that can cause the microprocessor to lock when the battery has been nearly drained. This problem will continue even after a fresh battery has been installed. This capacitor allows the remote to continue to function even after the battery has become very weak. The solution to this problem is simple: remove the new battery and allow the remote to stand overnight with no battery installed. Once the battery is reinstalled in the morning, the remote should function properly again.<\/p>\n

Complete lock-up<\/strong><\/p>\n

It can happen that the Synergy locks up when you operate many buttons at the same time and also adjust the volume. All you need to do is unplug the powercord, wait for 10 seconds and reconnect. If you reconnect too quickly, the Synergy may not work. The same is true if you swap the power cable or change the position in the extensionblock. As a rule of thumb: always wait 10 seconds before reconnecting the power.<\/p>\n

\n

Technical Specifications<\/h2>\n

Synergy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Overall Gain (Adjustable for each input)
\n\u00b120 dB relative\u00a0to unity gain (0 dB) in 0.5 dB increments<\/p>\n

Input Impedance (Adjustable for each input)
\nUnbalanced 36k or 600 ohms
\nBalanced 36k or 600 ohms<\/p>\n

Output Impedance
\nUnbalanced 40 ohms
\nBalanced 80 ohms<\/p>\n

Maximum Input Level
\n13 volts RMS at 0 dB gain<\/p>\n

Maximum Output Level
\n13 volts RMS (24 dBm)<\/p>\n

Output Noise Level
\n12 microvolts\u00a020-20 KHz bandwidth, 0 dB gain<\/p>\n

Signal To Noise Ratio
\nGreater than 96 dB<\/p>\n

Channel Separation
\nGreater than 100 dB, 20-20 KHz\u00a0bandwidth<\/p>\n

Frequency Response
\n5 Hz-160 KHz, -3 dB<\/p>\n

THD + Noise
\n0.0016% 10 volt output, 600 ohm load<\/p>\n

Gain Range
\n63.5 dB, 127 equal increments<\/p>\n

Gain Resolution
\n0.5 dB \u00b1 0.03 dB over entire range<\/p>\n

Channel Balance
\n\u00b1 0.03 dB throughout entire range<\/p>\n

Dimensions
\n17.5 in W x 6.0 in D x 3.15 in H
\n44.5 cm W x 15.25 cm D x 8.0 cm H<\/p>\n

Weight
\n24 lbs (11 kg)<\/p>\n

\n

Synergy 2i<\/strong><\/p>\n

Overall Gain:
\nAdjustable for each input, \u00b120 dB relative
\nto unity gain (0 dB) in 0.5 dB increments.<\/p>\n

Input impedance:
\nAdjustable for each input.
\nBalanced 36k or 600 ohms
\nUnbalanced 36k or 600 ohms<\/p>\n

Output Impedance:
\nBalanced 40 ohms
\nUnbalanced 80 ohms<\/p>\n

Maximum Input Level:
\n13 volts RMS at 0 dB gain.<\/p>\n

Output Noise Level:
\n10 microvolts, 20-20 kHz bandwidth, 0 dB\u00a0gain.<\/p>\n

Signal to Noise Ratio:
\nGreater than 96 dB.<\/p>\n

Channel Separation:
\nGreater than 100 dB, @ 20-20 kHz\u00a0bandwidth.<\/p>\n

Frequency Response:
\n5 Hz – 160 kHz, -3 dB.<\/p>\n

THD + Noise:
\n0.0012%; 10 volt output, 600 ohm load.<\/p>\n

Gain Range:
\n63.5 dB, 127 equal increments.<\/p>\n

Gain Resolution:
\n0.5 dB \u00b10.03 dB over entire range.<\/p>\n

Channel Balance:
\n\u00b10.03 dB throughout entire range.<\/p>\n

Power Consumption:
\n25 watts maximum.<\/p>\n

Preamp Weight:
\n24 lbs.\/11 kg.<\/p>\n

Power Supply Weight:
\n7 lbs.\/3 kg.<\/p>\n

Preamp Dimensions:
\n17.5\u201d (w) x 14.35\u201d (d) x 5.75\u201d (h)\/
\n44.5 cm (w) x 36.2 cm (d) x 14.6 cm (h).<\/p>\n

Power Supply Dimensions:
\n17.5\u201d (w) x 4.8\u201d (d) x 1.5\u201d (h)\/
\n44.5cm (w) x 12.2cm (d) x 3.8 cm (h).<\/p>\n

More Synergy<\/h2>\n

Synergy 1 and 2i Extensive Review
\n<\/a>Synergy 2 Extensive Review
\n<\/a>Compared to Corus, Coherence II and Concerto<\/a><\/p>\n

More Jeff Rowland<\/h2>\n

Jeff Rowland Company Special Main Page
\n<\/a>Jeff Rowland Company Special Preamplifiers<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

All Synergy models have the same cosmetics and dimensions. The info and technical differences are described further below. Synergy 1 and 2i Extensive Review Synergy 2 Extensive Review Green display means Synergy 2i. Red display means either synergy 1 or 2 (not 2i) Above: Synergy 2i with green display, below Synergy 2i with blue display […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-8458","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8458","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8458"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8458\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20501,"href":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8458\/revisions\/20501"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8458"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}