Jeff Rowland Model 8 or Plinius SA 103

I think the 103 would be awesome with the 801s unless you’re looking for a very detailed presentation as opposed to a more natural sound.  Plus, despite being Class A Plinius thoughtfully included a low-bias switch so you can leave it on in that cooler-running mode 24/7 without heating the house or running up the electric bill and no waiting an hour for the amp to warm up for serious listening.  Very nice.  I also happen to think it looks great, if that matters at all. 

In theory the Model 8 should have more bass control of the 801 for the 400 watts into 4 ohms instead of the Plinius 220 watts.

Uh, you really think the speakers would be underpowered with 220Wpc @4 Ohms?  You should also know the 103 delivers 345Wpc into 2 Ohms.  If you think that’s not sufficient to control the 801’s woofers I think you’re kidding yourself.  At this level of power, just go by which amp gives you the sound characteristics you’re looking for. Just my $0.02 FWIW.

Best of luck, and let us know what you choose and how it works out if you could. 

While the Plinius is a good amp, it really is not in the same league IMO.
 

@daveyf That’s your opinion, but assuming you’ve never heard the SA103 it’s just an unfounded opinion and nothing more.  Keep in mind the Plinius is a pure Class A design, which I think the Model 8 is not so that’s a big difference.  Also, the Model 8 is anywhere from 25-30 years old, so unless it’s been serviced, re-capped, etc. good luck with that. 

@daveyf Well, that’s good in your system and for your tastes. Just saying you think the Rowland is better really means nothing. The 801s will clearly reach well past 25Wpc into Class A. What is your system? Do you have B&W 801s? If not, well, for what it’s worth. As for Plinius service…

https://pliniusrepairs.com/about.html

https://highendaudiorepair.com/plinius

Plinius has been around for a long time and is well supported.

@daveyf Fair point my friend. If the OP is looking for something warmer it’d seem the Rowland might be a better choice, but if he might like something refined but maybe with a little more detail up top he might like the 103. In the end, it’s all about personal tastes and system synergy, and all the OP can do is hear about the relative differences and hopefully will make the best choice. Frankly, in the end I think he’d be thrilled with either.  All we can do is try to help. Cheers!