Jeff Rowland's Continumm

The thing is ,man i tried and i really ,really wanted them to work out,but that just wasnt the case,i wish i could get a answer as to why so many like them,and the hi fi critic mag couldnt justify them at all.The bass wasnt any better then a solid state amp, the highs sucked.Ive heard bad from different types of amps also,but digital just has other stuff going on thats just not right.

Coffeey, which switching amps caused you discomfort?

Well Coffeey, if you're going to depend on reviewers to tell you what to listen to, then Rowland is probably not for you. OTOH, those that listen for themselves should step right up. Of course, our friend Guido is a reviewer. Maybe you should listen to him.

With ICEpower, just like Class A, B and AB, there are great designs and not-so-great. Don't lump them all together.

Dave

Bel Canto Red Dragon

06-05-08: Coffeey said:
"Bel Canto Red Dragon"

Well, there you go. That's not even in the same league.

The issue is not Class D or ICEpower, it's the designer. That's no different than in any other amplifier class.

Dave

Coffeey, I am also not a great fan of Red Dragon, heard it at RMAF in '06 for over 1hr. . . great macro dynamics, but little micro and exceedingly dark. As for Bel Canto, there are several Bel Canto models, which one did you use, and how many hours did you put on it/them? G.

Well to tell the truth,i expected so much more out of them ,but it just didnt happen,no doubt different design,different designers,better, and worse just like anywhere else,correct?

That's correct, every device is different. Different devices are created with differing goals, expectations and price points. Various designers have very differing philosophies. And regardless. . . every device needs be broken-in completely and properly warmed up. . . otherwise any listening observations become moot. And in the end. . . everythings gets filtered by personal preferences and opinions anyway.

Not all things are created equal........BC is not my cup of tea , RWA is.....system sinergy matters more then adding sugar or lemon - start with the best tea and clean water add sugar and lemon later. :)

BTW, there's a blog about our Rowland Factory Tour, including some discussion of Rowland's philosophies, at Soundings Blog

If anyone were interested in some of my latest a/b comparison between JRDG Capri and ARC Ref 3, see:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1200110667&openmine&zzGuidocorona&4&5#Guidocorona

Guido

Jeff Rowland has finally updated its web site with a page dedicated to the new Continuum 250 and 500. Here it is:
http://jeffrowland.com/Continuum.htm
And here are some specs for all lazybugs (grins!):

* * * *

Specs: 250 Version / 500 Version
Output Power, Continuous RMS watts, both channels driven 250 watts @ 8 ohms / 500 watts @ 8 ohms per channel /
500 watts @ 8 ohms / 1000 watts @ 4 ohms per channel
Frequency Response 5 Hz – 60 kHz, -3 dB @ 8 ohms / 5 Hz – 45 kHz, -3 dB @ 8 ohms
Peak Output Current 35 amps / 40 amps
Dynamic Range 117 dBa / 120 dBa
Load Impedance Range 3 ohms – 16 ohms
Input Impedance 48 k ohms
THD and Noise, 0.1 watts to Maximum Output < 0.05%, Typically .006% @ 1kHz / < 0.1%, Typically .01% @ 1 kHz
Damping Factor @ 1 kHz > 1000 / > 1000
Gain Structure Preamplifier Section 14 dB, Amplifier Section 26 dB
Volume Control Range 99.5 dB
Volume Control Resolution 0.5 dB +/- 0.05 dB Over Entire Range
Common Mode Rejection Ratio > 85 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Inputs 2 pair Balanced (XLR), 2 pair Unbalanced (RCA)
1 pair Unbalanced (RCA), Unity Gain (Bypass)
Outputs 1 pair Balanced (XLR), 1 pair Unbalanced (RCA)
1 pair CE-Approved Speaker Wire Clamp
Power Consumption Idle – 25 watts, Max – 1000 watts / Idle – 35 watts, Max – 2000 watts
Power Supply Switch Mode (SMPS) / Switch Mode (SMPS) with active power factor correction (PFC) and universal AC input voltage
Amplifier Weight 41 lbs. - 18.6 kg / 44 lbs. - 20 kg
Overall Amplifier Dimensions (H) x (W) x (D) 5.3" x 15.5” x 15.0” (135mm x 394mm x 380mm)

* * *

Please note that the model Continuum 500 is front ended by a 1500W PFC unit, which is integrated in the device. The Continuum 500 has also implemented a bank of bulk output capacitors not even available on the 312 stereo amp. The additional caps are exp
ected to yield enhanced headroom/authority. G.

Has anyone compared Continuum to Concentra II?

Cheers,

KR