Jeff Rowland to what?

If you like the Rowland sound, Pass, BAT or CJ would be good choices. Ayre is a good choice as well, but it sounds different than what you now have. You have to listen to it first. I used to have both the Rowland 12's and 112, and now use 2 Ayre V-5's. Ayre has the best imaging out of any solid state amp I've ever heard. Rowland usually struggles in this area. Dynamic contrast and timing are also the best I've heard from SS. One advantage Rowland has it that its more forgiving. If you like a really laid back sound, you may want to keep your current amp.

" sfall,
I love the Rowland sound. I’m just curious if there is something out there that will improve on what I have. Yes, I like a non-fatiguing, laid back sound that still provides detail. "

BAT or CJ

4425

I just read my post. That last bit was a general comment. It kind of looks like it was directed towards you, but its not.

" I truly don't think you'll exceed the the Rowland unless maybe an Agostino S250 would offer something you might prefer. Beyond that you'll need to look towards some of the European boutique brands at great expense. Jeff personally is involved with each single unit built which is to the highest standard I'm aware of with respect to US audio companies. "

I like Rowland too, but when I compare my Rowland amp next to just 1 of my Ayre V-5's, the Rowland sounds defective. You certainly don't have to buy an extremely high price, state if the art type of amp to best it.

Knowledge almost always wins over price. The more you know, the less you have to spend.

I was responding to 4425's quote.

" I've listened to Ayre several times driving Wilson Audio Sasha 1s and Rockport Aviors. Let just say, I'll keep my current Rowland 625 S2 over any Ayre that I heard, which includes their mono-amps."

And that makes sense. I would sooner use Rowland on those speakers as well. They need need an amp like that. In fact, given your description of what you are looking for, I wouldn't recommend Ayre. If you read my other post, you can see that.

" sfall,
I love the Rowland sound. I’m just curious if there is something out there that will improve on what I have. Yes, I like a non-fatiguing, laid back sound that still provides detail. "

BAT or CJ "