I can't really offer a good comparison, in that I've only heard the older Rowland Integrated, although I was breaking in the kW at home around the same time period. The Rowland sounded very fine driving some JMlabs Mezzo's.
You may have seen a positive review of the kW in the recent Absolute Sound. Although I wouldn't dispute the high praise offered there, I would add a note of caution. I did not find it suitable for near-field listening in a small room. I was very enthusiastic about it at first, it showed-off to my audiophile pals really well, and offered a big, exciting soundstage, lots of detail, shimmer, and grip on the bass, air around the instruments.
On the other hand, once turned up sufficiently to let the music bloom, there was a sort of relentless pressure wave pasting me up against the wall, at the 7'-8'foot listening distance dictated by my little room, I felt beat up. Turn it down much, the music contracted.
I have to admit I didn't like the sheer bulk of the external power supply and separate 'integrated'; I hadn't quite bargained for that. It gave off considerable heat for a small room, and over time I rather tired of the various glowing lights; interfered with my naps.
Those quibbles will be irrelevant for many who have sufficient room to let the kW work out, and a load that will make it earn its keep. For my part, I was much happier moving over to some Naim gear, with its low key presence and effortless delivery.
Made the trade at a brutal loss, but content in the outcome.
You may have seen a positive review of the kW in the recent Absolute Sound. Although I wouldn't dispute the high praise offered there, I would add a note of caution. I did not find it suitable for near-field listening in a small room. I was very enthusiastic about it at first, it showed-off to my audiophile pals really well, and offered a big, exciting soundstage, lots of detail, shimmer, and grip on the bass, air around the instruments.
On the other hand, once turned up sufficiently to let the music bloom, there was a sort of relentless pressure wave pasting me up against the wall, at the 7'-8'foot listening distance dictated by my little room, I felt beat up. Turn it down much, the music contracted.
I have to admit I didn't like the sheer bulk of the external power supply and separate 'integrated'; I hadn't quite bargained for that. It gave off considerable heat for a small room, and over time I rather tired of the various glowing lights; interfered with my naps.
Those quibbles will be irrelevant for many who have sufficient room to let the kW work out, and a load that will make it earn its keep. For my part, I was much happier moving over to some Naim gear, with its low key presence and effortless delivery.
Made the trade at a brutal loss, but content in the outcome.