Question for Rowland aficionados


I've been playing with an old Rowland Model One. In my system, it sounds dark and closed in on top, a bit grainy, but it also reproduces the most extraordinary intrumental tone, so lifelike that it oftens fools me in the "that sounds just like a real saxophone" way. My Pass 150 never does this, nor does my CJ 11a (to the same extent that the Rowland does). This could be just great system synergy that's going on, but I'm betting it's a characteristic of the Rowland.

So here's my question: is this a quality of other Rowland amps? As the line has evolved since the Model One, how has the sound changed? I want that lifelike tone with, of course, a bit more extension on top and so forth.

I might as well also ask: which other amplifiers (other brands) do you think can deliver this uncanny lifelike quality?

-Dan
Ag insider logo xs@2xdrubin

Showing 4 responses by macrojack

I am using a Concentra II as phono and preamp with a pair of the 201 amps. Relative to my Concentra alone, this is much faster, more dynamic and quiet. My wife says it sounds livelier.
There is no heat sink anywhere. They weigh only 13 lbs. apiece and they never get warmer than body temperature.
Mine are still breaking in as I've only had them about 10 days and rumor has it that they don't come into their own for about 500 hrs, of use.
I would encourage anyone who is curious to investigate these new amps. They appear to be a groundbreaking design.
I believe the Concentra I was based on the Model 2 and you are correct that the Concentra II was adapted from the 112.Both units owe a lot to the Synergy preamp as well although I read on Rowland's site that some of the Synergy upgrades were first developed for the Concentras.
Don't let anyone kid you........there is no integrated that comes close.

The Model 201 is derived from the 302 using a module developed by European students under the direction of Bang and Olufsen. Beyond that all I know is that Jeff told me his digital has an analog front end and is utterly different from any other digital design. I use my 201s with Goldmund Dialogue speakers which are a 4 ohm load with 96 db efficiency so I'm sure that I don't work them very hard. If you are familiar with the Concentra, you know that the chassis gets very warm during normal operation. I have my cute little monos on the floor behind my speakers and I keep towels over them to protect them from dog and kids and vacuum and the like. Even under towels they don't get warm.
If you want sound comparisons I don't feel I know how to do that. The 201 seems much more open, has a much quieter background and suggests effortless speed and phenomenal articulation. Every voice in harmony can be isolated by the listener. Wooden sounds are more realistic. Cymbals ring longer. Bass is more defined, snarling, growling, reverberating. There is overall less sense of an equipment presence. I thought my Concentra was as good as it gets; now I'm pestering Jeff to create a preamp as good as the 201.
If you are considering the upgrade, just jump in with both feet. You won't regret it.
Bombaywalla,
Jeff Rowland doesn't say much. What I told you is all I could get out of him and I'm not altogether certain I repeated what he told me with unfailing accuracy. The amps are a wonder, however. On that point I can be very clear.
You might try calling the factory and asking some questions yourself if you are sufficiently intrigued. Rich Maez can probably answer your questions and if he is stumped, Jeff may well jump in.
I can also tell you that Rowland delivers the goods and avoids the whole hype and review circus that so taints our hobby. Over the years I have come to believe he is among a handful of the most innovative manufacturer/designers.
His products stand the test of time and throughout the rest of the world, he is considered to be a genius or a god. Only in the U.S. does he struggle for an audience.
Keithr,
I don't have any idea about what you saw but I believe you must be correct concerning the size of the power supply. Nothing much larger could be contained in these chassis.
Someday I may be overcome by curiosity enough to open one of my amps to see what's in it. Right now I just play records and shake my head in awe. You will too if you take the plunge.
Interesting site for ICEpower. Someone else has pointed me toward the B&O Beolab 5, a very intriguing speaker. B&O has always been innovative but they are suddenly looking very cutting edge.
The 201 is a wonderful amplifier as you will eventually come to realize. I was not aware of what was in the 201 until Tkheem revealed it but I had heard it was Danish.

Drubin, I would not dismiss these amps too readily but I suppose someone else may be selling the same module in a different package for less. What have you found?