Question for Rowland aficionados

Thanks, great response Onhwy61. Not sure I would agree with your conclusion that what I like about the Model One is a coloration, but I do agree that other amps are clearer sounding. Funny, I owned an Aleph 5 for a few years, but not with most of my current system.

This brings up the great debate: Does one piece of electronics produce more of the musical reality? Or, is this just an enrichment of fatter-sounding harmonics, or some type of additive, that lead our ears to hear it was more real?

A tough question, and one that probably can't be answered definitively. In my own audiophile quest, I don't care any more. If it sounds more like music to me, even if it is added harmonics, etc. ---- I'll take it.

No electronic piece reproduces accuracy. They all miss the mark and have their individual sonic thumbprint. If a piece of electronics makes 90% of my music collection sound more real, involves me in the music more, that is the litmus test for me.

I am a fan of Rowland stuff. Currently using a pair of Model 3 monos, and a Consonance preamp in my system. Yes it sounds very natural, a Rowland signature. It may not jump out at you like some other amps would at first impression but it's a sound that will only grow on you. I belong to a local audio society and have many opportunities to listen to other "very expensive" systems, but always have found that I much prefer the naturalness of my system. If you like to listen to music rather than sounds, you can't go wrong with Rowland. Another thing, they have excellent service. I sent it my preamp when it has a minor problem (I bought it used) and Jeff Rowland worked on it himself. He even spent time trouble-shooting with me on the phone, and when it was in for service, upgraded it to current specs for a very minimal charge. Great folks to deal with.

Maybe I can ask this question without hijacking Drubin's thread(!) :-

Re. the new Model 201 monos: are they class-D power amps?? They are very light for 250W/ch! Plus, I don't see much heat-sinking fins on the chassis.

Has any one of you JRDG aficionados heard the Model 201 &/or the Model 302?? How do they sound compared to some of the other models. BTW, I have just a little experience with the Model 10. Thanks!

Just a quick update: I searched these archives & found some info on the 302 & 201. I should have done that 1st before posting. Sorry!
However, if anyone has any new updates on these 2 new models, I'd be interested in reading them. Thanks!