Classic Rowlands and 300 series Rowlands tend to have a 'meatier' bass than M625.... mostly because they impart a pleasing and ponderous whooliness to the midbass. Conversely, M201 and M501's bass seems a little light and 'non-denominational'. By contrast, The bass of M625 appears to be more pitched and musically coherent than what I have heard from Rowland M7, M201, M501, C500, M301, M302, and M312. |
Audiozen, do you happen to know the list price per pair of the DS450M?. Hope ARC will feature them at the next RMAF in the Fall. I am rather intrigued! G. |
Very intriguing indeed AudioZen .... I really want to listen to these creatures at RMAF. I'll buzz the factory to find out if DS450M will be shown. G. to find out if they will be featured. |
Optimus, let's return this thread to "its previously scheduled programming".... and then continue to talk about DACs on the Reference DAC thread at:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1126769860&openmine&zzGuidocorona&4&5#Guidocorona
Where I am positive we will be able to raise some charming weather :)!
G. |
Audiozen, class D amps tend to achieve a high degree of circuit integration/miniaturization. While a very busy internal topology can yield a certain degree of pride of ownership all by itself, I much prefer to evaluate amps according to what they can do for me musically/sonically, rather than on the impressiveness of parts count.
The suggestion of evaluating DS450 against the well known and loved Bel canto ref1000M is an excellent one, as DS450's price tag fits somewhere in between Bel Canto REF1000M monos and Rowland M625 Stereo.
Specs alone suggest that ARC DS450, with 450W with 35A of peak current, might yield a larger stage and instrumental images than Rowland M625, which delivers a more modest 300W with a peak current of approx 20A. However, in the end, only sustained direct comparisons can tell the real story.
G.
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Given the very diverse interpretations of the term "best" in the world of audiophilia, I suggest listeners interested in class D also may want to extend their audition at least to the newer H2O implementations, the now withdrawn Rowland M312, current/recent production Rowland M301, and of course the new ARC DS450. It is very difficult to tell a priori what sound may make a particular person 'click' into Nirvana, let alone declare the ultimate winner of the 'battle'. G. |
Very intriguing AudioZen..... Wyred 4 Sound will in this case be another "must" visit at RMAF for me. If you were interested, here is my own scribbling on the Bel canto REF1000 Mk.2 (now rechristened REF1000M)....
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue43/bel_canto_ref1000.htm
G.
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Optimus, Bel canto Ref1000M and Rowland M625 are both magnificent amps... They are in fact among my very favorite amplifiers, and they both deliver their own special kind of musical grace, in a way that is largely consistent with their price difference... Perhaps they are both "bargains" in their own right.
However, I have not heard yet the new ARC DS450, monoblocks, and I am admittedly extremely intrigued .... as DS450 amps are priced exactly in the middle between Ref1000M and M625.
G. |
Optimus, your findings of Rowland M201 are consistent with my own observations. M201 tend to run out of steam reasonably easily. They do also sound very clean, but in themselves, M201, which are based on the ICEpower 500 ASP modules, are not the most musically involving amplifier I have heard. On the other hand, Rowland M201 cannot really be compared to the Bel Canto REF1000M monoblocks (previously called REF1000 Mk.2). REF1000M use the much more powerful ICEpower 1000 ASP modules, also used in Rowland M501..... and I have NEVER heard any of them run out of steam, nor falling off in dynamics or authority.
Bel Canto REF1000M is a slightly warmer-sounding and more nuanced amplifier than Rowland M501, while Rowland M501 may edge out REF1000M in transparency and quiet background.
There are 2 versions of the Bel canto Ref1000 monos.....
The original REF1000 monos, which are the warmest, slightly less extended, and paradoxically have some minor jarring in the treble.
The REF1000 Mk.2, later renamed REF1000M, which are more extended than the original, not quite as warm, and and in my opinion yield a more musicaly satisfying and delicate treble.
G. |
Optimus, the "negative reviews" on IcEpower are old hat.... they were covering early devices, that in some cases may not have been broken in adequately.
I hope you make it to RMAF.... you will discover that some designers like Stronczer of Bel Canto obtain from their ICEpower-based amplifiers a refinement of sound that comfortably exceeds any reasonable expectations from the particular price point.
Guido |
Optimus, in the Rowland room I heard relatively similar things as you did. I am quite familiar with the sound of M625, Corus, and Aeris DAC in favorable setups, and they sound like completely different devices from what I heard at RMAF this year. Part of the issue may have been the speakers that perhaps were not ideal for the electronics, but I suspect the largest problem may have been overdampening of the room.
Conversely, I truly enjoyed greatly the sound of the room where the new Audio Research switch mode DS450M monoblocks were featured.
G. |
Hi Optimus, I had 3 favorite rooms at RMAF 2011:
1. The Esoteric room.... K-01 sounds very promising.
2. The Audio Research room with DS450M.
3. The Esoteric room with REF 250M amps.
Guido |
