Rowland's new integrated amp

I'm listening to my 500 w/ch amps now at moderate high volume and loving it but now thinking what if I had 1500..... 😜

I bet it sounds really good and is only 1 box not many.

I don't think I "need" it, but how much is it? I might change my mind if the price is right.

List price is $38000.

I guess I don't need it.

If I did, I would probably expect a pretty good warranty. there is a lot of stuff stuffed into that one expensive box.

Then, if I needed it, it might be worth it.

Need is all relative...

Rowland makes great and very well thought out products but not targeted for the masses. This one will likely find its niche as well. Maybe for those with limited space looking to downsize from larger and more expensive gear. A lot of baby boomer audiophiles might fit that niche in a few years. I predict a successful product for Rowland.

I bought the ref1000M amps in order to "throw the kitchen sink" at my big OHM F5s that thrive on power and current.

Looks like the kitchen sink just got 3X bigger!!! :^)

"Mapman, How $38k sounds to you?"

Yes, I saw, see my other posts above.

I have a Bel Canto C5i that I think goes for $2K and is 60 watts/ch. It includes DAC and phono section as well and is also a nice headphone amp.

1500 w/ch = 25X the power. 25 X $2K = $50 K, so $38 does not sound bad. If you need it.

The C5i is all the hifi most people would ever need.

The Rowland is probably the bomb and could be a nice downsizing option for some with big expensive systems if needed for retirement.

I also have 500w/ch Bel canto ref1000m monoblocks. That's probably as much power as I will ever need.

Some power hungry speaker makers are starting to offer models with built in powered subs. OHM Goldenear and Focal are three that come to mind. that's another option that might help some downsize to more compact systems if needed.

if you like to listen at high volume or even if not so much but you have good recordings with a lot of dynamic range, do not estimate the value of more watts than you think you need until you hear the difference.

I find it almost always pays to date to throw the kitchen sink at most good speakers capable of handling it. I threw 500 w/ch at mine and do not regret it at all. I feel any less would be a step in the wrong direction though still perhaps more than needed normally.

1500 w/ch is much bigger kitchen sink. Why do it? To raise the bar for those who might care and be able to afford the luxury. Its a concrete measurable step forward that is hard to doubt or question compared to many claimed innovations with new products. it unquestionably rasises the bar. To do it in a integrated nonetheless makes it an even grander achievement. The evidence is clear and right before ones eyes. One might still question the value or if needed though. Probably not for most. The price helps assure that.

I used to sell hifi gear at a shop where we demoed and a/b compared 5-6 full lines of amps and receivers from 15 w/ch to 120w/ch.

Guess what? The more powerful models in the line the speakers could handle were always preferred with most any good recording at even modest volume.

Move forward many years now and now we have powerful very high quality amps (that are often physically much smaller per watt than in the past) and bigger better quality speakers capable of going loud and dynamic much better than ever as well. That's progress! How much one needs in their room in their case, well of course that all still depends.

With the right speakers capable of handling the power in the right room I'd bet this piece is unbeatable at most any price.

...like having Superman for a stereo rig. 🏆

The thing about it is yes its expensive but you know exactly what you are getting and why. How many expensive pieces of audio are out there where not only do you wonder at the price but also exactly what makes it worth it? Better sound is often the best reason but one can find other gear for much less that on paper would seem to be able to compete and others often might even prefer.

Statement pieces are just that. Not only are they good but knock their points home easily i.e. make their statement clear. Their is no arguing quantity especially when accompanied by quality.