Heard the New Jeff Rowland 302 Power Amp?

The comments by Jfz confirm what the Stereotimes reviewer said about the 302: that it actually has more top-end energy than a Pass X-600 (thus it may sound brighter than Pass), and that it has a somewhat lean presentation compared to previous Rowland designs. Thus anyone looking for warmth or a classic Rowland sound may want to approach the 302 with caution. A serious home audition would be in order here. While I haven't heard the 302, I find Pass X amps lacking in warmth (I once owned the X-250), while earlier Rowlands can be warm & musical although they are not the most revealing amps.

I have heard the Rowland 302 with a Wadia front end, Cardas cables, and on Avalon Eidolon Diamonds. I have also heard the same system with a BAT VK - 150SE, Levinson 335 and 336, and Classe' CA 400. The Rowland 302 BY FAR mathces the perfect balance of detail, transparency, musicality and warmth, and ambient retrieval. It is very musical and warm, but more detailed than the Levinson! In fact, I thought it was more musical and tube like than the BAT gear. The 302 is a great amp, a new benchmark in my opinion.

I currently have the mono Model 12's. For those of you who have or have heard the 302, how does it compare to the 12's?

Thanks

Barrelchief

How do you like the mono 12's, and what are you using with them?

I'm planning to buy a pair of 12's from Agon to use with my dCs gear (no preamp) and VMPS RM-X/TRT speakers. A few have posted that the 302 is superior, and it may well be, but there aren't any available at a reasonable price (i.e. < 50% retail).

From the pics I've seen it looks like the IEC connector on the rear panel is a 20 amp version, so most power cords won't fit. Is this true?

I love the model 12's. I did a lot of tinkering with other amps until I found the 12's to be what I was looking for.

I use mine with a Spectral pre amp, Electrocompaniet CD and Meadowlark Speakers. My system is fast, high resolution/detailed, transparent...overall, very natural/neutral, musical with a touch of warmth.

Yes the 12's and the 302 use a 20 amp IEC. I just upgraded my power calbes. I have a fabulous pair of cables with 20 amp IEC that are a great upgrade form the stock cables that I will sell very reasonably. Email me for details.

Because the 302 is so new, it will be some time before they are available used.