Is weight really mater?

IMO
I am assuming the Rowland Amp is Class D, which means it uses a totally different technology.

While this is a bad analogy, a PC power supply based on the typical big transformer with analog regulators would be much bigger, hotter and heavier than the far more efficient switching supplies used in PCs and many other devices these days.

I myself have the learned condition that power amps should be big, heavy and hot to sound best. But, I feel with modern high quality Class D amps from folks like Rowland, it would be unwise to put to much "weight" in making a determination on sound quality based on the weight of the amplifier.

Having said that, I have no doubt that if I were comparing a modern class D amp with a modern meat-and-potatoes amp, with identical power specifications, I would be prone to discriminate against the little teeny class D amp, even though in reality, it may in fact be superior sounding to the big-hot amp

I've been quiet on this front as I felt I might be nuts believeing weight matters in SS amps.... but it kept showing itself as being pretty evident.

my own exp with SS amps says Yes. There is a definite coorelation, more often than not. Indeed it is due to the power supplies in recent history, and this might change down the road with new power reserve technologies being nvestigated today.

I think though, the deal is however to make likewise comparisons.

comparing digital amps to non digital amps is not what I'd say is a likewise run off. Same for hollow state vs SS or switching amps.

Until or unless I get back into the 'lot's o' watts' camp, or rather if I do, I'd still want to stay with amp (s) under the 150 lb range. unless they've got their own wheels and are being set onto their own platform/stands. Getting something that heavy into a rack is a real chore. not to mention doing 'steps' with 'em on your shoulder or chest.

Rayooo,
Yes, yes and yes; you are correct. I just now realize that I'm not really comparing apple to apple here. Now I'm torned with another selection, class D or class A?

In class A or class A/B the weight corresponded mostly to the size of the power supply transformer, where bigger is usually better at any output rating, particularly for bass. However, in all things audio, there are more exceptions than rules.

Class D, or switching amps, like the JR 102, are much more efficient for the amount of power consumed and don't require such massive transformers.

I'm an old-timer and still prefer the heavyweights.