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Krell vs Levinson vs Pass vs Rowland

I know there have been many threads about these amps, however none which addresses these 4 together. I would like to spend between $3-3,500 used and I have narrowed my search to the final 4:

Levinson 334
Krell FPB 200
Rowland Model 10 ???
Pass X250

Which amp has the greatest transparency, best imaging, and will throw the deepest, widest soundstage? I know all will have sufficient bass and satisfying highs, so I am not concerned with those attributes.

I know there will be other suggestions besides these 4 amps mentioned here, but I am really concerned with narrowing these 4 down to 1 first!! Please do not respond with suggestions for other amps. Thanks for any help with this!!
platsolos
jallen
502 posts
 
One more vote for Rowland. The others are good, with the Pass being the most musical of the other three in the systems I have heard. I have a Rowland after selling my tube gear and haven't looked back. I don't think that the Rowland sounds "better" than tubes, I just find the musical presentation keeps me from missing tubes. I am happy with my system which is a hard thing in the audiophile world to accomplish. I have no plans to part with the Rowland for years. The sources are the limiting factors and will be for years. The top end of the Rowland extends like no other solid state amp/preamp I have heard. Jallen
bamafan
74 posts
 
The Pass XA amplifiers are not a viable alternative for Jadis because they will not fall in his budget. Per his post, he is looking to spend approximately $3,000 to $3,500 for an amplifier. There will be only two models of the XA series made. The XA-200 at $28,000 per pair and the XA-150 at $18,000 per pair. To go after a pair of these would really blow the budget he has set for himself.
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drubin
3,274 posts
 
[Sorry for the topic drift...] Those of you who are Rowland enthusiasts--which models do you recommend? Has there been a major change in the sound of their amps from, say, the Model One to the Two to the current offerings?

There are plenty of Model Ones around at good prices and I am tempted to give one a try.
platsolos OP
90 posts
 
I am guessing $28,000 and $18,000 is just a little more than I can afford. Or would want to spend on an amp, even if I could afford it!!

Thanks
fsarc
148 posts
 
I own two Pass X350s and couldn't be happier. They are one of my favorite audio purchases. Pass customer service is outstanding. Build quality and sound quality are among the best. I started off with a Krell amplifier that went on fire, next moved to a Proceed, and finally settled with Pass- and have been content ever since. Thinking of adding a Pass X1 or Rowland Synergy IIi preamp. Any comments on these two? I like the Rowland because it offers dual balanced outputs. The Pass X0.2 offers this as well, but is a big jump in price from the X1.
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