Krell vs Levinson vs Pass vs Rowland

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.

[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.

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

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.

I own a Rowland Model 2 with a BPS (battery power supply).
Until I heard the Pass Aleph series, it was the best sound I've heard/owned. I do not like the newer Rowland amps. I believe they are weak in the bass. I bought my Model 2 from a friend who "moved up" to a new Rowland Model 112.
Although it was rated at 150 watts compared to the Model 2s 75 watts, everyone who heard it on his Wilson Witt 2s agreed, the Model 2 had better bass control. He sold the Model 112 & bought a used Levinson 333, its now for sale on Audiogon...
I recently bought Pass Aleph 2s on Audiogon. The Pass Aleph is the first amp I've heard that came close & in the midrange beat my Model 2. Right now I wouldn't sell either.
I also own an Aleph 3 & an Aragon 4004 MkII, they both work great for the systems I use them in...
The Rowland amps must be left on all the time. The Pass Alephs run too hot in Class A to leave on, they warm up in 20-30 minutes.

Its like having 2 girfriends!
Rowland & Pass..

Daniel