Opinions please - Rowland 625 S2 vs Luxman M900u ?


Any thoughts on this comparison?
128x128joeinid
Dave - had the exact same issues with the Lux in my system. If it’s just not a synergistic match, I’d move on vs playing with cords and stuff as tone controls. You’ll be trading one issue for another. Find the right amp, then settle on cables.
i didn’t want to throw another product in the mix but if I wanted(I did) either a full sounding stereo amp or better yet, integrated amp with muscle you owe it to yourself to experience the new Dag Progression integrated amp. If you have a pre you love then the Progression stereo amp. I have to say as a very longtime jaded audiophile that the integrated is special. It has Dan’s latest design elements which is not inconsequential. My dealer thinks that it will not benefit sales of the Progression separates. It defines muscle with superb musicality. It’s cool too. FWIW
Happy Easter! I hope everyone is healthy and feeling good. I played around with a Nordost Brahma, Audience Au24se, and Isotek Optimum ( had to use 15 amp adapter ).
While I do hear differences among these cables I can tell you that the Pass INT 250 is a better power match into my Dynaudio Confidence 50’s; Unless I boost the bass via the C 900 tone controls the results are quite disappointing. Initially when I first got the m900 back in my system I let my excitement get the better of me and was “ blown away”. However as the days have ticked off I find this amp to be not a great match with these speakers.
I have a dedicated 20 amp line and have tried the m900 direct to outlet and to isotek Aquarius evo 3. I don’t have other speaker cables at this time to try, but I had kinda similar results with my msb discrete/c900/m900/confidence 30/all cardas clear reflection cables and clear beyond power cables.
Somewhat flat and dynamically lacking results most of the time, unless I crank up the bass and subs. I’ve heard these speakers light up with Pass Labs (no subs and no tone) so I’m on the hunt for an X 350.8; the C900 preamp is insane tho and I’ll be hanging on to that.
I don’t have the patience ( I’m a lousy audiophile I guess) to mess around trying many other speaker cables and tweaks, the synergy is either there or not. Pity because I do hear great things from this amp in other areas but overall the pass is a significantly better amp to these ears on these speakers and with my probably crappy room acoustics ( 35 x 35 x 8 carpeted room).
It’s all learning and some frustration but all good nonetheless.Peace be with you.
Dave
I forgot to put some context around this; I’m somewhat of a bass freak and prefer the tactile impact 🆚 just hearing things. Not to say the m900 has no balls, and the pass all balls, but rather they meet somewhere along the continuum. The M900 has breathtaking, mind bending purity and extension from midrange on to top end...so much I often can’t believe that electronic “anything” is responsible for the sound I’m hearing. The Dynaudio Confidence 50 is in this relationship too so at least that aspect is phenomenal...but the Pass amps seem to render more of what resonates with me.
This thing we are a passionate part of, if I may, is so very personal, and that is why I believe there is no absolute sound; merely only preferences; in the end, and along the way.
IOW, our uniqueness IS the primary component on this quest.