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Question for Rowland aficionados

I've been playing with an old Rowland Model One. In my system, it sounds dark and closed in on top, a bit grainy, but it also reproduces the most extraordinary intrumental tone, so lifelike that it oftens fools me in the "that sounds just like a real saxophone" way. My Pass 150 never does this, nor does my CJ 11a (to the same extent that the Rowland does). This could be just great system synergy that's going on, but I'm betting it's a characteristic of the Rowland.

So here's my question: is this a quality of other Rowland amps? As the line has evolved since the Model One, how has the sound changed? I want that lifelike tone with, of course, a bit more extension on top and so forth.

I might as well also ask: which other amplifiers (other brands) do you think can deliver this uncanny lifelike quality?

-Dan
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derekpav
5 posts
 
Dan:

I wonder if your amp may need rebiasing? I have a Model One as well, and I hear no grain whatsoever. Due to the minimum age of the unit, I would contact Rich @ Rowland and see what he thinks. He has been timely, helpful and friendly in all dealings I've had with him.

I am so pleased with the Model One that if/when I do make a move, it could only be up the Rowland line. I've heard much more expensive amps fail to produce music like this one. Best of luck.

Happy Holidays.
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drubin OP
3,274 posts
 
Hmmm...that's an interesting suggestion. I may do what you propose.
tkheem
4 posts
 
I realize I'm a little off topic... but to answer the question "what's in the box" of the Model 201, the answer is, the ICEpower 500ASP. This module has the digital amp and switch-mode power supply integrated on the same circuit board. There is also a small circuit board by Rowland which has the surface mount XLR input, jumper for gain selection, leads for the lamp and 12v trigger, line level input transformer, and a bunch of miniature components (resistors etc.). The Rowland board then feeds the inputs of the 500ASP. For more info on ICEpower follow this link: http://www.medicom.bang-olufsen.com/sw1657.asp
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drubin OP
3,274 posts
 
Interesting. Sounds like JRDG took the ICE engine, dressed it up Rowland style, and that's about it. Not much added value. Am I right?

Which other manufacturers are using the ICE modules?
bpwalsh
1,207 posts
 
Other manufacturers using the ICEpower modules include Acoustic Reality in their eAR amps. Others have tried them and chose to go discrete... Tkheem has shed some light on what's in the Rowlands...the 302 and others in the 300 series also use the ICEpower modules.

Brian
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