Rowland 2 or Accuphase A50?

If you like distortion and sloppy seconds, tubes are the way to go...

I agree about tubes, but in SS defense, I tried a ML #32 pre.(SS) and the stage broadened and sound cleared up. That was what made me go to SS preamp and tube amp direction.I've been ABing SSpres. and tube pres. since. S.State pres. have an edge on tube pre. in my room and system. I know this is bassackwards of what everybody preaches, that tube pre. and SS amp, but the SS pre. was much cleaner. So I'm going to try a to notch SS amp once again. I'm purchasing a Goldmund Mimesis 3, Rowland 2W/ battery supply,and a Accuphase A-20 just to try. I'll let you know the outcome.

The new Aloia 1501 amps may be a good choice. These are the reason I traded the Wolcott amps. Great authority with the delicacy of the mids and treble. Excellent build and quality.

I don't think my tube experience qualifies as I went from two Golden Tube SE-40s monoblocks to one A50-V. But like many A50-V owners in this forum I will not be looking for a new amp any time soon. If anything it will be another A50-V to run as monoblocks. The A50-V is an excellent excellent amplifier. Detail, Air, Soundstaging, Bass it's all there in spades. My choice was the Rowland 8TiHC, Boulder 1060 or the Accuphase. I believe for my system I made the right choice. But let your ears be your guide.

Cheers,
Dan

I had a preamp customer who sold his ARC Ref 300 Mk IIs and bought the the Accuphase A50s which he used in mono and was very happy with them....Not familiar with the Rowland 2, but all his creations sound similar with little in common with the Accuphase.....If you like smooth go with Rowland and if you want to hear how drunk the musicians are then go with Accuphase...