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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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drubin OP
3,274 posts
 
Am I right that the Concentra II's power amp section is very similar to a Model 112? Can you say more about how the Concentra and 201's differ? Thanks.
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
I believe the Concentra I was based on the Model 2 and you are correct that the Concentra II was adapted from the 112.Both units owe a lot to the Synergy preamp as well although I read on Rowland's site that some of the Synergy upgrades were first developed for the Concentras.
Don't let anyone kid you........there is no integrated that comes close.

The Model 201 is derived from the 302 using a module developed by European students under the direction of Bang and Olufsen. Beyond that all I know is that Jeff told me his digital has an analog front end and is utterly different from any other digital design. I use my 201s with Goldmund Dialogue speakers which are a 4 ohm load with 96 db efficiency so I'm sure that I don't work them very hard. If you are familiar with the Concentra, you know that the chassis gets very warm during normal operation. I have my cute little monos on the floor behind my speakers and I keep towels over them to protect them from dog and kids and vacuum and the like. Even under towels they don't get warm.
If you want sound comparisons I don't feel I know how to do that. The 201 seems much more open, has a much quieter background and suggests effortless speed and phenomenal articulation. Every voice in harmony can be isolated by the listener. Wooden sounds are more realistic. Cymbals ring longer. Bass is more defined, snarling, growling, reverberating. There is overall less sense of an equipment presence. I thought my Concentra was as good as it gets; now I'm pestering Jeff to create a preamp as good as the 201.
If you are considering the upgrade, just jump in with both feet. You won't regret it.
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drubin OP
3,274 posts
 
Thank you very much!
bombaywalla's avatar
bombaywalla
1,958 posts
 
Macrojack,

Thanks for the insightful post! You've whetted my appetite for more info!

Can you please tell us:
(1) which module the European students designed under B&O's direction?? &

can you please elaborate on:
"that Jeff told me his digital has an analog front end and is utterly different from any other digital design".

This statement from you seems to indicate that the 201 is a class-D/digital amp?

Thanks!
keithr
1,306 posts
 
Its the ICE power unit as i recall...

i saw one at the B&O store over the weekend...about the size of a cigarette pack
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