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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
 
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
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Bombaywalla,
Jeff Rowland doesn't say much. What I told you is all I could get out of him and I'm not altogether certain I repeated what he told me with unfailing accuracy. The amps are a wonder, however. On that point I can be very clear.
You might try calling the factory and asking some questions yourself if you are sufficiently intrigued. Rich Maez can probably answer your questions and if he is stumped, Jeff may well jump in.
I can also tell you that Rowland delivers the goods and avoids the whole hype and review circus that so taints our hobby. Over the years I have come to believe he is among a handful of the most innovative manufacturer/designers.
His products stand the test of time and throughout the rest of the world, he is considered to be a genius or a god. Only in the U.S. does he struggle for an audience.
Keithr,
I don't have any idea about what you saw but I believe you must be correct concerning the size of the power supply. Nothing much larger could be contained in these chassis.
Someday I may be overcome by curiosity enough to open one of my amps to see what's in it. Right now I just play records and shake my head in awe. You will too if you take the plunge.
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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