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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
Ag insider logo xs@2xdrubin
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Interesting site for ICEpower. Someone else has pointed me toward the B&O Beolab 5, a very intriguing speaker. B&O has always been innovative but they are suddenly looking very cutting edge.
The 201 is a wonderful amplifier as you will eventually come to realize. I was not aware of what was in the 201 until Tkheem revealed it but I had heard it was Danish.

Drubin, I would not dismiss these amps too readily but I suppose someone else may be selling the same module in a different package for less. What have you found?
bigkidz
3,381 posts
 
OK Why only XLR inputs and no RCAs what do I do with my RCA only preamp?

Thanks
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drubin OP
3,274 posts
 
You use RCA to XLR adapters. Rowland sells them, Cardas, etc. Rowland claims no sonic penalty for going RCA via adapters vs. going balanced XLR, but who knows?
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,604 posts
 
Dan-

are you still into Rowland?
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
I have been into hifi for 40 years and have not enjoyed it, truly, as much since I have heard (and purchased) Jeff Rowland gear.   
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