Rowland 302 v. Krell 400CX

Rowland 302 is rated at 300W into 8 Ohms, 500W into 4 Ohms, apparently not rated into 2 Ohm loads. What does that tell you about power supply? To me it means that if you have speakers that dip down into the 4 Ohm region at some frequencies of the impedance curve, they will not receive the same current as other areas of the frequency spectrum and so relative dynamics at those frequencies will be compromised.

Depending on input demands, Krell adjusts to maintain class A bias as 400W into 8 Ohms, 800W into 4 Ohms and 1600W into 2 Ohms. What does that tell you about design of the power supply? Plus it weighs about 20 pounds more.

Also, 302 input impedance is 40K Ohms and Krell is 100K Ohms; the Krell is an easier load for a preamp than is the Rowland, but not by much since it is within an order of magnitude.

My feeling is that your source, pre, cables and software are going to make more of a sonic difference than either of these amps into those speakers. Clearly, the Krell is going to have better electrical control over the speakers than the Rowland.

I have a 400cx and so am a bit biased (no pun intended ;-))I wouldn't think of trading it for anything except a 700cx or 750mcx.

The Rowland is based on the ICEpower module, which puts it in the digital amplification category. Which means, among other things, that it does not need to be large or heavy. Their 201 monoblocks are 250/500 watts, weigh 13 pounds, have no heat sinks, and are no bigger than a ream of paper. The technolgy is sufficiently different that I believe some of Stevecham's comparisons with the Krell are not valid--sort of apples and oranges. I don't know how well the Rowlands deal with low impedance situations, however. I own the 201's. I recommend you try to hear them, or the forthcoming 501's, or the 302, which I have not heard.

Stevecham - The 302 is an entirely different design. Believe me, it has plenty of "electrical control" and dynamics. I'm using it with Rockport Antares, in which the impedance does sometimes dip to 4 ohms. The 302 is the best amp I've ever heard - by far. I simply wanted ,to add these comments, because I don't think one can fairly compare these two amps,using parameters such as power into low impedances, weight, etc.

Rowland 302 is a fantastic amp. All the Krell I have heard in the past is quite dynamic and analytical. I don't feel the Krell / Wilson match is a good one if you value musiciality and naturalness. Rowland does the best of both tube - like sound and with the best dynamics and control of solid state. My opinion is it is a far better match for your Wilsons.