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Pass Labs versus Jeff Rowland, Audio Research

As I am considering replacing my trusty pair of Jeff Rowland 7M monoblocks, feeding a pair of MagnePan IIIAs, I am looking at both the current Jeff Rowland lineup, as well as at the latest incarnation of the Pass Labs X series, dubbed the X.5 series, and some Audio Research models.

In the Rowland lineup I am considering the 501 monoblocks, or the 302 stereo amp, while I have already determined first hand that the smaller 201 monoblocks do not drive the MagnePan IIIA pair adequately.

In the Pass Labs lineup I will consider the X-250.5 (already released), the X-350.5 (just out of engineering), and the upcoming X-600.5.

From Audio Research I already discarded the otherwise extremely lovely VT100 as just slightly underpowered for the Maggies, but will consider the VT200 stereo, the new VSM220 monoblocks, as well as the VTM200 monoblocks.

The rest of my system consists of EAD T1000 CD transport and EAD DSP7000 Mk3 (these likely to be replaced by Esoteric X-01, and an Audio Research LS2B.
I most listen to classical, and within it more to solos and small ensambles than to large orchestra.

I'd value all opinions! In particular any comments concerning the relative merits of the newest Pass amps vs the other brands would be very appreciated.
According to Pass and to those dealers that have already the new X.5 models, these new boxes have a more refined and detailed sound than the old X models, and a fuller fleshed-out midrange. But, how do they truly stack up to Rowland and Audio Research?
guidocorona
woodburger's avatar
woodburger
143 posts
 
You mention an ARC LS2B - I had the MKII of that model and found the LS5MKIII to be far better - you can find one used periodically. Used it'd be a real value and you can still change amps. I think it'd get you closer to something great!

Best regards.

Bob
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
Hi:

I own a Pass X250, and have had some early-model Rowlands like the 1, 2 and 8 models (haven´t heard the new ones.

If I were in your shoes, I would try first to upgrade the source components, the 7 is a great amp where you will surely gain some minor things with new designs and loose some others IMO.

Hope this helps,

Fernando
guidocorona OP
4,298 posts
 
Thank you so much Fernando. I am in fact considering very seriously replacing my EAD T100 + DSP7000 with the Esoteric X-01. In addition I may be able to upgrade either my amplifier or my LS2B preamp.

As you have used both Rowland and Pass Labs amps, what did you find to be the sonic differences between the two brands?
Of course, I am also considering ARC for either the amp or the linestage. Thanks to everyone's input this far. Please keep postings coming!

Guido
djcxxx
105 posts
 
I run 3.6Rs with a VT200 and LS16. The combination is very detailed, dynanmic, and the amp does not clip (easily heard on Magnepans) or distort at listening levels most would consider reasonable. If the VT200 has any downside it's the maintenance that comes with so many output tubes.
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
I feel that the PASS amp is more musical, with a more liquid midrange and better dynamics. The Rowlands were also great amps, very musical and excellent bass articulation. Honestly.. I can live with either amps and enjoy the music...

The source is a different story, I found great synergy of Rowland amp-preamps with Levinson sources, for my current Pass I am using Metronome tubed CDP, great results as well.

I also was very happy while I had Gryphon amps and preamps, very energetic, full bodied and engaging, there are some good opportunities on used Gryphon units AFAIK.

I am not particulary keen towards ARC, just have had a preamp which I cant recall the model, but not top of the line thou.

Hope this helps,

Fernando
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