Jeff Rowland

"I want better separation between instruments and better front to back placement of instruments.How to get there(what's my weakest link) and how much it's going to cost is the question? It may be time to investigate replacing my Aerial 7Ts!"

At this level, its not good enough to just pick components. In order to get what you are looking for in the above quote, you must consider at the whole system. One mismatched piece can ruin the systems ability to image properly.

Just to give a real example of what I mean, my system consists of speakers and electronics that excel at imaging, scale, soundstage, etc.. I have this one Jeff Rowland amp, and it doesn't matter what system I put it in. With the Rowland, the imaging goes from 3d to 2d. Its just a good example of why you can't take anything for granted when putting together a high end system. Most people would assume an expensive amp like that would automatically work with no problems.

Zd542, would you please share with us what model Rowland amp you are referring to? I'm interested since I've heard many of them and your experience runs counter to mine. TIA

Zd542,
I've owned several amps and listened to several in different systems over the years(Parasound, Bryston, Peachtree, Bel Labs, Classe, Levinson). To my ears Jeff Rowland is one of the few amps that produces a 3d image and I'm very satisfied with the 525, especially for how much it cost.

"At this level, its not good enough to just pick components. In order to get what you are looking for in the above quote, you must consider at the whole system. One mismatched piece can ruin the systems ability to image properly." Okay, but in an earlier post you say "I'll start off with 2 recommendations. For solid state, I would look at an Ayre K-5, and for tubes, an Aesthetix Calypso. Those 2 pieces do everything right, and work well with a wide variety of components. Either should go very well with your Rowland."
My experience tells me that switching one component or cable for that matter can have a significant impact on the sound. Yes, it's a system, but each component can impact the overall signature of the sound. I'm looking for suggestions, but I'll let my ears and wallet decide.

I believe he is referring to the Model 112. I currently use this amp and get great soundstage depth and imaging definition. Not every component will work in every system.

"Yes, it's a system, but each component can impact the overall signature of the sound. "

True, but I'm not sure if you understood the point I was trying to make. Each component does impact the overall signature of the sound. However, you can put a component in the system that takes away from the others. Going back to my Rowland example, when I put it in the system, it doesn't allow the other components to do things they normally do.