Jeff Rowland

Macro, here are list prices....

Capri Series II Stereo Preamplifier $3,950
Model 525 Stereo Power Amplifier $4,500
Continuum S2 integrated: $9500

Richard has indicated that he will be driving M525s directly from his Bricasti M1 DAC, sens line stage. G.

I also agree with the vertical biamp recommendation. I do this in my own system and get great results. All you need are 2 stereo amps (exactly the same), and a pair of speakers with 2 sets of binding posts. You have both so its just a matter of making the connections and trying it out. I'm kind of surprised Rowland didn't mention this option when you called them.

Zd542,

Rowland actually mentioned vertical biamp as an option. I had a long talk with them and this is what I have decided. I'm going to get a Continuum S2 Integrated(home audition) and see if there is a big enough difference between it and a single 525(525 already for sale). My concern is a degradation of the sound through the line stage compared to the Bricasti M1. "IF" what I read is true the Continuum maybe the least complicated and most cost effective way forward. If I don't think the Continuum is a big enough difference, I will sell my 525 and look for a used/demo 625 mk1. I just want to reiterate I really like Jeff Rowland's sound.

I'm not trying to 2nd guess your decision, or anything like that. We're just recommending that if you have all the equipment already in your possession, you've got nothing to loose trying it both ways, vertical and bridged. Honestly, I can't say if the bridging will be an improvement. I've never bridged Rowland gear, so I'm looking forward to hearing your comments on how it sounds. The vertical will sound better than a single. The question is how much better, and is it worth it. That has to be your call. In my system, I have 2 Ayre V-5's running vertical, and I'm very happy with the results.

If I don't think the Continuum is a big enough difference, I will sell my 525 and look for a used/demo 625 mk1....

+1 Almarg, Zd542.
Ricred1, before you sell off your M525 in the event the Continuum integrated is not a major step-up in SQ, do try using your 2 M525s in a vertical biamp config. It might just surprise you SQ-wise - amps driving a higher impedance are generally less stressed & sound better, no matter what the manuf says. (There are a few expensive amps that buck this general trend but these are exceptions).
If it doesn't, so be it, you tried/explored every configuration with all the Rowland gear you had on-hand & it did not work out so you decided to go for the M625 Mk1.
Like Zd542 wrote - you have both M525s & all the cabling (if I understood Almarg's post correctly), it behooves you to try the vertical biamp config. thanks.