Jeff Rowland Model 1

Here is another perspective...Although it was a great amp in it’s day ( well built, single ended and balanced, switchable input impedance, bridge capability, ran the driver stage continuously, unless the rear power switch was off, during a vacation period, dc coupled, etc. ) and yes, on the warm side of things ( in fact, I thought it to be dark sounding ), it is almost 30 years old, and I feel, with the new generation of amplifiers, it is worth getting, if, Jeff Rowland, or someone with a good technical background, can do a complete rebuild, which will not be cheap. And I say, why bother. My Krell KSA 50 was so much better, to me......which sold, new, for less than the model 1. I have thought many amplifiers, by Aragon, McCormack, Pass designs, and several others, more recent and for less money, bettered it. My belief, is amplifiers should be purchased to match the speakers it will be driving, and I am into " easily driven " speakers, not needing an amplifier to " double down " as georgie states. I recently went through my closest ( s ) during the last 3 years, and sold the majority of my collection, for a few reasons. Most of them, although excellent, sounded dark, and lacked detail, compared to some newer, more recent designs. 2nd, I am, although an amplifier junkie, feel, Class D will be the way of the future...OH O, georgie is here.....just some things to think about. So I say....nay....as, you asked...the decision is of course, yours.......please, no hard feelings, to you, or anyone posting here. Enjoy ! MrD.

My belief, is amplifiers should be purchased to match the speakers it will be driving, and I am into " easily driven " speakers, not needing an amplifier to " double down " as georgie states.

Like I said Great amp, and my reason for saying it also, is that the OP hasn’t stated which speaker yet. He’s listen to ML esl’s which are a min 1ohm, this amp will handle it.
And this amp is that can drive anything he decides to get, now or in the future,
The OP can get any speaker with it and it will be happy diving them because of these figures. Tested at
84W into 8 ohms
140W into 4 ohms
220W into 2 ohms.

Cheers George

George, I am with you, not questioning you at all...Following the few posts by the OP, it appears he owns Maggies. A friend of his has ML, and purchased a Model 1.......The OP does not like mosfets either, including Pass......Opinions vary, experiences vary, likes and dislikes in this hobby vary. George, you are one of my favorite people here on the " Gon......all good, my friend....Always, and Enjoy ! MrD.

My thinking is amplifier design had reached maturity by the turn of the century and that any high end amp even if its 30 years old will stand up to anything today as long as it is serviced( new caps etc. Do you guys think anything new out there at 900 bucks can beat this little Rowland Model 1 or any other used amp out there for same price. I called and talked to Jeff himself and he said he will service it for 500 bucks. So is there any new amp out there for 1500  new that will compete? Again I am on a strict budget. 

Plenty of used amps for $1500 that will compete.  Like already stated, good little amp, warm and musical, no game changer.  $900 is the max for a great condition one.  The amp uses modules so if it breaks a local tech cannot repair it.  An old HK Citation 16 to my ears is a much better amp in direct comparison but the JR will be a little sweeter in the mids.

Happy Listening.