Cello, Rowland, Pass, OR Accuphase?

i have eidolons and run them from the jrdg8, using accuphase products for source and electronics. i've listened to them on numerous amps at audio dealers and ces. they sound great on accuphase, but need the bigger models than a50's to match the jrdg, IMHO; e.g., bridged p550's. the pass stuff is good but, again, you'll need more power than the 350. i'd avoid cello entirely. i don't think they're gonna be around much longer. another amp i'd consider, BTW, is the boulder, either the stereo 1060 or, if your budget can stand it, one of the really big monos. the boulders are the very best i've heard with the eidolons but you may need to install a 220 outlet to make 'em sound best. (i'm not kidding.) where do you live? do you have all the electronics listed available for audition? if not, email me. i might be able to give you more "hands-on" advice.

I own both a Pass X-350 and a Rowland 8Ti/HC. The Pass is for sale, in case you are interested. The Pass is a fine amp (handily outperformed a Levinson 335), but the Rowland 8Ti/HC is better (although the Rowland is quite a bit less power). If very high power is critical, perhaps the Pass is the way to go. But if 250 w/ch is adequate for your needs, the Rowland 8Ti/HC is better sounding. Of course, the Rowland is a lot more expensive, so it's not totally fair to compare these too unless $$ is not an issue. I've not heard Cello of Accuphase, so I can't comment. I would put the Rowland (and the Pass) above similarly priced Levinson or Krell products.

the pass 350 may have higher rated power (per ftc regs) than the jrdg8 but, IMHO, lacks the punch, slap, rythm and speed of the latter. moreover, the eidolons are nominal 4 ohm speaks, which use the high current and "output doubling" of the jrdg to great advantage. most important, i think the jrdg is much more liquid ("tube-like" is another way of saying it) than the pass, which tends to be somewhat lean and dry in the all-important mid-band. like everthing: that's just my opinion. go with whatever thrills ya. just make sure you LISTEN, for a weekend at least, before you leap into this territory of the highend.

CORNFEDBOY, I AM NOT AN AUDIOFILE SO I DID NOT UNDERSTAND MUCH OF WHAT YOU WROTE. IE JRDG? IMHO?ETC. I JUST LOVE GOOD SOUND. YOU SAID THAT 2 ACCUPHASE A50S WOULD NOT BE POWER ENOUGH. THOSE WOULD BE 200(INTO 8 OHMS ) BRIDGED OPERATION WHAT EVER THAT MEANS USED AS MONOBLOCKS

craigza, If you like your 8Ti/HC's, you should try and get a chance to listen to the new Model 12 mono's. I have the Model 10 stereo, and I am very impressed with it, this from a longtime Rowland amp fan. I actually thought about getting a used Model 2, simply because my power needs aren't that great and I love the sweet tone of the older Rowland amps. Who cares if they smooth things over a bit, they're just so easy to listen to, I love them! So I was very pleased to learn after buying the Model 10 sight-unseen (and waiting 10 weeks for delivery; ugh) that it retains the traditional Rowland tone, but with better inner detail and transient attack. I would imagine the Model 12 mono version is simply outstanding. And of course, the added bonus: they're not as $*&^@ LARGE as the 8's! Though stacked one atop another is quite a funny sight.