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Rowland Model 6 + b&W 804s a good match?

Hi.

I've been searching threads re Rowland and B&W and found tidbits indicating it is a great match, but then never found much more than tidbits. I'm wondering if anybody here has been able to audition these, or runs such combination. I'm considering JRDG Model 6 for my 804s.

I read referrals from people saying these Rowlands sound a lot like tubes in the mid and higher frequencies. I've auditioned Classe and McIntosh and prefer the latter way better. Many also describe solid state Mac sound as tube-like, so I'm wondering what Rowlands might do for me. Unfortunately there's no place for me to audition these.

Thanks!
lewinskih01
hifimaniac
508 posts
 
I own the Model 6's now and use them because they do sound musical for a solid state amp and offer the ease of solid state over tubes. However, the Zu Definition speaker I own has an internal amp to drive the Definition's four 10 inch woofers so I don't tax the JRDG 6's with bass control demands. I had B&W 801 Matrix III's years ago and tried the JRDG model 7's or 9's (monoblocks) that were 350 watts a side and I didn't think they controlled the bass well at all. I finally bought a Krell KSA-250 to control the 12 inch woofer of the 801. I don't know how big the woofer on the 804 is, but one criticism of the 6's is the bass control.
lewinskih01 OP
912 posts
 
Hifimaniac: The 804s have 2 6" woofers, so not big at all. These are usually not so difficult to drive, although they can always use some help in deep bass generation. The biggest issue with these speakers I believe is the tweeter, which can sound harsh with brighter amps. Hence the 804s tend to sound good with tubes or "tube-like" solid state, like McIntosh. Since I cannot audition Rowlands I am out seeking people's opinions. McIntosh is my option, from what I did audition.

Audphile1: I understand what you say. I'm wondering about the Model 6 sound signature matching with the 804s.

Thanks all for the opinions!
raquel
841 posts
 
My post came across as ill-mannered and I apologize. What I meant to say is that the Model 6, which retailed for over $16k when it was introduced ten years ago, occupies a different market segment than a speaker that retailed for $3,500 -- that is what I meant by "mismatch". I meant no disrespect to B&W.

When run with the battery power supplies and with fully differential balanced front-end equipment, the Model 6's are bested by only a couple of solid-state amps. They are not, as one poster above stated, bass challenged -- they can swing 35 amps continuous (few amps can do that). Rowland 6/8/9 have trouble with bass? Sir, with all due respect, you are quite mistaken!

Your question: the sound signature of this vintage of Rowland? Very high resolution, warmish mids, powerful bass, slightly truncated highs. Overall, musical. Also, great build quality and not ass-ugly like a lot of equipment.
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