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Rowland 625 versus Audio Research DS450

I'm a big fan of Rowland Products. I heard the 625 at CES and was rather impressed by its huge solid soundstage, and the detailed yet mellifluous sound. I was rather depressed by the price tag. I was hoping it would be in Rowland 501 range.

I also heard the Audio Research DS450 with Magnepans at CES. While the sound was very relaxed and tube like, I didn't hear as much bass, as I would have liked. Perhaps it was the speakers or the recordings played?

I noticed both manufacturers avoided the term Class D or "Ice Module" like the plague. I think Class D has become a dirty word among some audiophiles...

Any other thoughts on how the sound of the Rowland 625 compares to Audio Research's DS450?

I would like to save up for one of them. The DS450 or even DS225 seem like they might be "better bang for the buck" (in relative terms). Appreciate your comments. Tks!
optimus
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Hi Optimus, I had 3 favorite rooms at RMAF 2011:

1. The Esoteric room.... K-01 sounds very promising.
2. The Audio Research room with DS450M.
3. The Esoteric room with REF 250M amps.

Guido
optimus OP
28 posts
 
Guido,
I really like the Esoteric Dac's and CD players, albeit out of my budget. Is the K-01 or any of the other gear you liked at RMAF next on your review schedule?

All this is off topic -

What did you think about the M2 Tech Young 384/32 D/A Converter, which I believe was in the same room?

DACs in general seem to be better and better, and less different than each other with good source material.

I'm hoping they've refined the magic bullet of making bad recordings sound listenable...!
Tks.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Optimus, let's return this thread to "its previously scheduled programming".... and then continue to talk about DACs on the Reference DAC thread at:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1126769860&openmine&zzGuidocorona&4&5#Guidocorona

Where I am positive we will be able to raise some charming weather :)!

G.
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