The User manual of the Rowland M2 amplifier in PDF format is still available online. It lists all tech specs towards the end of the document:
http://jeffrowlandgroup.com/kb/questions.php?questionid=495
Saluti, G. |
USPAC, the M2 manual asserts that the amp delivers 75 Watts over 8 Ohms and 150 Watts over 4 Ohms. Your speakers having an average of 6 Ohms would enjoy an average of max 110W from the amp. M2 appears to deliver a maximum continuous current of 20 Amperes with a peak at 35 Amperes.
If you were concerned about these ratings, you may want to look at a more powerful amplifier.
G. |
USpac, Rowland Model 5 is a much more powerful amp than Model 2, and can be bridged to mono operation if you like even more power. Here are some of the M5 technical specs clipped out from the manual:
Output power
150 watts RMS continuous, 8 ohms
300 watts RMS continuous, 4 ohms
475 watts RMS continuous, 2 ohms
Damping Factor
Greater than 175, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 8 ohms
Output Current
40 amps peak, continuous
90 amps peak, 0.1 ohm, 20 msec, 1 kHz
Concerning bridging to mono ops, here is what the Model 5 manual states:
"Bridged-mono operation with a single-ended output preamplifier
The following is the procedure for each amplifier: Insert the interconnect from your
preamp into the right channel non-inverting input. There is a small switch, labeled
"BRIDGE," located between the right channel XLR input and the AC standby switch; flip
this switch up, into the "ON" position. Insert one of the XLR shorting plugs into the right
channel XLR input. Connect the "hot" conductor of your speaker cable to one of the right
channel outputs; connect the "ground" conductor of the cable to one of the left channel
outputs.
Bridged-mono operation with a balanced output preamplifier
The following is the procedure for each amplifier: Insert the output of your preamplifier
into the right channel differential XLR input. There is a small switch, labeled "BRIDGE,"
located between the right channel XLR input and the AC standby switch; flip this switch
up, into the "ON" position. Connect the "hot" conductor of your speaker cable to one of
the right channel outputs; connect the "ground" conductor of the cable to one of the left
channel outputs. (NOTE: Do not use the XLR shorting plugs with this application.)"
G. |
Hi Rrog, admittedly I have experienced neither M2 nor M5 directly... Please share your experience with both amps with us... Have you owned them both? What sonic/musical parameters of M2 you prefer over M5?
G. |
Hi Rrog, you have convinced me this far that you much prefer M2 over M5. Unfortunately, not knowing your sonic and musical preferences, nor what parameters are important for you, nor how much experience you have had with either amps, I remain totally confused on the audible differences between the two devices. G. |
Thank you RROG, I will no longer ask you what you like better about M2 over M5... Can you tell me if you owned either amps, and how long have you used them in your own system? |
Uspac, I checked the Rowland Model 2 manual: there is no indication that the amplifier can be readily bridged to mono.... No, there is no switch.
Instead, the manual of Model 5 explains clearly how to switch the M5 amp to mono, as I have posted in detail a few days ago in this thread.
Guido
|
Thank you Rrog, have you exercised M2 and M5 in the same system? And what did the two systems consist of?
G. |
USpac, for reasonably priced wire products, I have enjoyed very much the Furutech Evolution 2 series. See the review that I have written for Positive Feedback:
http://positive-feedback.com/Issue45/furutech.htm |
Yes Rrog, comparisons between devices are more reliable if independent variables are minimized. Hence my question about running M2 and M5 in the same systems. |
Well yes, I would agree with you Rrog.... And that is why I am comfortable to some extent discussing sonic differences among M7, M201, M501, Continuum 500, M302, M312, M301, M625 (original iteration), and M725... Because I have head the opportunity of either using them in my own system, or doing some live comparisons of some kind in some other systems.
As I have absolutely no experience with M2 and M5, I was hoping you would be able to enlighten me on the differences between these two devices, and the reasons for your preference for M2 over M5.
Saluti, G. |
Hi Rrog, thank you for your insight! Guido |
Well Rrog, you expressed your personal findings about two classic Rowland musical battlewagons, and I must thank you for sharing your experiences and opinions.
If you had had the opportunity of operating the two devices in identical contexts, I might have been able to venture some conjectures as to the origins of your findings.
Saluti, G. |
Hi Rrog, I am always interested in Rowland lore, and furthering my theoretical knowledge of those Rowland amps that I have not had the fortune of experiencing in my own system.
However, if you were specifically asking if I am considering the acquisition of M5 or M2 for my own use, my current plan is to replace my Rowland M725 monos with a pair of the new M925 monos. G. |
Hi Rrog, my system currently consists of Esoteric X-01, Rowland Criterion, Rowland M725, and Vienna Acoustics Die Muzik.... Guido |
Hi Rrog, indeed I have been more than delighted with the progressive sonic/musical advances of each Rowland amp I have owned this far... I only hope that the M925 -- which I should receive before long -- maintains the happy trend. |
