Jeff Rowland 2 or Classe 25 for Avalon Eclipse

What are you using for a preamp?

The Jeff Rowland Model 2 is an amazing amplifier and I would choose it over the Classe 25.

In my opinion you are not comparing apples to apples. The Rowland Model 2 out classes the Classe and it should be plenty of power for the 2 way Avalons.

Aspac, You ignored my question regarding what preamp you will be using. You should have included that information with your original post. IE if you are using a Classe preamp the responses to your post may be different.

Avalon Eclipse is not 8 ohms. It is 6 ohms. This has a lot to do with available power from the Rowland amp.

Classe DR amplifiers are much better than the later Classe amplifiers.

True, the Rowland Model 5 has more power than the Model 2, but they are not the same amplifiers. The Model 2 has superior sound. You might like having more power at first, however, that will wear off very quickly. The Model 2 will be enjoyable over the long term because there is something very special about it that the other amplifiers do not have. Bryston is not in the running.

Hi Guidocorona, The Model 2 does everything better than the Model 5. It is an outstanding amplifier.

All you can do at this point is buy both amplifiers and decide for yourself. That's what I do and that's what buying used equipment is all about. You can buy it and if you don't like it you can sell it without losing a ton of money.

I wish I could help you more, but I am not a reviewer and I don't pretend to be like many people on this forum. However, I know some reviewers who call me for advice about equipment. I don't go into detail with those guys either.

One thing I have noticed is when something sounds good everyone agrees it sounds good, but when the sound is not right opinions become devided.

Guidocorona, I owned the Model 2 and a close friend owned the Model 5. We did extensive comparing between the two amplifiers.

Guidocorona, Are you serious?

Are you going to duplicate my system? I think you should buy one and see if you like it. If you don't like it you can sell it and buy another one. That's what I do and I think that is the only way to find what you like.

I am not a reviewer and I don't pretend to be, but I will try to explain my experience with these two amplifiers.

I compared the Model 2 and Model 5 Rowland amps with several speakers and the results were always the same. The Model 2 sounds more agile and quicker than the Model 5. The midrange is more detailed and more natural sounding. High frequencies cut through complicated high energy music with ease. In contrast the Model 5 is a little sluggish sounding by comparison. Although the Model 5 seemed to have more heft or weight at the bottom end bass was more audible at any volume setting with the Model 2. The Model 2's presentation was more to my liking with a larger more open soundstage and a relaxed sound that made you think it was a much bigger amp.

That's it? After all of that all you can say is thank you for your insight?

So, are you interested in either of these amplifiers or was this a test of my ability to discern the differences in stereo equipment?

What speakers are you using the M725 with?

Guido, Nice system and impressive specs on the M725. Everything from that company has been terrific.