Jeff Rowland to what?


I currently own a Jeff Rowland 625 S2 amplifier. I'm curious as to what amplifiers I should listen to below 20K, new or used. I'm not unhappy, but I'm curious. The amp will be driving Monitor Audio PL500 II's. The preamp is a Jeff Rowland Corus.

ricred1

Showing 24 responses by ricred1

jmcgrogan2,
I submit I need as much power as the 625 S2, because my room is 20’ x 26’. I hesitate with Pass because they get so hot and I live in San Antinio, TX. I use my Rowland in my surround sound to drive my front speakers and I don’t want a heater.

sfall,
I love the Rowland sound. I’m just curious if there is something out there that will improve on what I have. Yes, I like a non-fatiguing, laid back sound that still provides detail.
I've owned Wilson's, Aerial, Devore, Revel, and a couple more. Prior to purchasing the PL500 II's,  I listened to Rockport Aviors, Raidho, Dynaudio, and Magico S5s. To "my ears", the aforementioned speakers can't touch the PL500 II's. What speakers do you recommend I listen to?

randy-11,

I honestly appreciate suggestions, but I submit they’re more valid when the individual is familiar with the component they’re suggesting you replace. I post questions in hopes I receive suggestions that I haven’t thought of. If french_fries, has heard the Monitor Audio PL500 IIs and doesn't think they are Very good, I respect his opinion. If he hasn't and is just saying something negative for the sake of it, he doing everyone following this post a disservice. I understand everyone has their preferences; therefore I take every suggestion with a grain of salt.

pdreher,

I had Audio Research years ago. The reason I'm staying away from tubes is because my amplifier is dual purpose. I use it for my 2-channel and to drive my fronts in my 5.1 surround sound system when watching television and movies. I don't think it's practical to use a tube amplifier.
nevillekapadia,

Thanks for your response. You may be correct, but sometimes it takes listening to other components to have an appreciation for what you already own.
French_fries,

I'm okay and appreciate your contribution to the discussion. The Von Schweikert VR-55 are some of the best speakers that I've heard and I would buy them if I had the money.
I'll be honest, after talking to a very good friend/dealer that has access to many different components I decided that it's best to keep my amplifier and preamp.
Give my suggestions regarding source components and cables. My current cables are Wireworld Platinum Interconnect and Power cables. My speaker cables are Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7. My current source is a Bryston BDP2 with my Jeff Rowland Aeris DAC. Prior to the Aeris, I had an PS Audio Directstream and Bricasti M1 DAC. I prefer the Aeris. I'm open to suggestions.
sfall,

It looks like your comparing older Jeff Rowland amps to newer Ayre amps. I respect everyone's opinion, so if to your ears the Ayre makes the Rowland amps sound broke, that's fine.
I've been doing the audiophile thing for over 20 years. I've listened to Ayre several times driving Wilson Audio Sasha 1s and Rockport Aviors. Let just say, I'll keep my current Rowland 625 S2 over any Ayre that I heard, which includes their mono-amps.
I've never been about price being an indication of better, but more about what my ears prefer in a given price range. 

I’ve had a unique experience with Jeff Rowland customer service, as I have talked to Mr Rowland several times. He was polite, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond assisting me.

randy-11,

I would change speakers if I had 50K to spend :). I know nothing is perfect, but it took a couple years to decide on speakers. I had Wilson Audio Sasha 1's, and a couple of Revel speakers in between and Aerial 7Ts with dual JL Audio F110 v2s prior to the PL500 IIs. I listened to Magico S5's and Rockport Aviors. I almost purchased Rockport Aviors! I ended up with PL500 II after I had the opportunity to hear them in  my room. I never liked Monitor Audio series I. So to me I would have to spend a lot more, based on "my preferences" to seriously upgrade from what I have.

I'm looking into Moon Audio, because it my understanding that Monitor Audio uses them with the PL500 at shows.

My room is treated with GIK bass traps in the corners and at the first reflection points and the rear wall.

I'm open to suggestions regarding source and cable options.
Guido,
As always, thanks for your input and passion regarding Jeff Rowland components. How much is the PSU?

The response to my post has got my thinking. The first thing I want to try is a new power cable for my 625 S2 amplifier. I currently use a 1m Wireworld Platinum power cable, but it's plugged into my Torus RM15 Power Conditioner. I want to try going straight into the wall, but I need a 3m cord. Any suggestions?
I’m keeping my Jeff Rowland components. I decided to tweak a few things and just enjoy what I’m blessed to have.
jimmy3993,

I'll repeat my PM, you are more than welcome to come hear my system. Bring your on music. This will allow you to get a general idea of how the 625 S2/Corus combination sounds. I know your system is different and that's why I say "general idea."
sacresta,

"Think about you need to invest in your room, acoustic treatment, a BETTER DAC, because you own a system that many, many people would like to own."

Thanks for the recommendations and system compliment. You can view my room under virtual systems or by clicking on my username. My room is dedicated and is already treated with GIK Acoustics. 
I have a Chord Dave DAC and have compared it to several others(PS Audio Directstream, Bricasti M1, Jeff Rowland Aeries, Rockna, and a few others) in my system. So far my wife and I have preferred the Dave. I'm always open to other DACs, so please tell me what DAC I should try?
I'll be comparing my Rowland 625 S2 amp and Corus preamp to the Vitus Sia 030 and Vitus RI 101 integrated amps.  
Hello G.,
A little birdie told Rowland will be releasing a new amplifier....735 mono-amps. 
Very interesting indeed. The 735 will be Class AB mono-amps. When my local dealer receives them, I'll be sure to go listen to them. 
Jafant,
"how did you like Vitus Audio?" When I had a little free time I reached out to the Vitus dealer. We agreed that I would bring my Rowland 625 S2 amp and Corus preamp to compare them to the Vitus SAI-30 and SAI-25. Unfortunately he didn't get either back until after I returned to work. I will try again in March during spring break.