Rowland M501 versus M201

The M501's work better with sub 4ohm loads.. it fleshed out the midrange and they were more effortless over the 201 which sounded excellent for the money but neither amp could compete with my Lamm M1.1. My Speakers dip to a 3.6 ohm load.

If you can afford the extra get the 501's and give either one at least 400hrs to break in. The 201's I used had less than 300 hrs by the time I was done so they were still not as smooth. Rowland equipment is fully balanced so you will see a benifit.

I was using Wilson Watt Puppy 7's. One thing to keep in mind is that the Lamm's can heat a room up 10 degree in a handful of minutes. The Lamm's are much warmer in the mid's with a little more force and a delicate magic. The top end in reviews was considered dark which I never heard until I listened to the amazing VTL S400 tube amp which made that clear but not something that you would end up focusing on.

The Rowland's are smooth and faster however especially with Wilson's. A Rowland 302 or 301 would be a better comparison as these units use an analog powersupply which adds more texture and detail.

The 501's are still really cool... 10 watts idle, no heat, always warmed up and ready to go... small easy to place...