Jeff Rowland 735 mono-amps

[ricjor1]

I've used Rowland 735 mono-amps for several years. I've compared them to PS Audio BHK 300, Bricasti M25, Jeff Rowland 625 S2, Parasound JC1+, Absolare mono-amps, and most recently the Boulder 1160. I prefer the Absolare mono-amps to every amplifier I've listened to in my system. I thought the Boulder 1160 would be a serious step-up from the 735s, but listening proved otherwise.

The Boulder 1160 has a big sound, produces the best low-end of any amplifier I've listened to in my system. I don't use audiophile recordings to evaluate components in my system. I use music that I listen to...Boney James, Joe Sample, Will Downing, KEM, David Sanborn, and Jason Miles to Grover with Love CD. In comparison to the 1160, the 735s presents a more 3-dimensional soundstage, with better spacing and better front to back placement of instruments. To my ears the 1160 has a metallic sound and lacks depth. Small details in the back of the soundstage seem to disappear with the 1160 compared to the 735s. No component is perfect and your conclusion in another system could be different.

 

[bryans]

Love your selection in music. Have owned quite a few Rowland products over the years and love them. Have never listened to Absolare but have heard great things about them. Good luck in your search as I'm sure whatever you end up with will be great.

 

[ricjor1]

Love your selection in music. Have owned quite a few Rowland products over the years and love them. Have never listened to Absolare but have heard great things about them. Good luck in your search as I'm sure whatever you end up with will be great.

Thanks for responding to my thread.

 

[microstrip]

(...) . I prefer the Absolare mono-amps to every amplifier I've listened to in my system. I thought the Boulder 1160 would be a serious step-up from the 735s, but listening proved otherwise. (...)

Are you referring to the Hybbrid monoblock 2's or the 845's?

 

[ricjor1]

Are you referring to the Hybbrid monoblock 2's or the 845's?

845s

 

[hongkongfoufou]

I've used Rowland 735 mono-amps for several years. I've compared them to PS Audio BHK 300, Bricasti M25, Jeff Rowland 625 S2, Parasound JC1+, Absolare mono-amps, and most recently the Boulder 1160. I prefer the Absolare mono-amps to every amplifier I've listened to in my system. I thought the Boulder 1160 would be a serious step-up from the 735s, but listening proved otherwise.

The Boulder 1160 has a big sound, produces the best low-end of any amplifier I've listened to in my system. I don't use audiophile recordings to evaluate components in my system. I use music that I listen to...Boney James, Joe Sample, Will Downing, KEM, David Sanborn, and Jason Miles to Grover with Love CD. In comparison to the 1160, the 735s presents a more 3-dimensional soundstage, with better spacing and better front to back placement of instruments. To my ears the 1160 has a metallic sound and lacks depth. Small details in the back of the soundstage seem to disappear with the 1160 compared to the 735s. No component is perfect and your conclusion in another system could be different.

U have the preamplifier Jeff Rowland Corus and the amplifier Jeff Rowland Model 625, first version.
They matched well with the Magnepan 3.7i.

 

[microstrip]

845s

Thanks. The push pull or the SE 845 model? Can I ask why you did not keep it?

 

[ricjor1]

microstrip,

My friend let me borrow his for a couple of days. I have a hybrid system combining 2-channel with HT. I can't use tubes and the Absolare is out of the range that I allot for one component. I refuse to spend over $30K for one component.

I love hearing different components in my system. I've grown in this hobby and just because something may sound better, doesn't mean I need it.