Close up with Jeff Rowland power amps. 125, 535, and 625S2.

[@questioneverything1123]

I have eyed the 625, and V2. They are exquisite. My experiences have been consistent with all Rowland gear over his entire electronic line over his lifetime. Their is a clear lineage, the progression of his products and Jeffs will to try different amplifier technologies (even gain clone devices) in the Model 112 amp. A close buddy owned the line over many years, I was a benefactor, or his Rowland investments. I marveled the Rowland sound! My first Rowland purchase, I went into the Rockport room, the year after Tenor had closed and Andy was using the 501s (not Tenors), It sounded amazing, I immediately went out and purchased a pair, eventually sold my Levinson No.336. If I had the resources the 625II would be my first pick of modern day Rowland and the epitome of what is available in the market. LOVE ALL ROWLAND ELECTRONICS!

[@Jack96993]

I was a machine designer for years and did more industrial electrical schematics than you can shake a stick at. I consider Jeff Rolland amps to be very well designed and very well executed

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks Jack , I appreciate your feedback .

[@NickP333]

This vid was great, man! Can’t wait to hear the comparisons. Also, I just assumed the 625 had a linear PSU with some huge toroid. So cool what Jeff is doing with these designs! Thanks for shining some light and giving detailed info on these amps, Mikey!

[@Andrew_from_Oz_Vinyl_Landscape]

Thanks Mikey Soulution audio and chord electronics both use switch mode power supplies, as did Halcro 20 years ago

[@robertburton295]

Hell yeah brother! Thanks for this video I've been back and forth trying to figure out what amp want

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Any time!

[@KT88gs]

Once i was with this guy who had this Jeff rowland,a two box design,it cost about 40,000 Dollar connected with a pair of Avalons and it was surreal,this is REALLY good stuff!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yeah. You're not kidding Gino !

[@nashdrifter3629]

Great vid, thanks for taking the time! I hope add a Rowland into my system when I can.

[@sc0or]

The amplifier begins at 19:00 u r welcome I always wandered how did he balance parallel parts of his amplifier! The schematic seems free of adjustment components. The balancing happens magically )

[@shannonwilliams6623]

On the cardas binding post, away to fix the problem of the kilt would be to add a plastic washer the same thicknes of the spade on the other side of the connection, I would want an even secure hold connection, it helps with strain and applies even support retention on the connection its self, plus for OCD people it helps to keep aestheticly looking straight to the eye

[@prokofievchambers8603]

You have got me lusting for for a pair of Roland 725s. I am obsessed now.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

735 ? 625S2 ?

[@igor1069]

I’ve been wanting a Rowland amp since I started watching your channel. I just picked up a 525 in reverb and this thing sounds awesome compared to my Cambridge intergrated 851 azur . The realness and space- clarity. Grunt it has it all! Cranking some Steely Dan through my PS Audio memory transport and Dsd Dac

[@FSR-v9c]

I used to live next door to Jeff back in the 80s when he was building them and designing the first runs. I think I still have a couple in storage someplace

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Nice !

[@mikehermesmeglio]

People can just add a spade with no wire on the other terminal to keep the pressure even on the spade in use.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

They dont call him Hermesmeglio for nothing ! Look at that ... brilliant solution. I dont think its necessary, but it is a great suggestion for those that trip on it..

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Jeff builds some very high quality amps, i have never heard one, but WoW this guy Jeff has got some serious Passion ! ! God i would love just to try out his lowest priced amp man what quality !! Glad you brought that name to my attention thanks

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Why do you think we clicked ? We recognized one another ! These are the types of gear I seek. Only the pieces with passion imbued. I chose HiFi like food. Its the CHEF. Not some big asd corporate name brand that was stripped of its founder long ago. Buy a Rowland while you can still talk to Jeff and thank him. To me this is the only "Real HiFi ". All my brands still have founder in tact whereby I can speak with him.

[@rewind9536]

I looked at some Rowland stuff but I don't think they will be a good match for my horns. But I am not switching speakers. Low sensitivity drivers is just hot air. You spend most of the power heating the voice coil and a few percentages to play some music.

[@blackgold7416]

Great video Mike. Really helpful stuff 👍😎

[@Darrellsrelm]

Wow! No wonder that 535 amp sounded so sweet on the .7 Maggie’s thanks for sharing Mikey. ;-)

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

You bet Brother Darrell !

[@russelwijaya1188]

Chord, first power amp used switching power supply with Class AB

[@DavidGilden]

Impressive build quality!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes !

[@michaelmityok1001]

All i can say is wow and thanks for all time you took.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks Michael, this needed to be done. Part 2 was recorded last night but my gimbal covered one mic, so we had only left channel... uggh , Im re doing it now. The listening comparison. ;-)

[@dilbyjones]

Chord also does auto switching

[@steveassante6797]

I often wonder what Da Vinci or Antonio Stratavavarius' response was to people who insisted that their designs were "Overbuilt". Thank God they had the "Intestinal Fortitude" to just walk away & just keep following where their Intellects told them they needed to go! I

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

For sure. Its a calling.

[@scottyo64]

I really want try try one of his amps. 3k is affordable I just have to convince the better half.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Bribery works well... float some cash her way in the form of

[@steve8758]

would you connect M Logans ESL w Rowland 125

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes

[@vicg5323]

Are these amps dual voltage, as in 110 and 220?

[@marcosleopoldobohn]

Thank you for the great video. I have a pair Model 201 and love them, have you ever compared the sound of athe older 201/501 with more modern class d´s 125/535?

[@RodneyAllanPoe]

Emotiva uses SMPS for their XPA Gen 3 class A/B/H amps. Are they becoming more accepted by amp makers now?

[@gasolin75]

where is the sound clip?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Not sure

[@Toki1908]

Mike, do they sound good when matched with tube preamps? I'm thinking getting a linear tube audio microzotl preamp.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes they do for sure I guess it depends on the preamp. Preamp these days have to compete with DACs that have volume controls. If it's a class A output buffer stage done right, it can trump a preamp. This will greatly depend on your speakers and/or your DAC in combination with how that tube preamp sounds. In other words if the preamp is lush sounding and your rig is too strident then it's a great match. If your speakers are nice and smooth and have no tendency to lean strident, then a solid-state DAC and pre-has more accuracy. Tubes drift and change sonic with different temperatures, and different age. Not going to happen with solid-state. So for me tubes are for fun and playing, and solid-state is for getting down to business.

[@Toki1908]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Many thanks Mike!

[@danielalicea7675]

Mikey you are killing me with these Jeff Rowland videos man. I definitely want to upgrade my “mid-fi” Ps Audio amp sometime this year with the 125. Thanks again for the video.

[@albertojosealfieri8316]

Ps Audio is way better than mid fi,LOL !!!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Not to me. on my scale PS is Mid Fi, stuff like Marantz, Poioneer, Onkyo, does not exist. I base it on sound only . PS does not sound "great" it sounds "good". Please remember , Im not saying I am right or wrong at all, Im just stating my opinion, and I am very picky with HiFi. PS audio is ground zero. Thats why a lot of people make that thier stopping point. They do not want to enter diminishing returns. I must be deep into diminishing returns to be hearing things that can beat what I use. Thats partially why I started this channel. So the listeners have a Bona Fide Staunch picky bastard Audiophile to talk about gear as a reference for all the journalists and other people with Zero industry background that are self proclaimed Audio Reviewers. They tell you everything is the best...

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

You bet Daniel, I dont mean to disturb anyones happy place, I just think I need to go a little more in depth with the brands I like and sell as I assume people know whats up with the brand , but most actually have no idea...

[@albertojosealfieri8316]

Ok,it was just an opinion.But please ignore it,I have no idea....

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@@albertojosealfieri8316 its ok to like or even love PS Audio, many people do. And im sure when I started this hobby perhaps I would think it is as well. I was just letting you know that my comments are coming from an OCD HiFi Guy, im one of the hifi weirdos. To me hifi is at least 50% of my being . Thats ridiculous for a hobby. Lol. But, .....if you listen to me. You will learn about some of the best hifi the world has to offer. Happy listening !

[@JasonMessinaCPA]

Dude...that speaker terminal did EXACTLY what I said it would do. It cantilevers in mono operation and the top wasn't even pushing both legs of the spade. The gap was clear as day. I knew it would because I've seen it first hand and other amp makers have told me about it too. I once wanted those terminals on my amp because they looked cool, but decided against it after seeing the issues and listening to advice from other amp makers. Is it a huge deal? No, as you showed, you can crank it tight enough to keep it down with pressure on just one leg of the spade, but how long will it stay that tight??? It's obviously an issue to Jeff too. Otherwise, why does he add a totally separate terminal to the model above it for mono operation (adds cost of 3 speaker terminals versus using 2 higher end Furutechs to begin with)??? Bottom line...I have no problem with Jeff and don't think the amp is a ripoff. However, you can't be serious defending that speaker terminal. It's terrible for mono operation and, even in stereo operation, Furutechs are far superior.

[@geraldrivera2174]

Mike, thanks for the videos and your total dedication. Will the 125 drive the 1.7i Maggie? Im just starting out.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes, it will , though it would not hurt to look for a 535 on the used market because if a used 535 is $3K I would get that with your 3K more than a brand new 125.. cheers !

[@Toki1908]

Another question 2 x Jeff 125 or 1 x Jeff 535 ?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

They are very close, the reason I like to 125's and a pair is because you can either Bridge it or will run it as a mono Biamp on one side. This is one of my favorite configurations stereo amp on each side running as a mono bi amp. It's better than actual single-channel Monos in several ways. If you signed up for the tribe, I will have special pricing on pairs of 125's not this weekend but the weekend after on a first-come first-served basis I have 10 available.

[@Toki1908]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Thanks Mike

[@antinoriberenice]

if you still worried put a dummy spade on unused pole...

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

That was my response .. simple... if thats too scary even a nylon washer ..

[@Rob-pg7rb]

Show us the power supply!!

[@nibongese]

Hi OCD, I have one 535, which sound good. Can tell me what are the improvements if get another 535 to bridge as mono?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

greater power, and better stereo separation. whats even better, is getting another 535 (Ive got a demo piece I can sell you ) do not bridge them, but rather use one amp per side to Bi amp ! you'll never go back ...

[@nibongese]

OCD HI-Fi Guy u mean bi-amp is better than bridge as monoblock?

[@nibongese]

My preamp is Mark Levinson 523, how do I biamp with 2 units of 535?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@@nibongese absolutely, youll need a 2 way active crossover. Are you in USA ?

[@mikehermesmeglio]

I still use my Rotel RB-991.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Good for you man, you found something you love .. Thats what its all about !

[@alishaheedmuhamad]

What is your opinion about JR's preamp line?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Good question because I considered his amps to be so well done that I ignored the whole rest of the line based on how specialized the amps are . Turns out he makes a very good linestage .. I was honestly surprised and embarassed I did not look earlier ... The Capri is a killer little preamp.

[@alishaheedmuhamad]

@@OCDHIFiGuy I confirm the Capri is an excellent entry level high end. I own one in black with the dual mono phono stage. Very quiet background. It is assigned to my upgraded Technics SL- 7...bliss! I hope one day I'll be able to buy a black version of the JR 125 amp to match my capri. These days money is short so I stick with my current setup. Hopefully one day! Have you ever listened to JR Concerto integrated amp? It was very similar in size with the capri and 125 amp if I recall.

[@alishaheedmuhamad]

@@byronb. I hear you. Unfortunately, all JR's AB amps are too expensive for me though I wish I could own one. May be one day but it is not my current priority. For now I personally use a BV Audio S300 A/B class that contributes to put a lot of smiles on my face. I agree with you with the black line. I am not necessary a big fan of the shiny aluminum finish.

[@r423fplip]

Good demo on the spade, you put me off them forever. Half of the spade made no contact. I would expect better from the great jeff, but just goes to show.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

the spade made full contact. And its from George Cardas not Jeff. ,;-)

[@nelsono4315]

I am drooling for that 125 🙂

[@functionaldoc5054]

First Comment . Tell us how it is Mikey.Looking forward to hearing all these.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Werd .... ;-)

[@bearchow1929]

I've noticed that the Model 625 S2 delivers a sensuous grain-free musicality of unparalleled transparency and low level resolution that blossoms from a rich velvety silence and blossoms into the pure enjoyment of my listening experience.

[@dilbyjones]

See that's where I'm stuck at .... Stereo VS bi-mono.

[@robh9079]

Switch mode PSU world class (allegedly) - Linn (UK)

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

If Linn is world class then Rowland is for sure.. they are still around making gear ?

[@DrBroncanuus]

34 min..masters of switching mode supply are Chord Electronics...they invented it...

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thats great I dont like the product though unfortunately.

[@markgoldstein3933]

looks a lil different than my old beater adcom lol

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Right ?

[@overbuiltautomotive1299]

sweet amp

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

For sure. Overbuilt for sure

[@r423fplip]

What difference does the wires make ?. You say they are not copper, what's the difference in measurements terms.

[@202One]

OCD 202One!! .🍾🎉✌

[@goranzbr]

The biggest fail of this amp are pin conectors on the amp, there are many better ways to conect cables to pcb, even soldering is milles better than thoe conectors on pcb.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Lol. The little things add up. Don't they ?

[@twochaudiomg2578]

mp, that binding post must be cardas latest and greatest i have old style on everything . i like the theory

[@supercompooper]

Soulution audio uses switching supply

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Cool, is it high level gear ?

[@supercompooper]

@@OCDHIFiGuy I feel it is great. At the Munich show I liked most rooms with Soulution quite a lot. Quite expensive tho but worth it IMO. I like your planars BTW. I built subs same as yours but larger with GR Research servo drivers.

[@WoodyONeal]

Integrity and history cost a lot....lolololol

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

For sure..

[@twochaudiomg2578]

Roland is Like Lamm or visvirsea never much adds just happy customers IMO. Soundlabs work off the same idea

[@freeradical431]

Jeff Rowland definitely makes Heirloom Quality components!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Not Hard to see..

[@freeradical431]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes- Lift Off. Great good mornin tune!

[@vinoheart]

WOW

[@ronaldmitro3182]

You shade tree engineers crack me up. You have know clue to what a hi end product is let alone how to build one. Oh I’m sure the Jeff Rowland company is going to just throw their reputation out the window and hopes to make a profit. LOL give me a break. You experts are most likely running a 25 year old radio shack amp that you and your vast knowledge of circuit design changed a couple of caps and some wire. Now you will boast how you will pit that amp against anything. Sure! As far as off the shelf parts I would take a Ferrari engine off the shelf any day of the week over some new engine design. Rowland products are built with integrity and engineering. Anyone who disputes that I guarantee has never even touched one. When a man puts his name on a product that product represents who he is and what he or she knows. Some of you will never understand that. Because the only thing you have ever created is a blog telling people how everyone is trying to rip you off. The sad truth is when you feel that way you miss out on so many wonderful things that life has to offer. Indulge you just might be surprised. I applaud Mike for the passion and knowledge he has for and about these wonderful Rowland products. For the record the number one most important part of any amp is the input section power supply is a close second. This will change everything about the output of an amp. In this respect the 125 and the 535 are one hundred percent Rowland. Don’t take my word for it. Do some research.

[@leventtosun7283]

Hi end amfi

[@aabuahro]

What’s the obsession with Jeff Roland? People still use tubes man what technology have to do with sound?! Don’t go this road please stay loyal to the truth man NET AUDIO KICKS JEFF ROLAND IN THE A...

[@seannauman489]

What is NET Audio? The only thing I can find is car audio.

[@aabuahro]

Sean Nauman sorry misspelled it’s NAT AUDIO and it’s tube gear HIGI GUY shows regularly on his Chanel.