AUDIO AUTOPSY : JEFF ROWLAND MODEL 125 POWER AMPLIFIER

[@terryRBNF]

Im glad you're championing Jeff Rowland, they seem to have had a lower profile the past few years. I've had my Jeff Rowland Capri since 2007 and it' still sounds so good and is utterly reliable.

[@Charles12509]

This video is old but it’s an excellent explanation of this amp, no one explains like you do…thanks

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

I love your attention to detail and quality, I think the same way and it drives my friends absolutely nuts.

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

Are these still available to buy these day? Or hard to get.

[@RJ_Chicago]

Hi Mike. Love the JRD Model 125 video. As you recall I purchased a pair of these from you. They are great and have happily replaced a pair of Class AB nearly 100 lb each, Bryson 24B3 monoblocks! I know what you mean when you call these 125s entry level into real HI-Fi or the JRD line. But IMO with the quality of sound and their build quality they are beyond “entry level” quality. They are special. To me, if I were to upgrade to the Model 535s it would be a matter of $ and maybe more headroom from the increased power. But for me, I think these give me plenty of power for my speakers and my room. Nonetheless, JRD makes great gear. Thanks and Happy New Year!

[@AllboroLCD]

I too very much enjoy the concept of things people simply can buy ONCE, and have it serve them for the rest of their lives, whether its hifi gear, motorcycles, tools, you name it!

[@stratenboek]

Absolutely true, bought an almost new Jeff Rowland Synergy pre back in 2004 has been on ever since, only off on vacation, sounds great, never had a problem with it, and is made for life!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

YES !!

[@dsmdarryl]

Gorgeous piece and close to my price range! Moving up from the AVR bs over the next few months. This just went on my short list for sure. All about that bespoke quality !

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Holla atta Brotha !

[@robk5745]

This will be my next amplifier, I have a nice little dac/pre that would love this. Harbeth speakers love Jeff Rowland gear too so win win for me.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Absolutely... Great match.

[@van94weightlossjourney]

I'm such an audio nerd. Love these audiotopsy series of videos. I open everything I buy. I don't care about the warranty stickers they stick on the edges.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

LOL, hard sometimes, I know !

[@ericmc6482]

As far as I know tamper evident seals mean jack in court.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@eric mc glad to have you here little bro. Something this little would never go to court. ;-)

[@brentcollins9727]

@@OCDHIFiGuy, oh yes it would!!! I spent a month in jail for ripping the tag off my mattress!!! Don’t do it!!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@Brent Collins dude, how do you think I take my yearly 30 day all expenses paid vacation ? Tag yank !!

[@vuch9802]

Thanks for explaining all of the tiny details! Excellent video, Mikey!

[@mikemorris1530]

Hi Mike, Just discovered your chanel. I appriciate your dedication to the build and engineering quality of products. Very unique take compaired to all the other "Hifi Review/info" chanels out there.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks Mike, Ive got more actual industry experience than most, plus Im a designer as well as a seller, so I prefer to present my opinions on gear with evidence to back up what Im saying instead of just talking like many do. No fancy video effects like Im a TV show, just real information that is hopefully useful for my subscribers. Thanks for your feedback !

[@77MovieFan]

I had to open the Capri because of PhonoCard settings and yes it is all very nice build up. Everything I bought from Mikey (Playback Designs) or bought because of his recommendation (Magnepan 1.7i and Rowland Capri S2 SC and 625 S2) is kickass absolute brilliant piece of equipment. It sound good, is well produced and on top look good to my taste

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Rock on Brother !!

[@GrB-M]

I really enjoy these videos. I have a very good understanding of everything to do with speakers (~75% is common sense once you know the basics) but amplifiers are a different matter.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks !

[@dragocelander6671]

Another outstanding in-depth video, Mikey!! Sounds like the ideal starter Tribe system is a set of Maggies, a JR Model 125, and Playback Designs MPD-6 DAC-streamer, all powered and connected with your custom power and signal cables.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I think you're on to something ! ;-)

[@ronaldbushnell7451]

I love your videos man thanks for taking the time to do this stuff

[@julianc.1811]

Great stuff, I've had Rowland pieces from the 80's that were great. Ayre also outstanding with sonics and build quality, what I'm using now. Go small usa hifi makers!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Right on !

[@jeffkalina7727]

One interesting thing I noticed. When Sharking for a Used JR 125, they are almost all owned by overseas people. Which tells me that Rowland compares very well with German, Swiss and Japanese made amps. Quite a statement.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

LOL, they DONT dive in value like the other brands do... So far Ive sold 25 pieces in USA only

[@slippinjimmy4455]

Linn does is with the Klimax ;-)

[@thedogefather]

Love those speaker terminals, My Ayre V5xe also features them and nothing else compares to the clamp you get. I hate all other speaker terminals since using them. Thanks for the tear down video! I will have to try a Jeff Rowland with my magnepans one of these days. I have stuck with class A or A/B so far, but keep hearing the Class D has finally arrived.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

It certainly has and Rowland can bring it like no other...

[@redstarwraith]

Love the look of these little units. I was going to pull the trigger on one and a Capri Pre-amp but the prices took a significant increase before I could do so... prolly should have just stayed the course and continued saving, but I did not.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Rowland is the company with the LOWEST price increases Ive yet seen. 10% last year when everyone else did 30 to 50%

[@redstarwraith]

@@OCDHIFiGuy i certainly do not doubt the veracity of your claim, Mikey. That IS a small percentage. I should have said, "To me, the increase was significant."

[@adammosciszko1055]

This was a fantastic video. Very informative.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks !

[@freeradical6390]

I put one on my wish list...... Have to wait and see if I was good or bad this year. lol Happy holidays big M!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Rock on FR !

[@sdavidfreud]

You did a great service by explaining the nuts and bolts (literally) of a special old line manufacturer who has the ETHICS to put in the same quality parts (binding posts, chassis, etc) as his more expensive models. I will bet his profit margin on this piece is not that big compared to the rest of his line. Mikey - it is early morning here in Los Angeles and time for a cup of Joe. What is the equivalent value proposition for equipment and coffee beans you recommend for brewing coffee?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Ethiopian Yirga Cheffe beans and a Chemex pour over ;-)

[@FOH3663]

@@OCDHIFiGuy ... via a quality, local purveyor Absolute freshness rules

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@@FOH3663 that's why I roast at home ;-)

[@jimdalto6254]

What I love about my Rowland Continuum S2 is that I leave it turned on all the time. It’s always ready for music. I’m assuming that you can do the same with the 125. My tube amps need a good 30-40 minutes to warm up.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes, you are correct. Rowland is built this way.

[@YouSoundButtHurt]

To kinda be fair, stuff like the Pass Labs need warm up time as well if you don't leave them on.

[@jimdalto6254]

@@YouSoundButtHurt Yes. I had a XA25 and a SIT-3.

[@YouSoundButtHurt]

@@jimdalto6254 Nice, I've been looking at the XA25.

[@jimdalto6254]

@@YouSoundButtHurtI was puzzled by the XA25. Rave reviews and yet I was bored with it.

[@bradleycraig7328]

I LOVE MY 125s!!! Thank you Mikey!!!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Rock on B.C. !!

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Build quality is 🔥

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Werd up !

[@peterlarkin762]

Transformer coupling IS coupling... Signal in signal out, like a coupling capacitor in series with the signal line. Decoupling is routing signal via ground. The transformer is isolating and coupling.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

OK Great... ;-)

[@VegasVaron]

Would love to see a 3-channel JR amp some day.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

He's not a home theater amp guy...

[@daveanderson5680]

The anodized the whole exterior black first and the just mill down to clean aluminum to produce a 2 tone exterior

[@LuxAudio389]

The 625 S2 is my favorite. You never see those on the used market. Just overall gorgeous and a renown performer.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I Know, Ive got a pair in consecutive numbers. I use them as mono biamps.. ;-)

[@JamesH1973]

I live in Scotland and I’m not sure how easy it is to listen to or buy a Jeff Rowland product. Do you have any brands from the UK or Europe that you hold in the same high regard? Thanks for the autopsy of this amplifier.

[@zackw4941]

This piece is around the same price as a pair of Schiit Tyrs. How do you think the two will compare? My friend owns Tyrs, which I haven't heard yet, but he's coming for a visit. I'm going to get to hear them in my system in a few weeks. I have Tekton Moab speakers and am currently driving them with a Parasound Hint 6.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I honestly do not know as I dont pay attention to Schiit. Not my wheelhouse.. I go by history. Who has a stronger design history. I think one stands out to me anyways, and thats JR

[@zackw4941]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Aren't they though? They're an American company making things in America and they have a solid reputation for value. They aren't old timers, but they aren't newcomers, either. I know you specialize in high end stuff and that's fine. And I'm certainly not questioning the build quality of that JR unit. Some one will probably find one in 50,000 years and it'll throw modern science into a tizzy when they realize they weren't the first advanced civilization. Back on point though, it's easy to call something high value at $3.5k when you're looking down from $30k products. But it's not really fair unless you know what other high quality, American made products available for that price. In this price range, no matter how well it performs, budget conscious buyers are apt to look at and wonder.. "What if that incredible chassis is 30% of the production cost, but only accounts for 3% of the actual sound quality? Could I have the same amp in a conventional chassis for $2500?" I'm not knocking your review. I'd love to some JR stuff in person! Just playing devil's advocate for the price point :)

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@@zackw4941 Arent who what ? My testing with Schiit quickly showed me they are a good value but totally on the value end of the pool. Better than Chinese Product but nothing like the Legacy HiFi Brands IMHO. There is a much different Pride of ownership with a Rowland piece and holding it in your hands will tell you this immediately. Some people want to buy the top luxury brands the market has to offer. Rowland is one. Schiit is not. So even if Schiit had Jeff Rowland design a Class A Input stage using Lundahl transformers on thier amps, I would still rather own the Jeff Rowland chassis and name for the extra $1K even if there were ZERO sonic differences. Thats me and its the Rowland buyers. Just knowing this amp is built by the same hands and mind that makes $65K monoblocks, and using the same technology, fit and finish as the big amps is worth it to me. This piece is a gift to folks without the means to afford Jeffs higher gear. It lets them taste the glory of owning a Rowland piece for a fraction of his next amp up ($11,500) This amp is NOT about how to make something as cheap as possible in the USA like Schiit is. Its a whole other idea my friend. Does Ferrari make a $50K car for us regular folks ? Nope.... Because they dont care about regular sports car enthusiasts. Jeff Rowland does care about regular Music Lovers/ HiFi Enthusiasts however.. No other 'REAL" High End Audio company in the world does this that I know of.. see if you can get a Boulder, Gryphon, Viola Labs, Mark Levinson, Pass Labs etc for $3500.... non effing existent Zack.. This amp is a milestone and a gift.. Hope this can help you understand...

[@LuxAudio389]

Hands down awesome construction, the scalloped look is gorgeous, however, I did not prefer it when I listened to it at my dealer. It's Less dynamic than Bel Canto REF 600M mono blocks.Those I liked but I really liked Luxman instead. ☮️

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

IMHO, Jeff Rowland Design group is a FAR more prolific company that Bel Canto. Those were $5K in 2017, so probably $6K now if they were a good enough design to stay in production. Rowland 125 is nearly HALF the price. From What I know Bel Canto has NO Proprietary input section, and for certain does NOT use Lundahl input transformers or solid block aluminum chassis. Finally, not ONE Audiophile I know uses Bel Canto.... And clearly you are a luxman guy so Im happy for you ! You found your brand... Ive turned roughly 30 people into Rowland Devotees through a direct sale, and many more through my vids.. so Ill keep boosting your competition.. ;-) I prefer the non corporate Japanese brands...

[@jazzbass6246]

Hi Mike, looking for a very good preamp to match my AGD The Audion. Thanks

[@bubblehead5394]

Hmm... why is the bottom lid so thin. Besides that, everything else looks spectacular.

[@AudioheavenDenmark]

Nice to see they just don't slap in a ice power and call it the day. Bel Canto just put the ice inside a box and that'd that. And they charge a premium for it. The JR input stage is what matters in that little amp. And the psu.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes, you are correct, not many people get this ....

[@mrgiggles7840]

How is the treble on the Rowland 125 ...... is it sweet or is it sterile and strident ?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Its exactly in-between the 2 things you mention. Its extended and transparent, without being harsh or strident. It is very transparent and accurate however and will reveal a harsh DAC without covering for it.

[@TriAmpMyFi]

Why can't one use a solid copper threaded rod and solid copper washers & nuts as a binding post for spades? I would think it's the best connection. (I'm building my own cabinets)🔈🔉🔊

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

You can do whatever you like, but copper threaded rod is most likely a copper alloy for machinability. We want 101 OFC Copper for the best sound, and that is too soft to crank a nut down on, as it will warp and strip the threads. So its useless from a mechanical strength standpoint.

[@abijeetrs6522]

What advantage does a solid aluminium milled chassis have over a regular stamped sheet metal chassis in relation to sound ?

[@peterlarkin762]

In theory, I believe it's about preventing resonance propogating in the chassis. If you hit something and it goes ding, it will be susceptable to outside forces (speaker moving air). If the chassis resonates, the PCB will, and so too will components. Some capacitors are microphonic, meaning resonance will change their curves and may affect the audio circuit. To be honest, it does matter. Isolation feet will prevent furniture bound resonance, but it can propogate from the air.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes, Peter has it right. Vibration on any PCB affects sound negatively. So the less resonant the case is the better the sound.

[@jeffkalina7727]

Have you ever tried a blind listening test between this amp and a Class A Pass Amp? Love to see you start doing blind tests. Everyone else is too chicken to do it. Not my OCD Mikey though, Right?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Why ? Why would I do it ... ? I like both the guys a lot and I only sell one of them. Whats in it for my time ?

[@michaelcollins2473]

Very nice.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Right ?

[@incima00]

great - very informative :)

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks !

[@andrejensen7837]

They machined the anodizing on the front off after they anodized the hole piece ;-)

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Incorrect. It's machined then clear anodized afterwards

[@andrejensen7837]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Damn that one I can't figur out :-)

[@outboardfun3353]

I have see you talk about everything but interconnects WHY?

[@lesarnolfinis6775]

Should put a speaker in this chassis, would sound great.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Magico

[@chjl1221]

you wouldn´t know the equivalent HP amp? or company that makes headphone stuff on the same level? thanks!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I dont, Im sorry..

[@realhi-fihelplarry8047]

Looks good inside. Very low price for made in the US. If I lived in the US and started all over I would maybe go with this Brand, or more likely NAT. A certain reviewer on youtube was praising a very crap speaker. Saying that it was close to Wilson, not mentioning that NAT was used as amplification and that it was the first time he used it. LOL.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

There are many self proclaimed "reviewers" on YT that dont know their anus from a hole in the ground

[@petekutheis3822]

what jay lee likes Jay likes. lol.

[@Ajukari]

Good job..done well~!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks Simon !

[@loujones4031]

Excellent."

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks Lou !

[@johnpetrakis379]

Which model Lundahl's are those?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

The Nunya Model

[@jeffkalina7727]

I want the pads for my stuff. How much?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Not available currently other then in my modded gear. Next year !

[@nelsono4315]

man, I love this amp! You sold me on it. Time to stop drooling. Just sent you an e-mail.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Calling me on the phone is MUCH better.... Please call me..

[@nelsono4315]

@@OCDHIFiGuy hey Mikey, I called but your mailbox is full. Could not leave a message

[@robk5745]

Hey Mikey, just a quick question on these in bridged mode… does the sound change in any way going bridged?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

It gets more dynamic. More punchy

[@vinoheart]

WOW

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

And How !

[@BuzzardSalve]

What about lack of ventilation ?? Surely that will reduce its long term reliability and capacitor lifetime. Also those EMI pads you installed won't improve anything because the closed chassis will provide most of the noise containment.

[@mmmadog]

I think it's class D so they dont run real hot.

[@BuzzardSalve]

@@mmmadog Believe me they still run hot especially at high powers. More so the switching power supplies !!

[@rolandlickert2904]

I have an amp D they run cool my amp just gets lookwarm, not even warm

[@abijeetrs6522]

Good point about ventilation

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@David S, The chassis is the heatsink. They run FAR less hot than AB amps do. Class D needs ZERO Ventilation in this amp. Nor any Ive seen actually. Next, LOL.. you act like Im a dumbass just putting shit anywhere. (You must be young) Ive got Microwave engineers I consult with and that foam stops wave propagation (From emission) in closed chassis environments.

[@stevenburdick424]

If they put meters on it and in black. I would buy.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

If we were a Chinese company this is what we would do.

[@stevenburdick424]

My system just needs pure signal. My carver TFM-35 beat out my Yamaha MX1. How would this sound?

[@drdyna]

Yes, that chassis is totally worth $3500.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Are you so misinformed that you think it's the chassis only ? This amplifier in a cardboard box still beats any amp you can name using 250ASXII

[@drdyna]

I have 250asx2 modules on minidsp plate amps that are infinitely more useful/configurable, and 1/8th of the price.

[@signalfixer]

Class D has a lot of issues period. Audio is like ice cream flavors.....that is not my flavor. Thanks for showing though

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks for watching!

[@xstensl8823]

i had a model 5

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Killer piece !

[@jeffkalina7727]

Ohh! Underwood Wally gonna be unhappy!!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Like I give a shit...

[@revamp777]

Buy a Yamaha WXA 50 with ice power B&O amp , and WiFi built in , sounds exactly the same the same amp for $500.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Q: Are you inexperienced ? Class: YES ! You think if you believe it hard enough it will happen.... Sorry this is reality kiddo, not the Metaverse...

[@andrewboettcher9853]

Mikey, is that 125 dead? If not, it wouldn’t really be an autopsy….just an examination. Maybe call this series Audio Anatomy. 😊

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Interesting point.... ;-) Wow.... I may have to change it ...

[@jeffkalina7727]

Our Man Dan Richey always complains when he finds ferrous metal in the binging posts. Who is right? Jeff or Danny?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

First off its George Cardas or Danny, and second of all youre assuming its Ferrous. Stainless steel is NOT Ferrous. My money is on Cardas or Rowland FAR before mod boy Danny.

[@mrgiggles7840]

so this is some kind of iron free steel ? ..... tell me about it - I want to learn

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@Mr Giggles try to stick a refrigerator magnet on your stainless steel fridge. Lol. You gonna argue it may be "mildly magnetic" ? Save it Champ. Wrong thread.

[@mrgiggles7840]

if you are going to jump up and profess like an expert on a youtube you get checked when you are wrong big guy - I am a mechanical engineer - there is tons of iron in stainless

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@Mr Giggles not as much as regular old Zinc plated steel Giggles. Bottom line is it's non magnetic. That's all we care about. And I don't profess to be a mettalurgist, but I'll design circles around any ME when it comes to Audio system design. This is what I profess for the record.

[@bdmcn]

Please sell that to me …

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

LOL, Call me my man, Ive got one with a hair thin mark on front I took out to make a video.. Ill make you a great deal on it... 11stereo.com just holler.

[@bdmcn]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Ok, you’re serious. LOL - gosh, so damn tempting. My 300B monos have something to say to Mr. Rowland … it’s an argument I can’t hear right now. I’m gonna pray on it!

[@divadgnol67]

Does this not have a "Chinese" manufactured ice power module ? Just wondering Mikey. I know your disdain for communist China precludes you from selling. Not a dig or a critique.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Got no idea my friend. I dont sell anything with a "made in china" label on the back of the piece of gear or speakers. Clearly, as we all know, most stuff contains constituent parts that are made in China or Taiwan. We cant escape the monster we made many years ago. Though this product is Made in USA by an American owned Private company. The stuff I TOTALLY stand against is the Chinese stuff being sold direct to USA from China as all it does is HARM the USA HiFi Industry. Second level are guys like Perlisten who are USA companies that openly make stuff in china yet charge USA price for stronger profit margins. At least this helps USA Dealers. Anything able to meet the Federal trade requirements it takes to print "Made in the USA" on the product has my blessing regardless what's in it, as this is the line I draw, which I consider pretty forgiving actually.. I truly seek products like Magnepan for instance that are probably 95% made in USA. Just like the Rowland Class AB stuff...

[@doosworld1901]

It in fact does use a chinese ICE power module. There are Chinese clones of these Rowland amps also with different branding, and the very same internals. Bang and Olufsen was the first to design ICE if I remember correctly then a bunch of amplifiers starting utilizing them later.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@@doosworld1901 "Chinese clones" of intellectual property. Wow.. Black market illegal product. What kind of no talent, stealing, slave keeping assholes do that ? Very "same" internals ? You are MISINFORMED my friend. Jeff puts things in his design that are NON Copyable... LOL. We all do, because we KNOW China is a bunch of copying bastards. Japan and Netherlands just agreed to NOT buy chips from China and buy from USA instead... Your dreams of cheap Chinese HiFi will crumble..

[@fredsanke4070]

Over rated...the casing is more expensive than the content it seems....

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Its impossible to make the overrated comment unless you've tried it Fred. How many HiFi products have a case thats more expensive than the content ? NONE. So this would be a FIRST of its level in the industry.. Who even cares enough to make a chassis just as high as their $40K Monoblocks, on thier $3500 entry level ? Nobody Fred, nobody... Clearly you buy disposables, eat on paper plates etc. this is for a different buyer Fred, and you are NOT it...