My guess is Tim is looking for the amplifier counterpart of his speakers. Since he has no use for a preamp, I suppose that would mean he wants extremely cost-effective more than low priced. Additionally, I would imagine that he is looking for a solution that will remain viable for years to come. That, of course, depends on how much he allows us and the audio press to fill his head post purchase.
Isn't it clear to everyone that our hobby is driven by dissatisfaction more than anything else? Who amongst us has a system that outright sucks? That's what I thought - we could all stop right where we are and live happily ever after if not for the nagging suspicion that we are indeed missing something.
At least, that's how it has been for quite a few years now. But I would submit that the introduction and steady improvement of D Class amplification has created a paradigm shift. World class amplification at real world pricing has caused many of us to seek upgrades that just a few years ago were patently unavailable at our budgets.
The other interesting development is that kit building is experiencing a revival of sorts. Have we come full circle around to the Heathkit/Dynaco world? Not quite yet --- but the seeds are being sown. Nowadays we have manufacturers producing amplifier boards that can be purchased by end users for DIY, and established amplifier designers opting to purchase these overachieving boards for their amps rather than trying to compete with them from scratch. This trend, I think, bodes well for consumers like us.
So, Tim, I have to recommend that you take into account the initial purchase price, of course. But also think in terms of depreciation, which can be averted to varying degrees by buying used, warranty which usually does not follow used pieces when they change hands and reliability/serviceability which points toward the older more established source with the best overall reputation for QC before and customer service after the sale.
All of that points me toward Rowland. In fact it did direct me to Rowland.
That means I have an extra pair of NC 400 monos to dispense. Good as they are (and I mean incredibly good given their price point) the Continuum has shown itself to be much better. If the 525 is as good as my amp, there is no room for discussion. Buy it!!!
Isn't it clear to everyone that our hobby is driven by dissatisfaction more than anything else? Who amongst us has a system that outright sucks? That's what I thought - we could all stop right where we are and live happily ever after if not for the nagging suspicion that we are indeed missing something.
At least, that's how it has been for quite a few years now. But I would submit that the introduction and steady improvement of D Class amplification has created a paradigm shift. World class amplification at real world pricing has caused many of us to seek upgrades that just a few years ago were patently unavailable at our budgets.
The other interesting development is that kit building is experiencing a revival of sorts. Have we come full circle around to the Heathkit/Dynaco world? Not quite yet --- but the seeds are being sown. Nowadays we have manufacturers producing amplifier boards that can be purchased by end users for DIY, and established amplifier designers opting to purchase these overachieving boards for their amps rather than trying to compete with them from scratch. This trend, I think, bodes well for consumers like us.
So, Tim, I have to recommend that you take into account the initial purchase price, of course. But also think in terms of depreciation, which can be averted to varying degrees by buying used, warranty which usually does not follow used pieces when they change hands and reliability/serviceability which points toward the older more established source with the best overall reputation for QC before and customer service after the sale.
All of that points me toward Rowland. In fact it did direct me to Rowland.
That means I have an extra pair of NC 400 monos to dispense. Good as they are (and I mean incredibly good given their price point) the Continuum has shown itself to be much better. If the 525 is as good as my amp, there is no room for discussion. Buy it!!!