Rowland vs Rowland

Martinez.I originally had a model 8(no T).My friend had a model "T",which sounded better to me.I then had the update to the model "T",which was a big improvement.

To my way of thinking,the 8 and 9 series of Rowland amps were overdesigned(a good thing)for High End audio.To me,the new stuff(model 300 etc.)while probably great,is still designed with an eye towards the home theater market.They are lighter,and more compact.

You can ask the Rowland factory,as to the cost of updating to a model 8t/switch mode(2 mods in one)and they can,also,give you ship costs.Remember,the ship cost coming back to you will be much cheaper than the cost of shipping to Rowland,because the unit will be lighter.It's all up to you.Good luck!!

Jeff Rowland assured me that the switch mode update was superior to the battery.He was right,IMO.I could not be happier.To me,the model 9 in this mode would be the best amp of all time.It IS DEFINITELY at least as quiet as the battery,and much more extended at the frequency extremes!!Much more dynamic as well!!

Due to scarcity,since the newer units are selling so well,you need to call Rowland(I don't know if the update is still on their web page)to ask for this FABULOUS update.Good luck to all!!

Martinez,I,also have the 8t with the BPS.A fine amp.However I recently sent the BPS to Rowland,for the update,which was to take the BPS OUT and replace the BPS with the NEW Switch Mode Power Supply.No more battery to deal with!!

This meant that I sent "ONLY" the BPS chasis to Rowland(165 lbs),and it was returned with the all solid state Switch mode unit,installed.It had many advantages over the BPS.Firstly,it dropped the weight to 85 lbs.It NO LONGER needs any battery,which as you know re-charges and loses some energy over time.It DOUBLES your output power,from 100 watts per channel with the BPS,to 200 watts per channel,with the new Switch Mode power supply.

Also,believe me,it runs in pure DC mode and is QUIETER than the BPS.It IS a MAJOR improvement to the BPS.Much more dynamic and open sounding.I would not want any newer model over this upgrade,which was not very expensive.The 8t circuitry was fabulous,and IMO you cannot do better than this update,so save your money,over a new unit,and take your family on a nice vacation,with the savings,compared to selling,and buying new.You'll thank me.

Call Rowland for the pricing,and availability.Mine cost 1250.00 U.S. dollars,when it was done.Even if higher today,the performance was SO MUCH better,that it was worth double the price,to me.Good luck!!