Rowland's new integrated amp

If you have a loudspeaker rated at 85dB sensitivity (1w@1m) and you sit 10 feet away from the plane of the loudspeakers than you max SPL at the listening position is 110dB if you amplifier provides 1500 watts output. A 500 watt amp could only produce 105dB. Both levels are very loud, but if you wanted 20dB headroom above a loud listening level, say 90dB, then 1500 watts begins to make sense. If all you wanted was 10dB of headroom above the 90dB listening level, then 150 watts would suffice.

I use this site for the calculations.

Taters, I think you are absolutely right. I'll put it another way - this piece has nothing to do with us.

Onhwy61, people who buy $38k amp might have large listening rooms. For the distance of 20 feet your calculated power quadruples (600W, 6000W)

Inna,

I agree with you 100%.

The thing about it is yes its expensive but you know exactly what you are getting and why. How many expensive pieces of audio are out there where not only do you wonder at the price but also exactly what makes it worth it? Better sound is often the best reason but one can find other gear for much less that on paper would seem to be able to compete and others often might even prefer.

Statement pieces are just that. Not only are they good but knock their points home easily i.e. make their statement clear. Their is no arguing quantity especially when accompanied by quality.