Specs & Pricing

Rowland Model 201 Class D
Amplifier
While Jeff Rowland Design Group is pleased to provide reviewers
an opportunity to critique its products there is always the chance
that the resulting judgment will produce an assessment both
surprising and puzzling. Such was the case in The Absolute Sound’s recent
review (Issue 166) of the Model 201 in which the amplifier’s high frequencies
are judged to be “cut off.”
I find this criticism perplexing in light of the fact that the 201 has earned
such high praise among buyers who specifically laud the amp’s high-frequency
clarity and sweetness. I can only presume the issue is one of interpretation
since our test measurements of the 201 produce nothing that would support
assertions about any such shortcoming. Further, contrary to an occasionally still
propagated myth, JRDG amplifiers are not designed to be either “rolled off”
or “dark” sounding, but are uniformly designed to pass along to listeners all
the wonder and majesty of music, complete and unabridged. While respectful
of the judgment of others, I certainly believe the Model 201 is resolutely
capable of this task.
Finally, I believe Class D amplification offers an entirely new perspective on the
art of audio design involving uniquely innovative and highly promising engineering
strategies. However, this class is neither uniform in concept nor immune to
developmental birth pains and, like all technology, is in a constantly fluid state
of change. I find it regrettable that some in the audio community are willing to
discount it so readily when they have explored its potential so superficially.
I would also argue that Class D design, taken as a whole, is not inherently
flawed in terms of high-frequency extension or any other design parameter.
As a result, JRDG will continue its efforts to create benchmark products using
this, or any other, technology that I believe will further this company’s wellestablished
and hard-won reputation for audio excellence.
Jeff Rowland
President, Jeff Rowland Design Group, Inc.
Walker Proscenium Black Diamond
Turntable
We extend our thanks to Jonathan Valin and the entire staff of TAS
for the review. His review reinforces our conviction that great sound
is more than the sum of analytical details. Truly great sound defies
easy description because it is a visceral experience. We worked hard to achieve a
realistic soundstage in width and depth and avoid an upfront presentation.
The price of the Proscenium Black Diamond turntable includes spare parts, a
Wally mirror cartridge alignment kit, a KAB strobe for precise speed setting, the
Walker Ultimate motor controller, and our personal time and attention.
The purchase of the turntable includes in-home set-up by the designers and
builders of the turntable—myself and business partner Fred Law. We teach the
new owner how to use and maintain the table. We also share some of the tricks
we’ve learned along the way that maximize a system’s performance. What’s
more, we usually have a lot of fun and count many turntable owners among our
close friends. The price quoted in the review is for the continental U.S. only and
does not include shipping. The shipping weight is approximately 420 pounds.
Options available for the turntable include: tonearm wires fitted with male
connectors for direct connection to a phono amp, the Prologue Top Shelf, or a
complete Prologue equipment rack.
Lloyd Walker
Walker Audio
December 2006 The Absolute Sound 125