SST Ampzilla 2000 Vs Jeff Rowland 625s: comparisons anybody?

I haven't heard the SST amp but own the Rowland 625 which I find to be exceptional, however their latest 625S2 is reported to be a significant improvement over the 625.
 
alto said:
What other amps have you compared the 625 to, if any? What preamp are you using?
Have you looked into updating the 625 to S2?
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Before getting the Rowland 625 I ran the Hegel H20 which was a great performer at its price but was significantly outclassed by the 625 as you might expect. My linestage is the Luxman C-900u and phonostage is the Audia Flight Phono. The 625 can be partially upgraded to a 625S2, but not completely since some of the changes are too extensive to be practical as an upgrade. I was planning on purchasing a new 625S2 but due to some unforeseen circumstances I had to put that on hold. :( Maybe in good time...
 
audio.bill said:
I haven't heard the SST amp but own the Rowland 625 which I find to be exceptional, however their latest 625S2 is reported to be a significant improvement over the 625.[/QUOTE

I upgraded my 625 to the S2 version October 2016. The improvements include overall greater dynamics with a much tighter and visceral low end. That upgrade decision at relatively modest cost was a no brainer in retrospect.
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Thanks Len for the feedback, sounds like the S2 is a good upgrade.

Im still hoping somebody that has heard both the SST and 625's will give us their opinion.
 
Are you asking about the SST Ampzilla 2000 Second Edition (the current mono block amplifiers) or the original that have not been available for some time now? Or are you referring to the SST Son of Ampzilla II (the current stereo amplifier)?

I have no experience with the Jeff Rowland products therefore I cannot give any comparisons. I can tell you that the "Son" is excellent.

I just wanted to clarify which amplifiers you are asking for a comparisons for... :)

Oh, by the way the Son Of Ampzilla II just got a TAS 2017 Editor's Choice Award!
 
Hi Randy, it's the second edition model l'm considering. Already have the SoA ll and agree it is excellent. Good to hear it has received a TAS award. For the price it is unbeatable I think.
 
Ahhh... nice... they are supposed to be some pretty outrageous amplifiers :)... I have never heard one though... I have seen them... built like a tank for sure...

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Look much better in the black finish. Still not really to my taste in the style department though but if they sound really good then one can over look that to a extent.

Randy, I couldn't find a link to the TAS awards, would you be able to post please.
 
I am not a big fan of the looks of the Second Edition either, especially the blue one. They very much wanted to keep true to James designs however. I guess they are very popular in Asia!

I received the magazine a couple days ago. Not sure if they have it on line yet or not. The magazine is on sale now therefore I don't think they will publish it online yet :)....
 
alto said:
Len what other amps have you compared with the 625's?
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I've only owned three preamp/amp configurations since the mid 1990's: Krell KCT/FPB 700cx; Lindemann 830S/855; JRDG Corus/625. The only reasonable comparison I can make is vs. the Lindemann since I owned both amps for awhile. During the period my JRDG 625 was being upgraded to the S2, I substituted the Lindemann 855 for listening. I felt the 855 wasn't quite as dynamic and revealing as the 625. And that difference widened considerably after the 625 S2 upgrade.

I've listened to a number of high end amps such as Dartzeel, Constellation, JRDG, Soulution, and many others at RMAF over the years. I purchased the JRDG gear as a replacement for the Lindemann gear after a difficult warranty experience shipping the 830S to Germany. JRDG is located in this country, has a great reputation, and integrates very well with my Raidho D3's.
 
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