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Continuum 500 and 250

2009-present time

Continuum 500

new approx 9000 euro

used 6000 euro

The Continuum 500 utilises 500 watt ICE power modules much like those inside the 201, 501 and 300 series. In addition, the Continuum 500 incorporates Power Factor Correction (PFC) circuitry that provides a near linear transfer of energy from power line to speaker outputs, just like in the 300 series amplifiers. Power supply is Switch Mode (SMPS) with active power factor correction (PFC) and universal AC input voltage.

Refined by a massive 1500 Watts of pre power supply PFC rectification, and augmented by the tremendous authority of twin custom banks of bulk output capacitors. Continuum 500 combines tremendous authority, neutral extension, great imaging and staging, with the ability to recover minute sonic detail, an enviable harmonic richness, and an inherent capacity to control speakers ranging from full-range three ohms electrostatics and bipolars to large dynamic designs.

There's also a 250 watt version:

Inspired by the rare synthesis of the Model 201 monoblock power amplifier with the Capri preamplifier and further augmented by the authority of twin custom banks of bulk output capacitors. The Continuum 250 delivers authority, neutral extension, and great imaging and staging, combined with the ability to expose fine sonic detail, harmonic richness, and an inherent capacity to control speakers ranging from many bipolars up to larger dynamic designs.

Rowland's latest products now feature a slightly curved frontpanel and are less wide (now 39,4 cm instead of 44,5 cm). I'm still not sure whether I like it or not but it seems that the new design is here to stay. Optional high quality internal phono preamp modules are available.

CONTINUUM 500 SPECS

Output Power @ 8 ohms Continuous RMS 500 watts, both channels driven

Output Power @ 4 ohms Continuous RMS 1000 watts, both channels driven

Frequency Response 5 Hz – 45 kHz, -3 dB @ 8 ohms

Peak Output Current 40 amps

Dynamic Range 120 dBa

Load Impedance Range 3 ohms – 16 ohms

Input Impedance 48 k ohms

THD & Noise, 0.1 watts to Max Output < 0.1%, Typically .01% @ 1 kHz

Damping Factor @ 1 kHz > 1000

Gain Structure Preamplifier Section 14 dB, Amplifier Section 26 dB

Volume Control Range 99.5 dB

Volume Control Resolution 0.5 dB +/- 0.05 dB Over Entire Range

Common Mode Rejection Ratio > 85 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Inputs 2 pair Balanced (XLR), 2 pair Unbalanced (RCA) / 1 pair Unbalanced (RCA), Unity Gain (Bypass)

Outputs 1 pair Balanced (XLR), 1 pair Unbalanced (RCA) / 1 pair CE-Approved Speaker Wire Clamp

Power Consumption Idle – 60 watts, Max – 2000 watts

Power Supply Switch Mode (SMPS) with active power factor correction (PFC) and universal AC input voltage

Amplifier Weight 44 lbs / 20 kg

Amplifier Dimensions (H) x (W) x (D) 5.3" x 15.5” x 15.0” (135mm x 394mm x 380mm)

CONTINUUM 250 SPECS

Output Power @ 8 ohms Continuous RMS 250 watts, both channels driven

Output Power @ 4 ohms Continuous RMS 500 watts, both channels driven

Frequency Response 5 Hz – 60 kHz, -3 dB @ 8 ohms

Peak Output Current 35 amps

Dynamic Range 117 dBa