JRDG Company Special – Model 201

Model 201 (2002-2012)
Retail price in 2007 in Germany 3.298 euro per amp

The Model 201 was Rowland’s first offering with ICE-power. Inside is (as far as I know) little more than a standard 250ASP ICE power module and a Rowland-made transformer-coupled input circuit. Still these amps took the world by surprise. How could something so tiny be so powerful and yet delicate?

Sound

After my Model 10 had repeated problems with its power supply, I explored alternatives and the Model 201’s were amongst them. I compared them directly with the Model 10 and was both impressed and disappointed at the same time. Impressed because the 201’s had even tighter bass and more focus that the Model 10 and disappointed because in other departments they were clearluy inferior. Comparing the 201’s to just about any other amp they probably would have made good impressions exclusively but the Model 10 is no ordinairy amp. The 10 had more air, better soundstage layering and width as well as more fluidity and a hint of warmth through the midrange that the 201’s lacked. Not that they sounded cold per se but eventually a subliminal feeling of artificiality emerged that I couldn’t let go of.

Sound – 2015 comparisons

After reviewing the Class D model 525 power amp, I arranged a get together with 2 Rowland owners, making for a nice collection of 4 amplifiers spanning almost 2 decades of Rowland technology. Read the review below.

Class AB vs Class D – Model 525 compared to Model 201, Model 10 and Model 6

Model 201 Inside Pics

Model 201 Gain Settings

Below descriptions indicate model 201, but they also apply to model 501.

Model 201 Features

XLR input connector for balanced system configurations. Same gain and input impedance characteristics are ensured whether XLR or RCA adapted inputs are used.

Transformer coupled input provides universal compatibility with other components and eliminates ground loop noise and EMI.

High efficiency ICEpower® power conversion technology generates high output power with very little heat, promotes long component life and permits a relatively small physical size.

Multistage AC line filtering in power supply reduces AC line noise pollution throughout amplifier signal circuitry.

CE approved speaker output terminals require no tools for secure, low resistance connections.

Fully-balanced topology implemented in both input and output circuitry.

Proprietary switch-mode power supply technology ensures consistent performance under all operating and AC line conditions.

Low power consumption permits constant power-up operation to eliminate warm-up time.

Selectable overall gain of 26 or 32 dB.

Ultra-low resonance, structurally rigid chassis, precision-machined from a solid block of aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum.

Remote ON/OFF input jack allows amplifier standby operation from a remote source for inclusion into home theater (A/V) systems.

Model 201 Specifications

Output Power Continuous RMS
@ 8 ohms – 250 watts
@ 4 ohms – 500 watts

Frequency Response
5 Hz – 70kHz, 3dB

Peak Output Current
> 35 amps

Dynamic Range
117 dba

Load Impedance Range
2 ohms – 16 ohms

THD + Noise
0.1W-500W/4 ohm
<.05%, typically .006 @ 1kHz

CCIF Intermod. Dist.,
19/20kHz <.002%

Damping Factor
@ 1 kHz 1000

Overall Gain
Selectable Internal Jumper,
26 or 32 dB

Input Impedance
40k Ohms

Common Mode Rejection Ratio
>90dB, 20 Hz 20 kHz

Absolute Phase
Non-inverting, Pin 2 Positive

Inputs
1 x Balanced XLR (Unbalanced operation requires an optional XLR to RCA adapter)

Outputs
1 Pair CE-Approved Binding Posts

Power Consumption
Idle – 9 watts
Maximum – 650 watts

Amplifier Weight
13 lbs/6 kg.

Amplifier Dimensions
2.6″ x 8.4″ x 11.5″

More Jeff Rowland

Jeff Rowland Company Special Main Page
Jeff Rowland Company Special Power Amplifiers
Class AB vs Class D – Model 525 compared to Model 201, Model 10 and Model 6
Trends TA-10.2, Wadia 151, Jeff Rowland 102 and OEM ICE Power module compared

Also Read

“Digital” Switching Class D or Class T Amplifiers