Jeff Rowland Continuum S2 Integrated Amplifier w/ MC Phono Module

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General:
The Continuum S2 is a powerhouse class D amplifier delivering 400w into 8ohms. In testing it sounded fantastic and could drive even the most power hungry speakers.

Just like most Jeff Rowland Products, it is built to a standard rarely seen. When holding it it seems like it is made from a solid Aluminium.

For reliability, it just came back from Jeff Rowland Service.

This particular unit also has its Phono Module which gives it even more flexibility. Included with the unit will be its manual, remote and original box. 

From Jeff Rowland:
Featuring enhanced sonic performance and flexibility, the new Rowland Continuum Series 2 integrated amplifier delivers stunning dynamic realism and expressive refinement through advanced topologies. Continuum S2 integrates the new Capri S2 preamplification circuit, input/output, and control features with an innovative 400 watt power amplification stage into a single chassis.

The amplifier delivers the trademark Rowland musicality, resolution, and unfailing authority to the most refined audio environments: challenge Continuum S2 to the extreme dynamics of high-resolution digital sources and the power requirements of large bi-wired speakers. Apply it to the complex loads of electrostatic panels in analog rigs. Admire its exceptional realism driving single-wired studio monitors in a sophisticated multi-media system.

The elegance of Continuum S2’s ergonomic console emerges from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum. Discover the impressive complement of standard input/output interfaces. Enhance its flexibility through the optional DAC card, or its fully redesigned phono stage.

Understated elegance
Integrated 400W balanced amplifier design housed inside an elegant, ultra-low resonance, structurally rigid chassis that is precision-machined from solid blocks of aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum that is completely sealed for trouble-free operation and high RF and EMI isolation.

Power supply efficiency
Regulated, high speed, vanishingly quiet switch mode power supplies (SMPS) ensure consistent performance under all operating conditions.

Leading preamplification
Advanced linestage circuit based on the sophisticated topology of the Capri 2 preamplifier yielding and incredibly refined musical experience from a compact and efficient system.

Thin Film Resistors
All resistors are low noise, 0.1% thin-film type for extremely low thermal noise which complement the low-noise characteristics of the active circuitry.

Four Layer Circuit Board
All circuitry is populated on one side of a 4 layer circuit board to allow for continuous, unbroken, low impedance ground and power supply distribution planes. Care was taken to minimize signal path lengths and components sizes.

Green power
Twin ultra- high efficiency power conversion modules yield 400 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms, doubling over 4 Ohms, and a peak current of 40 Amps.

Enhanced authority
Continuum S2 balanced output stages are equipped with unique bank of large bulk output capacitors that further enhance its transient speed, sonic authority, macro dynamics, and presence.

I/O flexibility
Dual line-level outputs (balanced and unbalanced), balanced and unbalanced inputs, and preamp bypass inputs allow unprecedented compatibility with audio and A/V components, while optional high quality phono cards are available for compatibility with vinyl sources.

Fully balanced
Balanced input and output topology, including active positive and negative leads on Cardas output terminals for optimum speaker control, yields high common rejection ratio of 85dB over 20 to 20 KHz audio frequency band.

Line level transformer-coupled IO
Transformer coupled input circuitry provides universal component compatibility and virtually eliminate ground loop noise and RFI/EMI. Transformer coupling ensures identical overall gain with all inputs. Other benefits include ground noise isolation and excellent common mode noise rejection (CMRR) from all sources.

Precision volume adjustments
Dual rate volume control allows precision level adjustments over nearly a 100 dB range. The volume control incorporates a permanently noiseless optical encoder that always maintain its tactile feel, accuracy, and channel balance at all settings. The volume can be adjusted from 0dB to 99.5dB from the volume knob on the front panel, as well as from the 9 function remote control. Rapid turns of the volume control adjust the volume by 1.5dB increments. Slow turns of the control allow for very fine adjustments by 0.5dB increments.

Quiet power
Rocker switch on back panel coupled to timer relay, turns Continuum quietly on to full power after circuit stabilization.

Remote control
Six-function remote control transmitter with individual input select buttons controls volume, input selection, mute, and channel balance.

Remote trigger
Supports 12V remote ON/OFF remote trigger for power switching via 1/8” jack on rear panel.

Grounding
Grounding post for star-grounding and other advanced configurations is accessible on the rear panel.

IEC
15 Amp female IEC AC power connector.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Very small scratches can be seen on the case. Overall very good condition.

SkyFi Technical Notes:
This unit has an MC step up phono module installed on the Line 1 input. Also note that the line out is behind the volume control on this model. There is no tape output.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA, XLR, IEC Power

General Sound:
Big beautiful musical sound with little fatigue.

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Included:
Unit, remote, box, manual, and power cord.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Original MSRP:
$10,849.00

Specs:
Output Power @ 8 ohms Continuous RMS 400 watts, both channels driven
Output Power @ 4 ohms Continuous RMS 800 watts, both channels driven
Frequency Response 5 Hz – 70 kHz, -3 dB @ 8 ohms
THD & Noise < 0.05%, 20 Hz – 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 Supply Switch Mode (SMPS) and universal AC input voltage

Dimensions:
5.3″ x 15.5” x 15.0” (135mm x 394mm x 380mm)

Weight:
35 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables - Better

Kimber Summit Series Monocle XL Speaker Cables (PAIR) - Best

Kimber Summit Series BiFocal XL Bi-Wire Speaker Cables (PAIR) - Best If Applicable

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

Testing Process:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

If the device has the ability to decouple the preamplifier from the power amplifier, we remove the jumpers and independently test each section. If the device cannot be decoupled, we assess the electronic condition of the piece by analyzing the speaker level output only.

We start by connecting the "Pre-Out" jacks of the integrated to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface. The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1 KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope.

We then switch to a 1 KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment.

Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources.

If the preamp section is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve.

Next we test the power amplifier section by connecting the integrated amplifier speaker outputs to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which acts as a dummy load, DC offset monitor, and oscilloscope interface. We start with a low level 1 KHz test signal at the "Main In” jacks and slowly increase its amplitude while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of noise, clipping, distortion, or improper channel balance. We continue increasing the signal level until the amplifier reaches clipping.

At this point we take an output power measurement and compare it to the spec sheet of the amplifier to verify proper performance. We finish off the bench evaluation with a 1 KHz square wave check and a 20 Hz to 20 KHz sine sweep to assess the amplifier’s frequency response characteristics.

This battery of tests will usually reveal if the amplifier has any issues that need further attention.

If the preamp and power amp both pass these tests, we reconnect the sections and verify that the preamp section can drive the power amp to rated power with a 1KHz tone on one of the line level inputs.

Before the device leaves the bench, we perform a listening test with actual music using a variety of preferred test tracks. Our benches are outfitted with familiar monitor speakers which help us identify inconsistencies that will not always show up on our test gear. The main things that we are listening for are hum or noise with no signal present, proper center image, clicks, pops, or any other obvious undesirable audio characteristics.

If the unit passes all of these tests it moves to our long term testing rig where we simulate real word operating conditions for 6-8 hours minimum. This allows us to monitor the unit for signs of thermal runaway or intermittent issues that only crop up when the unit has fully come up to temperature.