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Jeff Rowland Continuum S2
Continuum Integrated
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.
Features
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.
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Jeff Rowland Continuum S2 — integrated power with poise
The Continuum S2 puts 400W per channel of Class‑D–derived power into a compact, beautifully machined chassis. Reviewers including Anthony Kershaw and Marc Phillips praise its combination of effortless dynamics, deep refined bass and a liquid, well‑centered treble that preserves vocal presence and inner detail. The amp's Capri‑derived preamp section, balanced I/O and optional HP phono card or DAC make it versatile for high‑resolution digital sources and vinyl alike. Build quality is premium — aircraft‑grade aluminum faceplate, sealed chassis and high‑quality connectors — and the S2 provides stable control with negligible Class D grain, so speakers from horns to electrostatics benefit from clean, silent power. For listeners seeking a single‑box, high‑power integrated that elevates system performance, the Continuum S2 is a compelling, room‑filling choice.
Pros
- Immense, controlled power and headroom (400W/chan) delivering effortless dynamics and tight, deep bass without Class D grain.
- Refined, detailed midrange and liquid, well‑centered treble that preserves vocal presence and inner detail, producing strong imaging.
- High-end construction and versatile feature set — aircraft‑grade anodized faceplate, sealed chassis for EMI isolation, balanced I/O, premium speaker connectors and optional HP phono/DAC expansion.
Sound Quality
92/100
Dynamics
92/100
With 400W per channel and reviewers using phrases like "effortless power," "big power won't let you down," and "working of the power delivery is flawless," the Continuum delivers exceptional headroom and control for its topology. Critics specifically note deep, refined bass and slam without Class D grain, supporting a high dynamics score.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
The Continuum is credited with excellent imaging and inner detail: voices are described as "present and pinpoint in space" and the amp "revealing tons of inner detail," preserving the vivacious spirit of recordings. Reviewers report strong focus and stable staging that supports vocal presence and instrument placement.
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Build Quality
93/100
Multiple reviewers highlight exquisite industrial design and solid construction — aircraft-grade aluminum faceplates, a sealed chassis for RF/EMI isolation, and high-quality connectors (Cardas). The unit is described as "beautifully made" and "kitted out beautifully," reflecting top-tier fit-and-finish.
Features Connectivity
90/100
The Continuum S2 offers a well-rounded feature set: multiple balanced (XLR) and unbalanced inputs, balanced and unbalanced outputs, preamp bypass (unity gain), and high-quality speaker connectors; an HP phono card and an optional DAC are available. These options plus the Capri-derived preamp section and switch-mode PSU provide a fully featured integrated solution for its class.
Value for Money
90/100
Reviewers cite pricing (base ~$10.5k; with HP phono card ~$11.6k / CAD ~12.25k) while still calling the S2 "very highly recommended" and noting there may be few better solid-state fits at that price. The consensus frames the Continuum as a justified premium purchase that competes strongly in its segment.
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