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Jeff Rowland Daemon
Daemon Integrated
Jeff Rowland Design Group launched the 1500 WPC Daemon Super Integrated Amplifier at Munich High End 2015. Named after the ancient Greek word for the power of “creative genius” and the spirit of “scientific inspiration”, the Daemon represents a technological leap forward as Jeff Rowland’s fifth generation of integrated amplifiers.
“Designing the integrated amplifier is one of the most challenging tasks in audio. To achieve perfect synergy of all components while entirely eliminating cross component interference is a black art,” says founder and president Jeff Rowland. “When done well, the results can be spectacular. The Daemon is one of our most sophisticated products to date. You’ll see much of its DNA expressed in future products. ”
Features
MACHINE-ALUMINUM CHASSIS
Precision-machined chassis with integrated heat-sinks milled from a solid block of aircraft grade aluminum, provides exceptional thermal heat transfer/dissipation. RFI/EMI shielding, resonance control, and minimizes micro-phonically induced micro-vibrations from any source.
BALANCE TOPOLOGY
Inherent cancellation effects of balanced topology implemented throughout all power and input/output circuits ensures greatly reduce distortion and noise under dynamic signal conditions
HIGH-PRECISION SURFACE COMPONENTS
Extensive use of Lead (pb)-free, low temperature coefficient, active and passive surface-mount components results in significantly smaller loop areas, reduced circuit capacitance and inductance, and introduces less noise than conventional leaded components.
THIN FILM RESISTORS
All resistors are low noise, 0.1% thin-film type for extremely low thermal noise which complement the low-noise characteristics on the active circuitry.
TEFLON COATED WIRES
All signal carrying input and output wires are teflon coated, also for low dielectric energy storage, further ensuring that each audio note reproduced naturally decays into the deeper silence of the music.
TRANSFORMER-COUPLING AND ISOLATION
Transformer coupled input circuitry provides universal component compatibility and virtually eliminate ground loop noise and RFI/EMI. Transformer coupling ensures identical amplifier overall gain when using unbalanced input adapters.
ACTIVE POWER FACTOR CORRECTION
A Power Factor Correction (PFC) integrated into the power supply reduces AC line harmonic noise pollution and increases AC line power utilization to 99%.
HIGH-EFFICIENCY SWITCH MODE POWER SUPPLY
Highly efficient, compact, light weight, 1500 watt DC switch-mode power supply provides optimum voltage regulation for all circuits and operating conditions, and allows for quiet operation over a wide range of AC mains power sources.
BINDING POSTS
CE approved speaker output terminals require no tools for secure, low resistance connections.
FRONT PANEL STANDBY BUTTON
Standby button is part of the three buttons on the front of the DAEMON .
REMOTE ON/OFF
(3.5mm) mini plug connector on rear panel permits amplifier power on/standby switching switching in remote and home theater applications.
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Jeff Rowland Daemon — High‑power integrated for musical authority
Jeff Rowland's Daemon is an extraordinary, high‑power integrated that marries brute force with refined musicality. Boasting 1500 WPC (8 Ω) / 2500 WPC (4 Ω), it supplies exceptional headroom and slam while preserving a near‑silent background, a balance praised by Audiophilepure. The sonic signature is rich and rounded through the midband, with notable clarity and separation that makes cartridge and source differences immediately audible. Dynamics are a hallmark — the Daemon's willing power delivery produces commanding impact, speed and detailed transient definition. Physically it reflects premium engineering: a substantial 99 lb chassis and comprehensive analogue/digital I/O for modern systems, though the reviewer noted a practical omission — no dedicated ground post. Ideal for large speakers and serious vinyl or digital front-ends seeking both authority and musical nuance, the Daemon is a flagship-grade integrated that rewards critical listening.
Pros
- Exceptionally low noise floor and refined musical expression, delivering a quiet background even at high levels.
- Huge, controlled dynamics and headroom — power delivery produces impact, separation and detail with authority.
- Reveals source and cartridge differences with strong clarity and imaging, making it highly resolving for critical listening.
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Cons
- No dedicated chassis ground post was fitted, requiring alternative grounding workarounds for some turntable setups.
Sound Quality
92/100
Dynamics
92/100
Huge rated power and the review's repeated reference to the Daemon's 'willing power delivery' and 'added dynamic range, impact, separation and detail' support very strong dynamics and headroom. Score aligns with expectations for a very high-power Class AB-style integrated in this segment.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
Reviewer notes excellent separation, detail and impact (e.g., Goldfinger sounding 'sonically spectacular'), and that cartridge differences were clearly delineated — evidence of precise imaging and strong staging capabilities.
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Build Quality
91/100
Very substantial chassis/PSU (99 lbs) and the near-silent operation imply high-quality construction and componentry; only noted hardware oversight was the absence of a ground post. Overall impression from review and specs is premium build with one minor ergonomic omission.
Features Connectivity
89/100
Extensive analogue and digital I/O (3x RCA, 2x XLR balanced; multiple SPDIF/BNC, AES/EBU, USB, 3x TOSLINK) indicates a built-in DAC/robust digital section and pro-level connectivity. Lack of an explicitly mentioned phono stage or headphone output keeps this below 'fully featured' top range.
Value for Money
86/100
The review offers no direct judgment about the Daemon's price or relative value (the review focuses on sonic performance and components like cartridges), so a neutral baseline score is applied. The amplifier is clearly high-end and costly (product data lists a five-figure price), but reviewers did not evaluate price/value tradeoffs specifically.
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