OLD JFRD amps for mid/hi

MCLSOUND

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Mar 26, 2011
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Hi guys
I was looking for a amp that mates well with ATC mids and there is a local Model 2 for sale and was wondering if these amps have been used by some of you gents before?
thanks
 

DaveyF

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Jul 31, 2010
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IMO, the model 1,2,8 and 9 were the sweet spot of Jeff's line in the last 20+ years. I own the model 8 with choke and believe that even today it is more than competitive with many other current ss contenders. I was listening to a Halcro a few days ago, again IMHO, the model 8 put it to shame.
If the price is right, I do not see how you can go too far wrong with a model 2 in your system.:)
 

flez007

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Aug 31, 2010
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I owned models 1,2 and 8 - the 8 is a hell of an amp, the 2 is closer to the 8 than to the 1. You can't go wrong if price and condition are good.
 

MCLSOUND

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Mar 26, 2011
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maybe $1700 on pickup..looks in good shape.I understand 75w does not seem like much but it has heavy current.The mids are around 93db sesitivity.
 

flez007

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Aug 31, 2010
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maybe $1700 on pickup..looks in good shape.I understand 75w does not seem like much but it has heavy current.The mids are around 93db sesitivity.

You should not worry of the 2 power output, it is a high current design and drives a lot of speakers above 88dB, I used Avalon Avatars, Maggies, Totem Tabu and Monitor Audio Studio 20SE with no issues. Just check the internal fuse and/or ask if it blows regulary, some early models of the 2 were very sensitive to voltage variations.
 

MCLSOUND

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Mar 26, 2011
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thanks 007
good to know
I will use it on the mid/hi only in a bi-amp configuration with krell on the lows
 

MCLSOUND

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Mar 26, 2011
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Looking into a pair of model 3 mono blocks but not much info out there..
Anyone have had some
I would be curious of your thoughts
 

DaveyF

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Jul 31, 2010
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La Jolla, Calif USA
The model 3's would not be very high on my list. They were of the same vintage as the model 5 and 7 and IMHO were easily surpassed by Jeff's later models.
 

MCLSOUND

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Mar 26, 2011
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I have heard older models from krell and they sounded good for the money. .
I figured these may also???
Lots like the model 5 n 7. So I guess I will see.
Just bought a pair.
 

GuidoCorona

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Apr 23, 2010
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MCLSound, I have a PDF copy of the M3 manual. If you like more info about the amp, send me a PM with your email address, and I will forward the doc to you. G. of the
 

flez007

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Aug 31, 2010
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The model 3's would not be very high on my list. They were of the same vintage as the model 5 and 7 and IMHO were easily surpassed by Jeff's later models.

DaveyF is correct, I got confused with the Model 2, which is another amp and on which I based by comment.
 

Forrest

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Mar 19, 2014
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Looking into a pair of model 3 mono blocks but not much info out there..
Anyone have had some
I would be curious of your thoughts

Models 1, 3, 5 and 7 are not at all bad sounding, but you should plan on fully re-capping any of those early models since all of the electrolytic caps in those models are well beyond their lifespan. The odd number JRDG amps were more laid back sounding than the even-numbered amps, but they very are dynamic and three-dimensional sounding. Some people actually prefer the sound of odd-numbered JRDG amps to the even-numbered amps. Also, the odd numbered amps are quite reliable as well, even with their old caps still in place. At the right price I wouldn't turn down a nice pair of Model 3s. Model 5s, both late and early versions are actually quite hard to find these days. Best of luck!
 

BlackPR

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Mar 17, 2016
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I love my Model 5... and I've toyed with the idea of sending it back for upgrades. I called once to ask about price and was told (by Jeff) that there were just too many versions of the 5 (and a 6 month wait) to give me any kind of realistic estimate. Anyone who has been through this process have any feedback?
 

GuidoCorona

Well-Known Member
Apr 23, 2010
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Summerville (SC)
The problem is that the M5 is well over 25 years old. An update/upgrade would require sourcing component parts that are no longer in production, nor being stocked by suppliers... Hence, any upgrades would likely constitute a rebuild with new power supply, and circuit components.

Yes, it is likely that given time... Like in many months... Jeff might find the time and energy to rework your M5 into something exciting... But the expended time and $$$ might be significant.

Since the early 90s, Rowland as well as other manufacturers have evolved their designs... And today's products in general outperform the old ones.

Regards, Guido
 

BlackPR

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Mar 17, 2016
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It can't have been that long. I refuse to believe it. :) You make really good points. Someone earlier in this thread recommended replacing caps. I'm wondering if I should or if I should leave well enough alone.
 

GuidoCorona

Well-Known Member
Apr 23, 2010
327
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Summerville (SC)
Hi BlackPR, if you decide to change any component parts on your M5, I recommend to discuss with Jeff Rowland first... Else, you would be playing russian roulette with your equipment... A new-fangled capacitor may not necessarily enhance the sound... But it would make it different, and possible not as good.

Saluti, Guido
 

DaveyF

Well-Known Member
Jul 31, 2010
6,129
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La Jolla, Calif USA
Hi BlackPR, if you decide to change any component parts on your M5, I recommend to discuss with Jeff Rowland first... Else, you would be playing russian roulette with your equipment... A new-fangled capacitor may not necessarily enhance the sound... But it would make it different, and possible not as good.

Saluti, Guido

Agree with Guido. When I had my model 8 upgraded and worked on this year by Jeff we discussed the idea of a new power supply. Jeff re-enforced for me that the original choke was the way to go and suggested the upgrade path. After several months at the factory, the amp came back with Jeff's mods completed. ( Including a few caps that were replaced due to age). The sound of my "customized" model 8T is now much more resolving than just about any ss I have ever heard. Therefore, my suggestion would be to let Jeff do his magic...even though it will take some time (and money) to get completed.
 

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