Continuum 250
Continuum 250 Technology
Inside an elegant sealed chassis milled from aircraft-grade Aluminum ingots, Continuum 250 features a transformer-coupled, fully balanced topology with the shortest signal path of any Jeff Rowland integrated amplifier.
To maximize common mode rejection and minimize EMI, transformer coupled I/O stages sport 48 K ohms balanced XLR and RCA single ended inputs and line level outputs, a theater bypass input, and superior optional phono cards.
A highly regulated, very high speed, and exceedingly low noise switch mode power supply is followed by twin, blazingly fast Burr Brown OPA1632 differentially balanced I/O audio amplifier modules for preamplification. In the output stage, ICE power 500 ASP power conversion modules generate 250w into 8 ohms, doubling into four. These are followed by banks of large bulk output capacitors that further enhance Continuum 250’s authority into the symmetrically balanced Cardas speaker output terminals.
A speed-sensitive, optically encoded volume knob yields precision level adjustments over a 99 dB range in 0.5dB to 1.5dB steps, while a six-function infrared remote matches most front panel controls. For even superior sonic refinement, Continuum 250 is compatible with the external JRDG PC-1 PFC-based power rectifier and conditioner.
Continuum 250 Features
Understated elegance
Integrated 250W 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.
PC-1 compatibility
Compatible with the Jeff Rowland PC-1 external Active Power Factor Correction (PFC) based rectification and conditioner that converts noisy AC power into supremely quiet and smooth DC high voltage. PC-1 virtually eliminates AC line harmonic noise pollution, and increases power utilization efficiency to 99%, resulting in exceptional nimbleness and even more refined musicality.
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 preamplifier utilizes the TI Burr Brown OPA1632 fully differential I/O audio amplifier module—also incorporated in the Criterion reference preamplifier—to yield the most refined musical experience.
Green power
Twin ultra-high efficiency ICEpower 500 ASP power conversion modules yield 250 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms, doubling over 4 Ohms, and a peak current of 35 Amps, with insignificant heat dissipation.
Enhanced authority
Continuum 250 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 inputs provide universal compatibility with other components and eliminate ground loop noise and EMI, while transformer coupled outputs produce ideal amplifier-to-loudspeaker impedance, damping, and current matching.
Quiet power
Rocker switch on back panel coupled to timer relay, turns Continuum quietly on to full power after circuit stabilization.
Remote control
6-function remote control transmitter adjusts 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.
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 6 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.
Footers
3-point self-leveling chassis support and Sorbothane compliant pads.
IEC
15 Amp female IEC AC power connector.
Continuum 250 Specifications
| Output Power @ 8 ohms | Continuous RMS 250 watts, both channels driven |
| Output Power @ 4 ohms | Continuous RMS 500 watts, both channels driven |
| Frequency Response | 5 Hz – 60 kHz, -3 dB @ 8 ohms |
| Peak Output Current | 35 amps |
| Dynamic Range | 117 dBa |
| Load Impedance Range | 3 ohms – 16 ohms |
| Input Impedance | 48 k ohms |
| THD & Noise, 0.1 watts to Max Output | < 0.05%, Typically .006% @ 1kHzv |
| Damping Factor @ 1 kHz | > 1000 |
| Gain Structure | Preamplifier Section 14 dB, Amplifier Section 26 dB |
| Volume Control Range | 99.5 dB |
| Volume Control Resolution | 0.5 dB +/- 0.05 dB Over Entire Range |
| Common Mode Rejection Ratio | > 85 dB, 20 Hz to 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 Consumption | Idle – 25 watts, Max – 1000 watts |
| Power Supply | Switch Mode (SMPS) |
| Amplifier Weight | 41 lbs / 18.6 kg |
| Amplifier Dimensions (H) x (W) x (D) | 5.3" x 15.5” x 15.0” (135mm x 394mm x 380mm) |
Continuum 250 Reviews
Continuum 250
Inspired by the rare synthesis of the Model 201 monoblock power amplifier with the Capri preamplifier and further augmented by the authority of twin custom banks of bulk output capacitors. The Continuum 250 delivers authority, neutral extension, and great imaging and staging, combined with the ability to expose fine sonic detail, harmonic richness, and an inherent capacity to control speakers ranging from many bipolars up to larger dynamic designs.
Continuum 250 is created to the exacting JRDG artistic and engineering standards that turn advanced green technologies into refined sonic performance. Unsurprisingly, discerning music lovers throughout the world are choosing this exceptional integrated amplifier as the centerpiece of sophisticated audio and AV reproduction systems.