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Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC

Hello, I am new to this forum but I have a question. I am trying to pair an amp + DAC with my Wilson Sabrinas. I have listened to Jeff Rowlands integrated with the Aeris DAC. And the VAC Sigma integrated with the Aeris DAC. Price is a factor and so is space. Does the 625 need a pre-amp? Any suggestions or thoughts? 
rinpoche
rinpoche OP
152 posts
 
I am very appreciative. I did write to Kevin and he thought the Sigma would be great. He also said the Phi 200 would be great, but both would be excellent choices. The used Phi, however, would not be warrantied as far as I understand because it is coming from the US to Canada, so that sort of stopped me from pursuing it fully. As I mentioned, I don't have experience with tubes. This is a new adventure for me. I am a bit nervous but also trying not to be intimidated (as a woman I am not as sure about biasing and rolling and tweaking tubes -- yet, but I am sure I will learn). All of your suggestions are valuable. The best thing would be if the store would come to my house to audition the JR and VAC amps. That would be great. Are there any other amps I should be looking at that will be reliable and easy to run in this price range (with the Sabrinas)? 
pokey77
604 posts
 

First off, Al's comments are very informative and much appreciated. Secondly, I only comprehend Al's comments at a layman's understanding.

So, with that in mind, I have heard the Sabrina's twice. And both times I was pretty enraptured. The first time was with D'Agostino mono blocks and preamp with a Bricasti M1 DAC. Not sure of wire and other ancillary items, but this absolutely hit the nail on the head for me. This was at The Show Newport 2015. My friend and I both thought it was a very lovely sound. Certainly in the best five or six rooms.

I also more recently heard the Sabrina's with an ARC GSi75 integrated amp. So, different room and supporting cast, but again, wow, what a nice full rich sound. Tube magic in evidence. The ARC has its own DAC, which I think they used, and this was a very nice complement for the Sabrina's. For only 75 wpc, these tube amps had an iron grip on the bass and I was pretty astonished as were others as well. I heard them at at a high end get together and there were a number of people who felt this was one of the best setups in the room; there were 6 or 7 total and they were nearly all Wilson with ARC gear. This particular Sabrina/ARC GSi75 integrated pairing also one of the least expensive at that get together.

I still think a lot about the Sabrina's with an ARC GSi75 integrated or the D'Agostino gear. Very nice indeed. My one caveat concerning the Sabrina's with an ARC GSi75 integrated is that the amp takes 45 seconds to power on and since my system is used with TV/Movies as well, that'd be a no go as my wife would not accept that. Never hurts to dream though.

BTW, most of the time I have seen the Wilson line displayed they were being paired with ARC gear. I have heard most of the floor standing line and I thought the Sabrina/ARC GSi75 integrated was near the best. On that same day I heard the Alexandria XLF with D'Agostino mono' and pre and it was very engaging but to me the cost differential seemed unjustified. Of course, this is just my own opinion. Good luck in your journey, hope it is a lot of fun for you.

rinpoche OP
152 posts
 
That is so interesting and helpful. I went to the store initially to hear the ARC GSi75. I then compared it to the JR and the VAC, and you are right it is great. And all in one -- but the VAC won me over. That is why I narrowed it down to the VAC or JR for the differences they bring -- tubes vs. SS. If it sounded good with the ARC it will sound great with either of the other two amps. Your comments are so so helpful. Thanks, I really appreciate you sharing that. Makes me very happy. I am using a Devialet 200 at the moment and can't wait to upgrade. It was all I could afford both price wise and space wise at the time. I can now expand and I am very much looking forward to it. 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Hello rinpoche, 
This thread has generated very thoughtful and well reasoned dialog. Superb insight from Al as is par for the course. Ì agree wholeheartedly with Jond in that a home audition of the two amplifiers should  be provided.  This is an important decision and not an inexpensive one at that. 

What is more important to you,  the power,convenience and flexibility of the Rowland (use with television etc.  ) or the "tube  magic " rendered via the VAC?  Is ultimate sound quality and listening  enjoyment the goal? If so it seems as though the tube magic has grabbed your ears and touched your musical soul. 
Good luck, 
Charles, 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
One other point,  AL is spot on regarding amplifier gain/sensitivity, DAC voltage output and the gain level of a preamplifier  (if being considered ). If these parameters aren't adjustable via the components you can have too much system gain. This will greatly limit volume control range to  7 -9 o'clock region which is far too restrictive. Finding the right volume level will be difficult to do.
Charles, 
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