Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC

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. 

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, 

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, 

The gain on the Aeries DAC is adjustable. It clearly states how to adjust the volume when using it with a preamp. When I went from the Bricasti M1 DAC to the Aeris DAC I had too much gain, because I didn't read the owners manual. After adjusting the gain the sound was significantly better.

You are all so helpful and knowledgeable. Perhaps this is not the forum to ask, but what it 'gain'?