Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC

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'? 

Thank you, Ricred.  Good info.  Is the adjustment you are referring to internal to the unit, or is it the volume control that is on the front panel?

Rinpoche, gain is the relation between the output voltage of a circuit or component, and the input voltage that is provided to that circuit or component.  In the case of a component having a volume control, such as a preamp, it is usually specified based on the control being at its maximum possible setting. 

Although for a source component such as a DAC it is probably more proper to refer to maximum output level, or maximum output voltage, rather than gain, since the component is not being provided with an input voltage in the usual (analog) sense.

Best of luck as you proceed.  Regards,
-- Al