Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC

The Vac amps I have heard are very special.  I have never actually heard them with "tube amp friendly" speakers.   So you just never know until you try.  

Seems we are all agreed — VAC wins! I am feeling bad though because I was reading a thread that totally trashes Wilson speakers. I think the Sabrinas are really perfect in so many ways. I had to save space so they fit in really nicely. But the thread I read makes it seem as if people who purchase Wilson's have no soul. I am not sure why people disparage others for their choices, but in my mind they are really lovely. Maybe I could do better but there are limited funds (e.g., Raidho, Vandersteen, and so on) — this is a very expensive adventure. I appreciate all that you put into your set ups and so on. I haven't even begun to think about cables. And I am shy to say what I am using presently. I know I need a good interconnnect between the Aeris and amp + so if that is something you know about I would love to hear this too.

Rinpoche,. 

Here's the link to the TubeStore (in Canada) so you can get a general idea of what it costs to replace the tube types (e.g. KT88) in amps. There's other sourcing options and brands (particuarly NOS - new old stock vs current production) aside form what TS offers, but thought since you stated that you are new to tubes it would give you something to look at if interested. Good luck with your decision; and happy  listening

Opps = here's the link http://www.thetubestore.com/

Don't underestimate the "work" necessary for tube power amplifiers!  Tube enthusiast will tell you it's no big deal, but it's similar to when motorheads tell you manual transmissions aren't any more demanding than auto trans.  Aging tubes, heat from tubes, matching and biasing tubes, tube rolling, turn on/off procedures, warm up times for optimum listening, etc.  Experienced audiophiles tend to downplay these issues.  I am not trying to discourage you, but you need to proceed with your eyes open.

You've been offered some really good advice in this thread and I suspect that whatever way you'll go, you'll be very happy.  Unfortunately, I think it will be the wrong decision.  Rather than decide between tubes and solid state you could simply choose both.  I've owned Rowland equipment for decades and think the company and products are first rate, but for the price of the Aeris and 625 you could buy a premium DAC, a solid state power amp and a tube power amp.  Whenever the mood strikes you could switch from one power amp to the other and enjoy their respective benefits.  To put some numbers to it, I'm talking about DACs in the $5k area and power amps in the $5-7k range.