Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC

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.

onhwy61,

Please recommend a SS power amp in the $5-7K range

Yes, please say more re: SS amp and tube preamp. Would a tube preamp need less 'work'? Or are you saying that by not using it all the time it would be better and the sound experience similar. Any suggestions or combos? I am grateful to the thoughtful comments here — I am very appreciative.