Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC

Again, I have an all JR system, with the 625 S2, Corus, and Aeris. In my system I did hear a "slight" difference when adding a Wireworld Platinum power cord, but a more audible difference when I added the Torus power conditioner.

Hi Rinpoche,

Congratulations on your decision, preliminary though it may be.

To be sure it's clear, is the Roland you have tentatively settled on the 625S2?

Also, just out of curiosity, which speaker make (Focal?) and specific model was it that you listened to in the recent session?  And if you know or can determine it during your next visit, which tap on the 200iq was used in connecting to that speaker?

Best,
-- Al
 

Here's a thought, maybe do as I do...
own a Rowland ss amp for when you want that ss sound..and a tube amp for when you like the sound of tubes!
The Rowland is an excellent ss amp, having said that, it has all of the typical ss attributes...less depth than what tubes will give you, less purity in the midrange and slightly less definition of timbre. OTOH, the ss amp has better control of the bass, slightly more exact positioning of the players on the stage...although as I said above, the stage is foreshortened and the bonus of being a) probably more reliable and b) giving off less heat. Plus, the ss amp can typically drive a wider range of speakers ( at least the one I own). 
There is no amp that I am aware of that gives the best of both worlds...ss and tube.

Daveyf
Have you heard the 625 S2 in your system or compared it directly to a tube amp?

Another brand that should be on your audition list is Ayre....even the older ones are fabulous.  Their customer service is top notch as well.