Beyond Ayre Pass and Rowland

Richard,
If the opportunity arises to hear/audition  the Aavik I say go for it!
It'd be much fun to compare it to your Rowland fronted with a high quality tube preamplifier. 
Charles,  

Charles, 
If presented the opportunity,  without the need to purchase I will. I listen to my system yesterday for several hours and still really love it. No, it's not at the same level as the Absolare, but close enough considering the cost difference. I'm still going to try a tube preamp. I'm curious to hear if adding a tube preamp will provide a little sliver of the Absolare magic  

Hello Richard,
Tube preamp idea is a good move. You may or may not prefer it but it’s worth the effort to listen to one in your system. You have the right attitude. Keep in mine that amongst tube preamps each will sound different from oneanother. Here’s what I mean,  CJ, ARC,VAC or Atma-Sphere(all are well respected) for an example have their own distinct sound character. So many variables in High End audio= fun and discovery.
Charles,

Which one of those do you like most, Charles?

Charles,
It's just a matter of what works best in my system, based on my priorities. I plan on listening to an Audio Research Ref 6 within the next few weeks. Another guy suggested that I listen to a Dartzeel preamp.