Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC

I have had very low NF SS amps designed to sound more like tube amps and they had their unique charms.

The best products are always designed by the best engineers capable of making the right design decisions and backed by a manufacturing process capable of realizing it reliably. Well designed and made products + system synergy is everything when it comes to performance and results. These are all top notch product lines being discussed so the key is to get the synergy right and each amp line is significantly different in that regard..

I wish it was easier to audition the amps with the speakers. It is an expensive journey and I won't have a lot of time with the pairings. So, let's all hope my ears (and my heart) are open to the music. Thank you again and again. 

Hi Rinpoche,
You are correct in that as good as home auditions are your time with the amplifiers is understandably limited. However it’s still a very worthwhile and valuable exercise. You reference using your ears and heart, absolutely the right approach. Choose what musically touches you the most deeply and you’ll be fine. That's what music lovers do and you're a self confessed music lover. 
Charles,

Hello. Just to update you all -- I went to listen to two new amps this morning: a Hegel integrated (they didn't have the H-30) and a Luxman. As nice as they were, in my mind (and heart) they were not as engaging as the JR and/or VAC integrated. When I asked the salesman/owner if he would recommend or if he had anything else to listen to he did mention something in the $35,0000 range and then he bascially said 'go and buy those if you want something commercial'. Also, her was aghast at digital music (which I do use for many reasons) and said something about a "Stradivarius"? Well, on to the next!!!!