Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC

Hi Rinpoche,

While DarTZeel equipment is generally very well regarded, some things in Stereophile’s review of the NHB-108 would give me pause, taking into account the low impedance of your speakers (4 ohms nominal, dipping to between 2.5 and 3 ohms or so in the area of 100 to 200 Hz, where a lot of music contains a lot of energy. Most notable among several points of concern:

The manufacturer strongly recommends using the Lo setting if the amplifier is to be used with low impedances. However, the amplifier then delivers significantly lower power at clipping—43W into 8 ohms (16.3dBW), 68W into 4 ohms (15.3dBW), and 95W into 2 ohms (13.75dBW)—with no reduction in low-power THD.

Best regards,
-- Al

So, overall this might not be a good fit based on the specifications of the amp vis-a-via the speakers. I hear you. There is no way at all of hearing them together. That is for sure. So it would have to be a sure thing. Thanks — I have no idea about the technical aspects. I just trust my ears and they have not heard the amp. I would have to travel to hear it and why bother if it is not advised. Okay, back to JR. So happy I have something wonderful to keep coming back to!!!!!

Swiss have their own ways of doing things and they would expect you to follow them precisely. They also charge you for the honour of owning their equipment. Double the normal price, I mean. Not for me, thank you. As an exotic very expensive choice I would consider Ypsilon Electronics from Greece. $25k for hybrid integrated.

I have owned a Vac Sigma 160i integrated for 4 years. The tubes have not needed replacement during that time, and biasing the tubes needs to be done rarely, and literally takes a minute or two. It is a very simple procedure. Don't be concerned about the Sigma being "high mantenance". That has not been my experience. 
Regarding running the tv through it, that would add a lot of hours to the tube usage. I would suggest another solution for the tv, I bought a B&W Panorama soundbar for mine.

Thanks Heymikey. I appreciate hearing that. If the JR doesn't work out — VAC is the next choice.