2. amps-preamps
  3. 1205384005

OK, I'm dumb. Does it ever end?

For my first new stereo in 20 years, I wanted simplicity. The Arcam Solo CD called my name, especially with its iPod integration via the Rdock. I bought both the Solo and the dock.

Then I got it into my head that I needed more juice to drive my B&W 683s.

I got a Jeff Rowland 102 amp. At first, as some who contributed to the thread know, I couldn't hear a difference. With each passing day however, I grow more attached to the sound, even through the sonic bottleneck of the iPod.

Now I'm seeing that the iPod/Arcam Rdock is holding me back. The Apple TV, with its optical out holds a certain allure. This of course, would render the Arcam Rdock useless. And since I'm already bypassing the Arcam's integrated amp to use the Rowland 102, AND I don't much use the Arcam's CD/tuner, I am sitting on an overpriced mid-fi pre-amp, and a decidedly odd system. The sound is decent, but the imagery of a Bentley sedan with a Mercedes steering wheel keeps eating away at me. The knowledge that my system is a serious mismatch is keeping me from enjoying the music. And knowing I have a unit (the Solo) whose amp sits idle (I'm not gonna mess with biwiring) is particularly disruptive.

I now realize I bought this stuff with far too little foresight or knowledge, and I'm going to have to take a bath to correct the situation.

I'm mad about Rowland stuff, from the sound to the look, the whole package. My dream machine is the Rowland Concerto integrated, at 250wpc.

My question to you guys is, do I get out of the Arcam and the Rowland 102 while I still can, and pony up the difference for the Concerto integrated (I am NOT a wealthy guy), or "settle" and only sell the Arcam, replacing it with a Rowland Capri pre-amp?

The B&W speakers would be the next axe victim, with Gallo Ref 3s replacing them at some point.

From what I've read, it seems like the Gallos would prefer the 250wpc the Concerto offers over the 100wpc of the 102.

While I'm obsessing, why doesn't Jeff Rowland make a nice silvery DAC?

Any thoughts much appreciated.

-Rob
rkny
french_fries
815 posts
 
1st of all i recommend that you buy some vintage rowland components and save money. BUT usually it is advisable to splurge on speakers 1st- buy as far above your price/expectation level as you can without committing a felony. btw, rowland has never made digital equipment so don't count on them doing it now...
as hannibal lecter would say- "marcus aurelius- first principles" of audio- take your time! whatever you buy today will be bettered by something that gets listed in audiogon tomorrow, so it's better to save up a bit and get something a little better at first anyway. at least if you can appreciate rowland gear your hearing is intact and will help you make some good decisions down the road.
there are some excellent cdplayers out there that are inexpensive because they are technologically a few years old. they still sound excellent, and you get a free ride when you buy cd's that are engineered well- stock up on those FIRST instead of blaming your system for sounding terrible.
your analogy of the mercedes and the bentley is puzzling though. an ipod is more like a plymouth valiant than a mercedes; the arcam is a "toyota camry".
although, you could do something totally rash and get the meridian/ferrari table radio for $3,000. LOL!! you're right though- it does "never end"- obviously.
larryken
537 posts
 
Wadia is coming out with an Ipod dock that bypasses the Ipod dac and lets you use your own...my brother is moving to this type of setup...he has high quality gear.
Larry
rkny OP
47 posts
 
Thanks. I was referring to the Arcam as the Mercedes' steering wheel. I figured Sony would be more akin to a Toyota. I guess car comparisons are subjective...

All I really want is to have a simple cohesive system that sounds great...AND STOP. My girlfriend already wants to kill me for the few purchases I've made in the past couple of months. I was perfectly happy with my old NAD int amp and Allison speakers for 20 years. I want to get back to that level of simplicity and lack of want.

The digital source can be the weak link for a while. Eventually there will be a moderately priced all-in-one hard drive or flash RAM based player, that doesn't require a computer, holds a ton of music and has either optical out or a nice onboard DAC. For now, the Apple TV will suffice. My ears aren't super critical.

I'm as driven by good industrial design as I am by good sound. I feel the Rowland Concerto paired with Gallo Ref 3s will answer my current demands for the forseeable future. Now I just need to figure out how to finance the Rowland/Gallos and make the transition seamless to my S.O.!
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
i suspect your system sounds great. browse all the reselling of end-all products on agon, just to remind yourself that satisfaction is a mindset.
undertow
1,033 posts
 
# 1 yes you are thinking way to far into it, and obviously so due to a comfort level is not obtained from what you have already spent, and now wasting your audio enjoyment time without actually getting it as a payoff.. First off changing everything for simplicity is a mistake in any endevor or investment.. Streamlining is one thing.. Completley disregarding the rules is another. Your best move is to try and juice the best out of the advanced technology (cough, cough) you have already purchased, and go very seriously into finding the right speakers to take advantage of itÂ… You might find the harmony with the equipment you have, but need a different end tone to complete it. See the best recommended speakers for the size you need to match that amp is where I would start, and don't take these recommendations lightly, they can save you in the end from many more mistakesÂ… Not sure if you purchased everything new or not, however if not you can recover a good amount of your investment, but gear like you have accept maybe the rowland will not hold a very good resale value so be prepared. Oh and room acoustic considerations, and power supply from your wall, and yes even some cable changes could help you with little cost if you just try and audition some stuff for free locally.
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