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Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC

Hello, I am new to this forum but I have a question. I am trying to pair an amp + DAC with my Wilson Sabrinas. I have listened to Jeff Rowlands integrated with the Aeris DAC. And the VAC Sigma integrated with the Aeris DAC. Price is a factor and so is space. Does the 625 need a pre-amp? Any suggestions or thoughts? 
rinpoche
rinpoche OP
154 posts
 
You know, that is a great question: what speakers I will listening to at the shop. The shop insists a 3-way is a 3-way. I feel a bit pushed on this one, but there are so few high-end shops in my neighbourhood. They used big Focal speakers that cost $10,000 more than the Sabrinas. So, I agree it is not a fair audition. I am trying, though, to hear the differences in the amps -- but are you saying the JR gear is more suited to the Sabrinas. The Wilson people I spoke to at Wilson Audio love VTL, VAC, ARC, and Nagra tubes with the Sabrinas. They said they pair well, in their opinion. I asked for a home audition but I don't see that happening. Is it the norm for shops to do that? 
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
The shop insists a 3-way is a 3-way.
Speaking frankly, this comment by the shop is nonsense.  Some 3-ways (and other kinds of speakers) are best suited to be driven by solid state amplification, some are best suited to be driven by tube amplification, and some are equally at home with either.  A speaker having a nominal impedance of 8 ohms or more, and having impedance that does not vary greatly as a function of frequency, and having higher than average sensitivity, will usually be suitable for use with either.  To the extent that those criteria are not met, things become questionable.

Over the years many of the models Wilson has produced have been used successfully with both kinds of amplification, even though many of those models have had 4 ohm nominal impedances (like the Sabrina).  However, the graph of impedance vs. frequency for the Sabrina that I linked to in my first post in this thread, coupled with the associated comments that I quoted, as well as a comment in the main body of the review, as well as the Sabrina's somewhat low sensitivity, raised caution flags in my mind as to the suitability of that model for use with tube amplification.

However this comment:
... The Wilson people I spoke to at Wilson Audio love VTL, VAC, ARC, and Nagra tubes with the Sabrinas.
... as well as the comment you indicated earlier that Kevin Hayes had provided, as well as the video Knghifi linked to showing the Sabrina being driven by a VTL tube amp, as well as the inclusion of a 1 to 2 ohm output tap on the VAC iQ models, do provide a fair amount of confidence, albeit obviously not as much as an audition with your speakers would provide.

Best of luck as you proceed.  Regards,
-- Al
 

jafant's avatar
jafant
19,950 posts
 
Any of you guys using a VAC, VTL or JR set up with THIEL loudspeakers? Cabling?
rinpoche OP
154 posts
 
No Thiels in this set up. For now larger Focal, VAC, JR and I believe Transparent cables. 
pokey77
1,269 posts
 

Again as I mentioned before, I heard the Sabrina's with the wonderful ARC GSi75 tube integrated. It was just amazing. That integrated had an iron fist on the speakers and am still thinking about it since I heard the setup six-eight months ago. I've also heard the Sabrina's with the new D'Agostino solid state gear and it was also a great match. But I think the point at least several others are trying to make is, you, Rinpoche need to hear the Sabrina's with the amplification you are considering purchasing. Als comments are a good start, but the end of the story is whether you like the sound or not. It makes no difference if an amp can drive a speaker if you don't appreciate the sound they make together.

The comment made by the dealer that a "three way is a three way" is unfounded. For so many reasons included all that were named by Al. Many amps will drive many speakers but if they don't have the magic you are looking for you'll just be disappointed. Make sure, to the best of your ability, that you audition the specific components together you are considering purchasing so that you will know whether or not you are getting what you'd hoped for.

Finally, I heard my exact system in the store I bought from. When I got it home, well, lets just say I had a long way to go to get it most of the way there to how it sounded at the dealer. My room is not as big and most likely the power they had was better too. It is a big crap shoot but at least if  you hear the components you want to run together in the same store at the same time you can attempt to make the best decision you can.

I do wish you the very best in your journey and that you end up with what  your really desire to hear - music!

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