Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC

Good news. The stereo store owner has offered to do a home audition once I confirm the amp (or two) that I have narrowed it down to. That is a relief. And, they are getting in the 200IQ in a week so I can also hear that. All is moving along and all of you who contributed to this thread played a major part. As I say each time — THANK YOU. Whatever experience or advice you have to share is really welcomed and is being digested and used in both my negotiations with the store and my own listening education. Hey, should we start talking about great songs to use for an audition!!!!!! LOL

Well I'm glad that the store owner is behaving reasonably,  the audition of the amplifiers with your speakers is ideal. Now all you have to do is listen and trust your ears. 
Charles, 

I'd be very interested to hear your comments after auditioning the iQ version of the VAC, so please post your experiences.  I'd love to get a good audition of one.

I will. It doesn't arrive in the shop for another week, but I will definitely let you (all) know. R

I spent the afternoon at Fidelis looking into analog and they are dealers for Wilson and recently VAC.   They have Wilson Sabrina, VAC 200iq and VAC Sigma 160i SE in stock.   200iq and Sigma 160i SE in different rooms so I just demo 200iq with Sabrina.   Preamp was VAC SigMKIIa SE (my current preamp) and not familiar with the DAC ... something expensive. 

Overall I found the sound very good but boomy bass.  It seems the amp cannot control the bass, impedance curve or needing setup fine tuning. We switched 200iq with D’Agostino Momentum Stereo Amplifier and WOW!   No more boomy bass, actually less bright, more transparent, doesn't sound like tube or SS but just music.   I know I know not a fair comparison, $14K vs $35K.    This is the 1st time I heard VAC SigMKIIa SE with Momentum and it's an EXCELLENT match.   Now getting dangerous thoughts in my head ... Hmm!

So if you are buying from a dealer, insist on home demo before writing a check.   If you are set on Sabrina, Rowland might be a better option so don't rule them out.    Dealer can help with Sabrina setup.  Another option is go with tube pre and SS amp.