Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC

It’s strictly subjective as to what combination of components someone would prefer to drive these or any speakers.

Yes preference is 100% subjective.

But performance is not and can be measured.

Performance is key to the best sound possible IMHO though any sound might be preferred still.

Limitations with performance may take longer to discover as amp is asked to work harder over a period of time. Like putting a very good quality but  undersized engine in a performance vehicle.

Best sound over time usually occurs when components are not required to run harder than designed to and able to deliver the music with ease.

Do you happen to know which output tap they were using on the 200iq?

almarg,  They mentioned 2.4 ohm impedance dip before hooking up the amp.  I heard a 2 but not sure if 1-2 or 2-4 tap.   

pokey77,  ARC GSi75 is using KT150 and 200iq is 100 wpc with KT88 so my guess it can handle a tougher load??   200iq can roll KT150 and I mentioned to dealer it would be an interesting experiment.

jbrrp1, I have TAD E1.  It's 2 dbs more efficient than CR-1 @4 ohm.   It's the least fuzzy setup speaker I've ever owned.   It's doesn't boom and sounds great plucking them anywhere.  I drive them with tube and SS amps.  Wilsons are a little different from my experience,

rinpoche, when you audition the 200iq, I suggests also audition a SS amp for comparison.

If I was to buy the Sabrina, buy a VAC pre that has low output impedance and an used SS amp.    For under $5000, Parasound JC-1 is a great option.  It has low and high bias setting.  Use low to watch TV and high for listening to music.

For under $10,000, you can get Pass XA160.5, Bryston 28B-SST2, Hegel H30, Ayre MX-R ... lots of excellent options.   So pre + used SS amp are a smidgen more than Sigma 160iSE.  My .02!

knghifi,

Those are some good points.  I have a VAC Ren Sig II that is a very nice sounding tubed preamp that plays happily with any amplifier setup, and I have tried SS amps, but I always come back to tube amps.  They just bring me closer to the palpable sense I get at live music events, and as much as I would like the convenience of SS, it doesn't do the same for me.  Of course, I haven't tried anything close to all of the SS contenders, but I'm too happy with my tubes right now for that.  It all gets down to our personal reactions as to what is sonically important, and there is no accounting for that - - we like what we like.

Interesting that your TAD E1's are not too fussy in placement.  I was captivated by those at the Zesto Audio demo at RMAF 2014, and that is what got me investigating the TAD line and eventually ending up with the CR-1's.  The E1's are a great speaker.  I find the CR-1's to be quite dependent upon placement for issues of imaging and for harmonic fill in the upper bass, lower midrange, so they seem to be less forgiving - - kind of their reputation!  But when you do get them right, boy, do they sing so sweetly and so true!

I'm curious, what amp are you driving your E1's with?

Knghifi,
I agree with you in that there are numerous very good choices available. I'm curious to read how the VAC iq matches with the Sabrinas.  Many roads led to Rome. 
Charles, 

Of course one can build a system around any particular component that uniquely floats their boat.    If it turns out to be the VAC amp, a very enticing piece, and the results with the Wilson's are not suitable, you could easily elect to sell the Wilson's and go with speakers better suited to enable the VAC to shine its best.

Many roads indeed but not all are created equal.