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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
 
So far, it sounds like JR is still winning for combining great sound and ease of use. And perhaps the VAC 200iq is next given its new self-biasing feature, though I have still to hear it. The exciting listening adventure continues!! 
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,483 posts
 

ARC seems to know how to do NF with tube amps right and on paper would seem to be called for with the Wilson speakers.


I lost track. Is ARC versus VAC versus JR in home with the Wilsons the shootout? Or just JR versus VAC?

Its a great shootout by the way. Three of my absolute favorite brands each with unique pros and cons. Any tickets available? :^)

  Can't wait to hear the results.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Mapman,
I don’t believe that ARC gets the use of NFB anymore (or less ) right than does VAC. I say this because it strictly depends on the speaker in question. For example Al’s speaker sounds better with his amplifier’s zero NFB setting . In fact the scenario is true in my case as well. My particular speakers sound their very best with my zero NFB amplifier compared to those with NFB.

So again depending on the speaker characteristics either the ARC or the VAC could be the "ideal" choice. ARC’s 14 db of NFB may or may not be the preferred amount. Amplifiers which offer selectable NFB levels are  a very good approach as it provides flexibility. Perhaps the Sabrinas are more compatible with amplifiers that rely on increased NFB.
Charles,
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,483 posts
 

Charles I simply meant they get it right for their products as designed not that they do it any better or worse than others who do it differently for different reasons. Practically their tube amp market share probably does help confirm the relative effectiveness of their approach for many using many different speaker designs.


I would love to own a VAC but would probably only do it if I were willing to build my system around it, mainly the speakers. Atmasphere (OTL) is another example of a higher output impedance tube amp that dictates certain speakers more for best results. SET tube amps are of course another.  


ARC tube amps would seem to fit better for more that build around certain speakers that may be a harder load to drive but still prefer a tube amp.

Different strokes......

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Mapman,
Yes I see your point, expanding the potential field of speakers that could be used successfully.
Zero NFB amplifiers would require more specific /careful speaker matching.  But oh so good when that match is right  😊.
Charles, 
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