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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
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, 
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,483 posts
 
I have had very low NF SS amps designed to sound more like tube amps and they had their unique charms.

The best products are always designed by the best engineers capable of making the right design decisions and backed by a manufacturing process capable of realizing it reliably. Well designed and made products + system synergy is everything when it comes to performance and results. These are all top notch product lines being discussed so the key is to get the synergy right and each amp line is significantly different in that regard..
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