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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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Rinpoche,
You are correct in that as good as home auditions are your time with the amplifiers is understandably limited. However it’s still a very worthwhile and valuable exercise. You reference using your ears and heart, absolutely the right approach. Choose what musically touches you the most deeply and you’ll be fine. That's what music lovers do and you're a self confessed music lover. 
Charles,
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,232 posts
 

rin, that is good advice from Charles.

You are well prepared.  The only thing else I can think of is go in with a good sampling of the kinds of music you will be listening to planned out ahead.. Some good recordings, some lesser, various genres of interest, etc.


rinpoche OP
154 posts
 
Hello. Just to update you all -- I went to listen to two new amps this morning: a Hegel integrated (they didn't have the H-30) and a Luxman. As nice as they were, in my mind (and heart) they were not as engaging as the JR and/or VAC integrated. When I asked the salesman/owner if he would recommend or if he had anything else to listen to he did mention something in the $35,0000 range and then he bascially said 'go and buy those if you want something commercial'. Also, her was aghast at digital music (which I do use for many reasons) and said something about a "Stradivarius"? Well, on to the next!!!!
jond's avatar
jond
5,824 posts
 
Ugh sorry to hear that Rin sounds like a lousy dealer and I'm assuming a different dealer than the one offering JRDG and VAC? Hopefully so and don't look back, no reason to return to a dealer that would treat you like that!  And good for you keeping an open mind and auditioning other amps, but sounds like your heart is pretty set on either JRDG or VAC so I hope you are ultimately able to arrange an in-home audition on those two.
rinpoche OP
154 posts
 
Hello everyone. I would love your input on this. Today I went to hear a PS Audio amp (BHK 250) along with either a PS Audio DAC, a Sim Audio 750D DAC/cd transport and at one point we added in a VTL pre-amp. It sounded very good. My question(s) are: what do you think of the PS Audio BHK250. It is a hybrid (though you all probably know that). And what do you think of the SimAudio 750D instead of the Jeff Rowlands Aeris DAC? Any insights you could provide would be great. There are so many great pieces out there, it is now hard to figure it all out!!! Input is welcome. And the VAC 200 is not in yet so no news to report on that front. 
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