Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC

The OP loves her Wilson's, but I do believe she mentioned earlier that she had not listened to any competing loudspeakers when she acquired them.  Her frame of reference is limited.

From reading these forums it's my observation that new audiophiles don't have long-term success in building truly high end systems in one shot.  To Inna's point, it's too complex.  I'm not sure if this also applies to music lovers and I'm most interested to find the outcome for the OP.

Thank you all again and again for your honesty and your sage advice.

Sorry for the lengthy response, but maybe this will help. First, I don't really see myself as an audiophile or view this adventure as a hobby. Believe it or not, I just want to buy a great 'stereo' so I can really engage with the music. My goal (and maybe this is true for all of you as well) is to get it right and live with it until I need to go to take it to next level — should that time arise. I don't know how to tweak. And in a way that is why I was a bit leary of tubes but willing to learn 'for the music'. 

Now, you can judge me if you like, but for 15 years I was quite happy with my Mark Levinson amps and CD transport and B&W 802's speakers in my home. Then, I sold my home and needed to scale down. I heard the Wilson's and really liked them. I thought a good amp would be the next move. But, from some of the advice I am getting here, it sounds like 'starting over' from scratch is perhaps preferable.

But I have a full time job (as I am sure most of you do too). I am in the middle of writing a book and want to listen to music to inspire me. Create a kind of transcendental experience as it were. So, while going to hear various combinations of amps and speakers is exciting and makes a lot of sense, it is also very time consuming. And where would I go? Dealers where I live seem to specialize in certain amps with certain speakers. If I want to mix and match how does one do that? Also, I already have the Wilsons (as polarizing as they might be — obviously I see that some people LOVE them, and some people don't). 

Therefore, to recap, so far I have heard:
1. JR, VAC, and ARC with Focal
2. PS Audio with Audio Physic
3. Hegel integrated with Wilson Benesch
4. Luxmann with Wilson Benesch
5. Air Tight with Harbeth

I eliminated #3 and #4 very quickly. Also, ARC didn't really match JR or VAC. And #5 was very very sweet for an introductory level set up. The two that have been most engaging to my ears so far are still the JR and VAC (but I think I should hear the 200 iq with self biasing).

However, I have not yet to hear any of the amps with the Wilsons. Who knows, maybe when I do I will be disappointed and see that they are a weak link? I could try to find dealers as products are suggested? THANKS  — oh, and then there will be cables!!!!!

Rinpoche,
You are on the right pathway,  you do not need to change or in any way alter your approach.  You motive is clear and direct,  you simply want your music to sound enjoyable in your home. This is the best reason one could offer in my opinion. I personally don't see the need to become bogged down and obsessed with audiophile concerns to the point where one can become neurotic.  It's possible to take what should be "fun" and replace it with angst and frustration.  Keep doing what you are doing,  enhancing the joy of listening to music.  You love the Wilson sound,  who cares what someone else may think about them. 
Charles, 

Rinpoche 6-8-2016 12:10pm EDT
But, from some of the advice I am getting here, it sounds like ’starting over’ from scratch is perhaps preferable.

Not at all, IMO. And I strongly second both of the very well said posts Charles has provided today.

Onhwy61 6-8-2016 12:07pm EDT
From reading these forums it’s my observation that new audiophiles don’t have long-term success in building truly high end systems in one shot. To Inna’s point, it’s too complex. I’m not sure if this also applies to music lovers and I’m most interested to find the outcome for the OP.

My perception has been that in many such situations the audiophiles in question are the type that is probably incapable of ever being satisfied, and who are embarking on a never-ending merry-go-round. And in other cases are persons asking for help only after making outright mistakes in their purchase decisions, due to poor system matching or other factors. Neither of which appears to be the case here as far as I and at least most of the others are concerned.

Best regards,
-- Al