Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC

Tube preamp with SS amplifier is a very popular choice for many audiophiles so I don’t agree with Inna’s "purist  audiophile " definition.
Rinpoche congratulations on your decision, I suspected that the convenience aspect of the JR (transistors ) would be an important feature. You certainly are impressed with the sound quality and it’s a fine match given your speaker’s load characteristics. I wish you many years of listening enjoymentwith this well chosen pairing.
Charles,

Purists would not mix Chanel with Dior, even though both are French. Chanel is best with Chanel and Dior with Dior. I've seen excellent combinations but they were not the best.
But tube preamp as a buffer when using digital source is not a bad idea if carefully selected.
I guess, in my heart I am a purist after all.

One thing I realized last night is that I didn't listen to tube amp and tube preamp. I have to go back to the store anyway, and will suggest it. But, to be honest, because of the many hours that I watch film and my family uses it for TV, the ease of use was one of the things that factored into my decision. I hear the difference between the JR and VAC, but as one person asked earlier on 'are there any systems you would not be happy with'? They are both great. Who wouldn't be happy with either one!!! I feel so fortunate to be able to even be in the position to be able to say that. 

I might wear Chanel with Dior? A scarf? Perfume? Eyeglasses? But then who can afford Dior and/or Chanel. I think you are right, though, I will hear tube and tube and hear for myself how that combo is. I owe it to myself to finish the search. So, my friends, we are not at the last chapter just yet.

In terms of power cords, oh no. Actually I do have a Crystal Cable power cord I can use — maybe on the DAC? Thanks for the suggestions on CDs. I will be listening to the Corus pre-amp as well (not tube), and VAC — maybe I should start another thread!!! LOL

Again, I have an all JR system, with the 625 S2, Corus, and Aeris. In my system I did hear a "slight" difference when adding a Wireworld Platinum power cord, but a more audible difference when I added the Torus power conditioner.

Hi Rinpoche,

Congratulations on your decision, preliminary though it may be.

To be sure it's clear, is the Roland you have tentatively settled on the 625S2?

Also, just out of curiosity, which speaker make (Focal?) and specific model was it that you listened to in the recent session?  And if you know or can determine it during your next visit, which tap on the 200iq was used in connecting to that speaker?

Best,
-- Al